In this episode we take a look at the elusive art of mastering. This is not an instructional “how to master” video, but a non technical explanation of the process, and how the art of mastering audio has evolved over the years. What is it that all those guys like Bob Ludwig, Stephen Marcussen, Greg Calbi and Bob katz are actually doing? Get the part of the answer here.
I shot this really fast on a break in a studio in Italy with REALLY bad lighting. I will replace it with a better looking video when I get some time.
If you want to watch this on your ipod, download the m4v version
EXCELLENT!!! Very comprehensive, but still understandable enough for us rookies. That’s what I love about your vids, Ronan! Mille grazie!
Thanks, you hit the important points and I agree with you. Don’t have to make another version this video is fine! Enjoy the rest of you time here in Europe man 😉 /Torben
This finally makes sense now. Thanks.
so essentially, the mixdown engineer and the mastering engineer are doing the same thing (making the mix sound it’s best). one difference being the mastering engineer has some parameters to adhere to so as to keep the mix within for mass reproduction. I wonder if a lot of the value lies in getting a new and objective set of ears on the material.
Chris, you are right. The outside set of ears and another listening environment is a great benefit of using an outside mastering engineer. One big difference about mastering is that there are far less things the mastering engineer can do to the track compared to the mixing engineer. In a perfect world the mastering engineer should have to do very little to get the track, but we do not live in a perfect world and many times the mastering engineer has to do a lot of tweaking to make things sound their best.
In my humble opinion,
A mastering engineer is the bridge between the ears of the public and intention of the record , making the album sound right unoffending the producers goals as it translates in a pleasing way to human ears….which is $$$$ and ££££…if im wrong correct me
You’re really clear, even when you do speak. Thanks for this videos, they’re AWESOME, and of course, the message is perfectly explained.
It doesn’t matter to me the light, if what you say it’s perfectly audible.
Rock on.
With love & light.
rocio macarena gonzalez valeri.
Thanks Ronan for that video and the valuable insight.
Things have changed since my first venture behind the recording console and you put it into an understandable perspective. The digital realm learning curve is a bit steeper now that I have moved into the modern day. Lots to learn!
Hey Ronan, it’s Jerry from the LinkedIn groups. If this video isn’t up on UTube yet it should be. You have a talent for explaining a complex and technical issue in simple terms. I wouldn’t mind seeing a series of vids by you on mastering–on recording too, for that matter.
Thanks for the kind words Jerry. I have lots of videos about recording at http://ronansrecordingshow.com/
Thanks for sharing your knowledge! 🙂
I could not agree more, specially “…Mastering is the process, not the tools…”
Read my website: http://www.foon.be/better%20masters.html; http://www.foon.be/better%20vinyl.html and http://www.foon.be/cd%20premastering.html
Paul Van der Jonckheyd
FOON Mastering Center
Belgium
You know ronan is about to drop serious knowledge when his hands clasp together =). Thanks a whole lot though. Your an inspiration to many and your a great teacher. I can only imagine the mass amounts of help you can offer in person!