Is mastering truly necessary these days?
- Thread starter Hethaerto
- Start date
DM60
Well-known member
I think if you are going to do vinyl, one has to master.
I am going to try a concept of releasing an "album" as one file, rather than cut it up as individual. In this case, I will "master", but not like old school real mastering, where they have to rework the lower end (I understand some bottom is removed and the phone cartridge make it up), make sure the songs will fit on one side, true mastering for a vinyl release. From what little I know was very much a technical expertise.
In other words, except for loudness and sound consistency, not sure it really exist in the digital world, or it is redefined.
I am going to try a concept of releasing an "album" as one file, rather than cut it up as individual. In this case, I will "master", but not like old school real mastering, where they have to rework the lower end (I understand some bottom is removed and the phone cartridge make it up), make sure the songs will fit on one side, true mastering for a vinyl release. From what little I know was very much a technical expertise.
In other words, except for loudness and sound consistency, not sure it really exist in the digital world, or it is redefined.
VomitHatSteve
Hat STYLE. Not contents.
"Mastering" just means preparing the mixed recording for final release in whatever context.
Sure, if you aren't going to release the album as vinyl, mastering for vinyl is a pointless waste of time and money.
But if you're going to release a CD, matching the volumes of the various tracks and configuring the timing between them is still mastering.
If you're only releasing singles directly to the streaming platforms, EQing and compressing the track for best sound in that context is still mastering.
Sure, if you aren't going to release the album as vinyl, mastering for vinyl is a pointless waste of time and money.
But if you're going to release a CD, matching the volumes of the various tracks and configuring the timing between them is still mastering.
If you're only releasing singles directly to the streaming platforms, EQing and compressing the track for best sound in that context is still mastering.
TalismanRich
Well-known member
There's a big difference between releasing on vinyl and releasing via digital. Vinyl has restrictions.
There are several sites that explain what is needed for a vinyl master, such as this one.
There are several sites that explain what is needed for a vinyl master, such as this one.
bouldersoundguy
Well-known member
No.
markmann
Active member
As compared to when? I ask because there are many more tools available to home recordists now compared to the time prior to the arrival of the DAW. When I was recording with tape I couldn't afford all that I would require to master my songs.
RedStone
Member
I'm half way through a course on mastering and have realized a few things:
1. If the mix is balanced amazingly, the stereo image is good, no phase issues, and everything is where it should be, then mastering is the stamp of approval and loudness management based on Ulta linear monitoring and the ears of the ME who has developed the skill of being able to perceive small changes in pitch, harmonic distortion, and tonal balance.
2. For every other scenario, mastering is absolutely essential as a process of adjusting tonal balance, dynamics and loudness.
3. Ai mastering isn't mastering unless it's done by a mastering engineer who can hear exactly what the song needs so that it can translate as exceptionally well as the original mix will allow to all playback systems. 9/10 times a decent M.E will be able to blow even current AI out of the water.
4. Mastering on the same playback system you mix on will keep you blind to problems in the mix. A second set of skilled ears whose playback system is tuned for mastering is essential for competitive sounding releases.
5. Get things right at the source and everything will sound better throughout the entire creation process, including in mastering. A good me can bring out the qualities needed.
1. If the mix is balanced amazingly, the stereo image is good, no phase issues, and everything is where it should be, then mastering is the stamp of approval and loudness management based on Ulta linear monitoring and the ears of the ME who has developed the skill of being able to perceive small changes in pitch, harmonic distortion, and tonal balance.
2. For every other scenario, mastering is absolutely essential as a process of adjusting tonal balance, dynamics and loudness.
3. Ai mastering isn't mastering unless it's done by a mastering engineer who can hear exactly what the song needs so that it can translate as exceptionally well as the original mix will allow to all playback systems. 9/10 times a decent M.E will be able to blow even current AI out of the water.
4. Mastering on the same playback system you mix on will keep you blind to problems in the mix. A second set of skilled ears whose playback system is tuned for mastering is essential for competitive sounding releases.
5. Get things right at the source and everything will sound better throughout the entire creation process, including in mastering. A good me can bring out the qualities needed.
TalismanRich
Well-known member
The one problem with "mastering" is that it's not a cut and dried affair.
A fellow recently posted a track that he sent to 5 or 6 different mastering places. They ranged from some fellow on Fiver to Abbey Road Studios. Each was given the same track and sent back a mastered track. The various masters were grossly different. I thought that two of them actually sounded worse than the unmastered original track. So now, you're put in a position of finding an ME that will improve your track, not degrade it. Unless you have someone that you have worked with previously, or have heard and like their work, it can be a bit of a crap shoot.
Make sure the ME you choose will be willing to go back and do things until you get something that satisfies you.
A fellow recently posted a track that he sent to 5 or 6 different mastering places. They ranged from some fellow on Fiver to Abbey Road Studios. Each was given the same track and sent back a mastered track. The various masters were grossly different. I thought that two of them actually sounded worse than the unmastered original track. So now, you're put in a position of finding an ME that will improve your track, not degrade it. Unless you have someone that you have worked with previously, or have heard and like their work, it can be a bit of a crap shoot.
Make sure the ME you choose will be willing to go back and do things until you get something that satisfies you.
rob aylestone
Moderator
For most of us, adding an extra person is something we don't want to do, or cannot afford to do - so we don't. The more mixes you do and the better your ears get means that if you did want to use one, you have to find one better than you, who you trust. I figure that is why most of us just don't bother. I've found a few on youtube who seem to think that because they have X or Y plug ins, they are a mastering engineer. They're not. It's a bit like the folk who now re-write the code for the engine management systems in cars. Some don't appear to have ever owned a car?
Hmmmm...
Isn't "overall sound" a very subjective thing?
I AM one of those who listens to EVERYTHING on the same system adjusted the way I LIKE to hear it. Everything from Tubi and broadcast news, to talk radio and my favorite old albums. It's like a "built in" reference that my ears are trained to, but it's still MY preference.
My point is, my amp/receiver and speakers are set where I like and I never touch them. However, all I have to do is change channels or switch music CDs to notice subtle differences in tone/eq. There's obviously no "industry standard" with regard to mastering...
Isn't "overall sound" a very subjective thing?
I AM one of those who listens to EVERYTHING on the same system adjusted the way I LIKE to hear it. Everything from Tubi and broadcast news, to talk radio and my favorite old albums. It's like a "built in" reference that my ears are trained to, but it's still MY preference.
My point is, my amp/receiver and speakers are set where I like and I never touch them. However, all I have to do is change channels or switch music CDs to notice subtle differences in tone/eq. There's obviously no "industry standard" with regard to mastering...
bouldersoundguy
Well-known member
That doesn't mean there isn't something you're missing.
jamesperrett
Active member
I went to a music biz meeting last night aimed at up and coming artists and was very interested to hear Karen Kemp from BBC Introducing say that, no matter how much else you DIY, you should get your music mastered properly. I guess she gets to hear all kinds of material from up and coming artists who are trying to get their first radio play so it seems that properly mastered material has an advantage.
rob aylestone
Moderator
Of course, it could simply be that they get an awful lot of poorly mixed and non-standard media sent in - when I was examining, the huge quantity of material that arrived with levels all over the place was extreme! Some had pushed the edge so far that it was micro dBs from digital zero, while other had you scrabbling for gain, and you had a noisy mess. Beatles style 60's -panning and all kinds of crazy 'mistakes' often detailed in the notes as deliberate stylistic choices when they were relaly bad mistakes.