MIXING & MASTERING

PROFESSIONAL MIXING AND MASTERING

Mixing and mastering are the final steps in the record production process. Mixing is where all the individually recorded tracks are blended together into a stereo mix of the song.

Mastering is where that stereo mix is enhanced and processed to a final sound quality and level, so it sounds competitive against other professional releases with respect to loudness, tone, clarity, punch, and width.

Mastering also involves compiling all the songs on the record into a master CD ready for replication, including levels, fades, song spacing, CD text, and ISRC codes.

The mix is important because a proper mix can highlight the song’s strengths and have a positive impact on the listener. A bad mix can rob a song of emotional impact after what may have been months of writing and recording.

MIXING

Mixing is the process where all the tracks that were recorded for each song are blended together into a single stereo mix that can be played on CD, online, or anywhere music can be played.

The character and quality of the mix is important. The feature should shine, and the support should provide a solid foundation while enhancing the appeal of both the artist and the song.

A good mix should ideally stand up next to any professionally released music by mainstream artists, and not distract the listener with tonal or level problems. It should be well balanced in levels and frequencies, and feel good, with a large, clear soundstage.

No matter where you are, your songs can be professionally mixed and mastered using online file transfer. Send your tracks to Sean at mixingtheband@gmail.com.

Sean uses Pro Tools HD and both analog and digital tools. For other software (Cubase, Reaper, Logic, etc), send the consolidated wave files. Once your project is mixed, a copy of the mix will be sent to you for your approval. If you have ordered mastering, the mix will be mastered. 2 revisions to the mix are included, and we ask that you request mix revisions within 24 hours of receiving the mix, as studio availability changes daily.

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MASTERING

Mastering is a form of post production that happens after the songs are mixed, and is the process that creates a “master copy” of the songs from which all future copies will be made (duplication, replication, pressing, etc.).

Once the mix is done, mastering is the next step. This process is the final quality control for the record, and helps make sure it sounds in line with other releases with regard to loudness, tone, and overall sound quality.

If the songs are intended for replication to CD, the master CD with proper song spacing, CD text, and ISRC codes is produced in the mastering process. This master copy is what you send to the replication company when you order CDs. (In some cases, the replication company will have a utility for us to upload the entire CD for you right from our computer.)

Mastering is typically done with software, and various methods are used, depending on the source material. The goal is a competitive master that is full, clean, and balanced, and portrays the artist, the songs, and the mixes in their best light.

Mastering clients are encouraged to send mixes for critique prior to printing the final mix. Send the highest resolution available. Final artwork assembly can also be ordered to help make sure CD artwork conforms to the manufacturer’s specs.

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