How would you master this?

[cat-eggs]

hi.

please check out this song (chasin' kangaroos).

the song is not mastered.
http://artists.iuma.com/IUMA/Bands/SkyDaddy

how would YOU go about mastering this? what steps need to be taken? is it ready to be mastered?

i am forced to do the job myself, so sending it off is not an option.

thanks.

 

[Joe Recorder]

I don't know anything about mastering, but wanted to say it's a great song. Especially the guitar riffs ! Wish I could sound like that.

 

[chrisharris]

how would YOU go about mastering this?

Honestly, if it were mine, I'd send it to you with an enclosed check and instructions to sprinkle some of your magic recording dust on it. You're good.

Just stopping by to let you know that I'm STILL listening to "HiHo Stereo," and this tune is recorded very well. I don't know anything about mastering, but maybe you can help me. How do you record your acoustics?

Thanks in advance for allowing me to learn from you.

Chris

 

[cat-eggs]

hey, thanks for the general kindness.

chriss, i'm a bit hesitant to describe the methodology behind my practices, as any experienced individual might object to them. but, with that qualification, i'll tell you what i do...

i use a shure sm58 microphone to record everything because it is cheap and tough (and because i can't afford a finer one). i position the mic about 5 inches up the neck and point it towards the hole. that seems to kill some boom and picks up a little finger business.

i compress it just enough to tighten it up, and usually take out a couple dbs in the 120-300 range (overcompensated by the mic, i think).

that's about it. sometimes i add a very short delay and pan the wet part to one side.

i've recorded a couple songs in the past few days, but was so displeased with the guitar parts, i didn't post them anywhere. i guess it's just hit and miss. if you listen to a good acoustic song before any of mine, you'll find that mine leave MUCH to be desired.

oh yeah.... on acoustic mixes, i like to leave a little air in the tracks. it tends to make them sound less raped by electronic recording gadgets. i'm really glad you like that other song. i hope to be posting some more good ones soon!

 

[jjtcorsair]

It used to be that mastering was a crucial process in a songs journey from mix to lp to radio. These days things are different. Mastering is still very important in some respects but it depends on what you intend to do with your song. Because of the evolution of home recording gear and the fact that most songs are played off a digital medium, which is much more leniant than a vinyl record, the esoteric art of mastering is in the ears of the masterer (?).

Judging by your recording chops you already know this but just in case... I would suggest you listen to your mix on as many speakers and different systems as possible, taking notice of the way your mix changes. If certain frequencies keep popping up or dissappearing, if the dynamics change, etc. Then you will know what to do to the mix. In my opinion you shouldn't have to tweak much with this song- it sounds very solid, although I'm only listening on headphones.

BTW- excellent song, awesome playing, gorgeous singing. I love ironic songwriting. If you know what you're doing SM58's are the only mic anyone ever needs, and you prove it.

Jon

 

[mixmkr]

as far as mastering...I'd do what YOU think it needs..since you're on your own. Personally, it's a little "tinkly" sounding to me, but nothing that mastering is going to do much about. Since there is no low end...hard to make a call...what are you going for.

I might cut out the "crap" at the end too

 

[chrisharris]

THIS SUCKS SO BAD THAT I WANT MORE PEOPLE TO HEAR HOW BAD IT SUCKS...REALLY, IF YOU HAVEN'T HEARD THIS YET, YOU'RE IN FOR ONE CRAPPY TUNE...FILLED WITH SUCKINESS.

really...listen.

cats + eggs = good.

 

[cat-eggs]

if i can convince at least one person that my music sucks, i know i'm doing something right.

suck on, my brothers and sisters, suck on forever.