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I can eq a tune and it sounds real clear and loud is that mastering?

lol once it's clear and loud you are master of the audio

Being able to EQ a choon so it sounds loud and clear is fine, but you have to take in account the different systems people are going to be listening on.

eg: Ipod, massive club speakers, car speakers ect...

All you really need to do is check that it sounds right on a couple of speakers.

Thats why studios have more than one set of speakers.

Just use some shitty headphones and then your speakers.

I use my speakers, normal headphones and my wireless headphones.

If you get the same feeling from the tune and everything sounds good on all types of speakers then you've cracked it.


Main reason for this is, on different systems the sound could be different thus not giving the same feeling for the track.

Widelows wrote:
Main reason for this is, on different systems the sound could be different thus not giving the same feeling for the track.

Haha tell me about it..

as much as i hate EQ'ing my tracks, i understand that its quite important.

But yeah, if you ask me.

EQ is essential.

DO IT!

CLONE-A-SIDE wrote:I can eq a tune and it sounds real clear and loud is that mastering?

no, EQing your track to make it sound clear (i.e. on the individual elements) is generally referred to as mixing / mixdown. mastering is what happens after you have your track mixed down to make it sound as loud and punhcy as a finished release, and its often done by mastering engineers who have ears tuned by years of experience on equipment that costs thousands of pounds.

james fox wrote: its often done by mastering engineers who have ears tuned by years of experience on equipment that costs thousands of pounds.

i'm afraid he's right.. to master it properly, it should be done in studios by people who do it all the time.. u just can't create and finish a tune all by yourself with only ur computer.. if this was possible there wouldn't be any studios left right?!

that's why you gotta get yourself signed so they can do it FOR you!

Here is a basic list of what mastering is :

To maximise compatibility across a variety of playback systems, such as nightclubs, radio broadcast, hifi, in car etc. etc.

Bring a number of mixes together as one product (especially if mixed on various systems/studios)

Insertion of sub code data to receive your royalties.

Insertion of CD Text and Barcode information

Quality control check on your spectrum through an accurate
room and monitoring system.

To subjectively improve the sound quality of your mixes if necessary.

To correct common problems in frequency response.

To correct/advise on mix problems which may cause playback
problems.

To increase perceived punch and if desired loudness with
least amount of artifacts introduced.

If requested critique of existing mixes.

Increase likelyhood that your CD/DDP master duplicates/replicates at the plant correctly and has a technical contact.

To say your music has been mastered alludes to the fact that you take your musical output seriously.

cheers

Mistiq wrote:

james fox wrote: its often done by mastering engineers who have ears tuned by years of experience on equipment that costs thousands of pounds.

i'm afraid he's right.. to master it properly, it should be done in studios by people who do it all the time.. u just can't create and finish a tune all by yourself with only ur computer.. if this was possible there wouldn't be any studios left right?!

that's why you gotta get yourself signed so they can do it FOR you!

Actually, practically speaking this is unlikely but given the right set-up and as said many years of experience it is possible to create a mix and take it through to mastering by yourself,

I am not one of those people

It can happen but it takes a looooooooot of experience.

The main thing is;

You only get one chance to hear a tune for the first time.

That's what you pay for, an experienced ear to hear your tune and have a very good idea of what to do within 30 seconds.

Speaking from personal exprience, even after 2 years and umpteen monitoring changes, it is VERY difficult to be objective about somthing you've heard a thousand times.

james fox wrote: its often done by mastering engineers who have ears tuned by years of experience

BULLSHIT.

ROBOTS.

ears tuned by robots.

have you seen Macc?

CYLONZ.



In all truth, objectivity and focus are what yr getting. an objective, sonic take on your work, and treatment to ensure that the same kind of focus'd response happens on all kinds of systems-- that it's not all hihats on 1 system and all kick drum and sub on another.

speaking of kick drum,



NOT TEH CYLONZ?

If I looked like that I wouldn't have time for mastering. Be well too busy, err, otherwise engaged.