MASTERING! The Sticky!

[laurend]

If I played an unmastered track at the same RELATIVE volume as a mastered track (so both are at the same perceived volume and for arguements sake the track is the exact same tune), would the mastered track sound more punchy and bassy? and also would the mastered track sound more upfront?

This comparison must be done at the exact same RMS level because a mastered track may sound louder despite featuring an inferior RMS level. If it"s more bassy, that simply means that the original track had too much highs or that the bass were missing. Enhancing the punch of the original track is a big deal for mastering engineers especially when searching for a hot level.

I propose an original mastering solution. Just click on my signature.
Here's the corresponding thread in this forum:http://www.dubstepforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=214263&p=2553098#p2553098

[-[2]DAY_-]

Does anyone know whether my output ceiling on limiting plugins like Waves' L1 and L2 ought to be zero, or -0.1? I was told set my ceiling to -.1, to prevent clipping. I was in the habit of doing that, until one day I just forgot to change it from 0 i guess, and noticed the track peaking at 0db without indicating any clipping. I thought i had to keep it limited to just below zero, but it seemed like limiting at zero worked as well. My ears can't sense any difference on my monitoring setup, clip indicators are not lighting up. Just wondered does anyone have advice about this? surely u understand i don't want to sacrifice that tenth of a decibel if i don't need to! thanks

[macc]

Respectfully... what's the specific purpose of this thread? Is it to have questions/answers and whatnot the same as several other threads? I'd be happy to chime in and answer , I just got the impression it was not really for that. I mean... we have the same questions and so on spread over a few threads now.

Sorry to be a stick in the mud!

[Mad_EP]

Respectfully... what's the specific purpose of this thread? Is it to have questions/answers and whatnot the same as several other threads? I'd be happy to chime in and answer , I just got the impression it was not really for that. I mean... we have the same questions and so on spread over a few threads now.

Sorry to be a stick in the mud!

Hahahah - ya grumpy ol git!
(good to see you around again - been awhile!)

[Basic A]

Respectfully... what's the specific purpose of this thread? Is it to have questions/answers and whatnot the same as several other threads? I'd be happy to chime in and answer , I just got the impression it was not really for that. I mean... we have the same questions and so on spread over a few threads now.

Sorry to be a stick in the mud!

I got the impression this was for people with mastering or mixdown services to advertise their product.

[Perfecture]

At first I thought this thread was for advertising and linking of mastering services. But then I thought it wouldn't harm to ask a question about mastering

[safeandsound]

I was going to start a new topic but then I thought it may as well reside on this handy thread.

I have just updated a few before and afters on my site, most relevant will be dubstep, hiphop, and D&B for those who peruse this forum. Though check the others as it gives you a more complete vibe.I have mixed feelings for before and afters really, as every track is going to be rather different and obviously there is client preference as well in some instances. They are near the bottom of the page.........

http://www.masteringmastering.co.uk/onl ... ering.html

However, I am aware people are very interested in hearing "before and afters" and they can be of use and I am proud of what I do so... why the hell not I say. Might be a tad slow loading at some parts of the day as the files are .wavs and not compressed.

Free preview for your track is a non issue (time permitting) but that does not incorporate mix advice (on a free preview anyway), I will simply let you know if there is something seriously wrong with your file. (clicks, it's an MP3, timing problems, clipped, massive vocal pops etc.)

Just finishing up a killer Dubstep project so there will likely be a new sample very soon.

cheers

[-[2]DAY_-]

i just was about to make a L2 thread, but saw this sticky and it jumped out at me....... so, erm. Anyone on the outs ceiling for L2 on the master? maybe i will make that thread...

[laurend]

In the digital domain, 0 dB fs isn't a problem. But audio has to be converted in analog in order to be listened. Here the intersample problem clipping may arise. That's why it's usual to lower the maximum peak value to -0.1 dB. Note that sample rate conversion and mp3 encoding can generate some clipping if driven too hot. -0.3 dBFS is a safe value.

[charliefoy]

Do all producers get their tunes mastered before sending out to djs? Seen on twitter some of them saying they self master

[Littlefoot]

If I could be added to the list of active MEs who post on here that would be great..

http://www.subsequentmastering.com

(some relevant credits include stuff by: Submerse, Hodge, SRC, Pixelord, Artek, Ceeda, Policy, CRST, Damu, HxdB, Mista Men, Girl Unit, Aleks Zen, Kingthing, Om Unit, LOL Boys, Dro Carey, Grown Folk, Acroplex, Artek, OJ Smooth, Cosmic Revenge, Spare, Erra, Gremino.. loads more, check the site)

Thanks a lot and feel free to drop me an email on anything mastering or mixdown(pre-master) related at subsequentstudio at hot mail dot com

EDIT: oh bloody hell, I'm already on there... thanks! I need some sleep

[Littlefoot]

And yes this is a dedicated mastering studio. Thanks pal.

[safeandsound]

If you had observed the original post you would see you were there.

[Ecliptic_Dub]

Finally.

[jtransition]

legend4ary, dubstudio link isn't working for me.. not sure if it needs to updated or if its just down for a bit

Transition one isnt working either. I think the /; at the end of each URL is stopping them working.

Seems to be working fine now.
Regards

[Pure Phase]

If http://www.trackstowax.com could be added to the list, be much appreciatted

UK based Vinyl mastering and cutting, of one off vinyl records (otherwise known as dubplates or Lathe cuts).

[mastering_lt]

Hi,

Good Idea!
I have a post about my mastering/mixing services here: http://dubstepforum.com/viewtopic.php?f ... 940&hilit=

If you could link to my mastering studio in this post, It will be much appreciated.

I have got a few clients from this forum and work with Dubstep and other Bass heavy music.

Cheers
Denis "Emery" Teluchin
Director / Head Engineer
Web: www.Mastering.lt
Email: emery@mastering.lt

[Sagal]

Very useful some of this stuff. Nice thread!

[ricoLA]

really nice, this helped me out...I'm trying to get better at my mastering

[Red Mastering]

Mastering question -

When a track is mastered as well as the loudness being increased, is the punch and bass also increased/added?
I know that the louder something is the more bassy and punchy it seems. But this is not my query

Example - If I played an unmastered track at the same RELATIVE volume as a mastered track (so both are at the same perceived volume and for arguements sake the track is the exact same tune), would the mastered track sound more punchy and bassy? and also would the mastered track sound more upfront?

The reason I ask is because I want to know if I need to increase the bass and punch in my mixdown even more so before sending it for mastering or weather the mastering can take care of adding these factors.

Thanks for anyones help on this.

from my experience, I'd say master should not change mix in negative way,
but clients sometimes demand it,
it really depends of your expectations,
generally when you level mix and master, master should always sound better, bit more punchy and also bit louder (fletcher-munson curve comes to my mind)
I think what you saying is outcome of compression,
anyway I had a client who demanded to have super loud master, and when I sent him first master - he asked for more,
after another atempt, he asked me why snare lost it's punch?, well....
some people start like that - I want this master super dynamic and loud - which is obvious contradiction,
but I think one of very important part of my job is to communicate with clients and also explain to them all issues;

so getting to topic,
I offer mastering services in dedicated studio :
Red Mastering Studio
combination of analogue and digital;
free sample for 'first timers':)
25 UK for 1 song
99 for EP
199 for LP
any questions - feel free to ask

welcome!