Mastering audio is forever shrouded in mystery. Thats because it's not really a science, but an art. There are no rules, only conventions.
And a lthough we follow today's mastering conventions, we do keep an ear open for new sounds.
Often the processes used will depend on the type of music, the client's wishes, the quality of the source audio, the destination format, and the intended playback environment.
We can make your tracks sound bigger, wider, louder, more punchy and cleaner.
Bring in your music or audio on CD, DVD, DAT, hard disk, or tape. If original multitrack versions are available, please bring them as well.
We provide clients with the newly mastered version(s) suitable for use as a production master. Clients can chose format (audio CD, DAT, tape).
The mastering stage of production typically includes:
Making sound enhancements
Setting the track order
Placing track markers for indexing cd
Setting silence durations between tracks
Cleaning up fade outs and intros
Removing problem noises
Of the sound enhancements, our aim is to achieve the following:
Enhanced Transparency
The listener should be able to hear all the instruments accurately (eg, the bass drum should be distinct from the bass guitar)
Level Maximize
We use mastering hardware and software to bring the volume level of the music up to the industry standard in terms of loudness , people shouldn't have to turn up their system just becuase they're playing your CD!
Smooth Balanced Frequency Range
A balanced frequency range means using all 23,000 hz of human hearing without annoying bumps or emphasis in certain frequency bands. The bass and high end should be tight and not over-emphasized. A rich, full sound is the goal.
High Quality Dithering For Clean Reliable Playback
CD's play at a resolution of 16 bits, we record at 24 bits and process at 32 bits ... so when mastering from 24-bit project down to 16-bits it's crucial that the proper dithering methods are used to insure the audio sounds clean during playback and is as faithful to the 24-bit version as possible. Dithering is also useful in insuring error free playback on a wide range of commercial cd players.
... and in some cases, these processes as well:
Wide Frequency Range Activity
Using harmonic exciters audio which was either not recorded well or is otherwise dull can be re-invigorated
Wide Stereo Imaging
For audio that does not take advantage of the depth truely stereophonic audio can have, we can enhance stereo width
Mastering Reverb
Every so often it's useful to add a touch of stereo reverberation to a mix. This can make the audio sound more live or enhance the spacial aspects of a track.
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