Join Bobby Owsinski for an in-depth discussion in this video Introducing mastering, part of Audio Mastering Techniques.
The term Mastering is either completely misunderstood or shrouded in mystery, but the process is really pretty simple.…Technically speaking, mastering is the intermediate step between mixing the audio and preparing…it to be replicated or distributed. But it's really much more than that.…Mastering is a process of turning a collection of songs into a record by making them sound…like they belong together, in terms of tone, volume, and timing, which means the spacing…between songs in an album. Here's what mastering is not.…It's not a plug-in that you run music through, and it automatically comes out mastered.…
It's more of an art form that mostly relies on an individuals' skill, experience with various…genres of music, and good taste.…Just to be sure that we are clear on what you are trying to accomplish by mastering,…you are trying to raise the level of the song so that they are competitive with others on the market.…Make a group of songs all sound the same in relative level and tonal quality.…Finish them by editing out count-offs and glitches, fixing fades, adding PQ and ISRC…
Author
Released
1/23/2013First, discover how to configure your monitoring setup, optimize your listening environment, and prepare and print alternative mixes that will allow you to make quick fixes during mastering. Bobby then reviews a selection of dedicated mastering tools that give you precise control over select signal parameters, from compressors to de-essers. He'll discuss the differences between mastering for CD, online distribution, and specifically for iTunes, and how to achieve the best results for each medium. The course wraps with lessons on mastering for high-resolution formats like Blu-ray, as well as delivering and archiving the master recording once the project is complete.
- What is mastering?
- Preparing your tracks for mastering
- Deciding between monitors and headphones
- Exploring the dynamic range of different music genres
- Adjusting song balances
- Compressing the tracks
- Balancing frequency
- Reducing sibilance with a de-esser
- Inserting fades
- Eliminating noise
- Mastering CDs, MP3s, and AACs for iTunes
- Archiving masters
Skill Level Appropriate for all
Duration
Views
Related Courses
-
Audio Mixing Bootcamp
with Bobby Owsinski8h 53m Beginner -
Audio Foundations: Compression and Dynamic Processing
with Brian Lee White2h 25m Appropriate for all -
Audio Foundations: EQ and Filters
with Brian Lee White2h 28m Appropriate for all -
Pro Tools: Mixing and Mastering
with Brian Lee White10h 32m Intermediate
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Introduction
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Welcome1m 35s
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1. What Is Mastering?
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Introducing mastering1m 22s
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2. Prepping Your Tracks for Mastering
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Printing alternative mixes2m 36s
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3. Monitoring for Mastering
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4. Tools for Mastering
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Understanding compression3m 20s
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Understanding limiting1m 25s
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Using a de-esser1m 14s
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Metering while mastering3m 57s
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5. The Mechanics of Mastering
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Making a loud master3m 7s
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Balancing frequencies3m 20s
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Inserting fades1m 37s
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Using multiband limiting4m 23s
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Adjusting the stereo image3m 24s
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6. Mastering for CD
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Using dither1m 40s
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Adjusting the spreads1m 28s
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7. Mastering for Online Content
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Understanding MP3 metadata1m 44s
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Generating a FLAC file1m 18s
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8. Mastering for iTunes
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9. High-Resolution Mastering
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Mastering for television1m 54s
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10. Archiving the Master
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Conclusion
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Next steps50s
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Video: Introducing mastering