Mastering: PQ?

[BrettB]

Hi all,

I have hired a mastering studio in May, to master the debut EP of my band. 8 songs, one recorded in a professional studio and the 7 other at my home studio. The studio song will be the first on the EP because it is the single of the song and off course there is an audible quality difference.


I am not answering anything about mastering in the form of EQ'ing, levelling, compression.. 'the aritstic' point of view. I was just wondering: What else does the company that presses the CD need to have a good Mastered CD?

I read something about PQ codes, but because it is the first time I organize the production myself I am not ashamed to say: I don't know what that is!

Any other basic things I am forgetting?

 

[Son of Mixerman]

PQ codes are for basically starting and stopping. Sorta like book markers for each chapter in book. Pretty simple nowdays with software like wavelab.

It does get a little more complicated though.

http://www.massivemastering.com/html/faq_-_articles.html

Here is a good overview of some of the requirements. There is alot of web articles that go from simple to nearly mind boggling.

SoMm

 

[Massive Master]

Sound quality aside, make sure you get a "PQ sheet" from the mastering house.

Most (reputable) replicators won't touch the project without one.

If the mastering engineer says "You don't need one" or "What's a PQ sheet?" -

Run.

 

[Son of Mixerman]

LOL


SoMm