We’re now at the final stage of the process! Thanks to the guidance provided by Brian Lucey, my Mastering Engineer, the mix is now sufficiently dialed in… Hopefully this sounds a bit “less congested” than what you’ve previously reviewed.

Seduction Premaster Mix

I should caveat all of these mixes have all been “processed” so that the volume approximates commercial levels. This is just so you and I can hear without having to make big adjustments to our settings. AND, you’ve been listening to MP3 files, which are significantly compressed in size. The version I sent out for mastering is a high-resolution file that’s more than 10 times the size of the MP3! It’s also stripped of the limiter because bringing up the volume, amongst other things, is part of the mastering process.

So what is Mastering? It is the practice of taking audio that has been previously mixed in either the analog or digital domain and preparing it for use in distribution, whether by physical media or as some method of streaming. Translation: Mastering is the final polish! When you hear that “commercial sound” on a CD, it’s courtesy of the skill and specialized equipment of a professional mastering engineer.

Many will argue that Mastering can be done using today’s software programs all within the digital realm. And while it can be debated, I’ve come to appreciate the subtleties. To me, it’s more about the skill than the technology or the domain, analog v. digital. Sure, I have collected my fair share of technology (remember, I’ve already confessed to having GAS – Gear Acquisition Syndrome), but I prefer to hire the skills I lack. Besides, it is truly the best way to learn!

I think you’ll hear the difference after Brian applies his craft to the mix this week. Perfect timing because I’m off to London this evening!

This entry was posted on Sunday, May 18th, 2008 at 6:29 am and is filed under My Music. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.