Mastering

In this unit students learnt on how to master a song, starting with little history of mastering. Mastering is what makes an average audio track to a professional one. The term “Mastering” comes from the concept of master copy, from which all different types of copies are duplicated for example vinyl and CDs. Many think it is just adding a compressor or making it loud, and do not take it seriously that leads to a very average sounding track. Mastering is like a final polish, it not only makes your track sound professional but also ensures consistency across all the songs in an album.

The plug-in used during the class is iZotope Ozone 5 that includes tools like EQs, dynamics, reverb, stereo imaging, exciter and maximizer. It is compatible with ProTools, logic or ableton.

Though mastering uses similar tools to mixing, the two are lot different. Mixing is the process of getting individual tracks together and making sure that everything is well balanced, clean recordings, with proper levels with enough room. And mastering is getting that well mixed track and make it sound like a finished masterpiece, that sounds great in all the platforms.

Mastering involves some critical listening and it is very important to have a reference track to know what you’re listening for. There are few steps while mastering a song,

• EQs - making sure the frequencies are well balanced and also removing the unwanted clicks and pops.

• Compressor takes care of dynamic range of the overall mix, bringing up the quieter signal without interrupting the louder one.

• Making it comparatively loud by using maximizer without any clips or distortion.

• Deciding the sequence and putting gaps in middle of each song for listener to get ready for the next track.

Mastering is a long process and complex than it seems, but also vital in the music production.

References

"Audio Mastering In Your Computer |". soundonsound.com.

"Mastering: How The Pros Do It... |". soundonsound.com.

"Tips 'N' Tricks For Mastering | Audio Mastering Tips". Izotope.com.

"What Is Mastering? Why Is It Important? | Audio Mastering". izotope.com.