- Nov 19, 2005
- 3,730
- 0
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I just got the final masters for an album I recorded and mixed and I'm impressed! I used to think my "mastered" (i.e. maximized) mixes sound pretty good but now I can't even stand listening to them, the properly mastered ones are that better, yet in the same time, they don't sound drastically different (they are not supposed to).
Some observations
The mastered version is more open and balanced, the dynamics are somehow more alive, the vocals sound real and full, the guitars have more definition and are also sound fuller, the low end is cleaner and rounder. In comparison my maximized mix is slightly scooped and harsh, muddy and thubby, the dynamics are more static and suppressed, the vocals are less natural because of their scooped quality, the guitars and cymbals are thinner and more harsh.
Comparison Clips
Song 7 (double bass + tamboura and bagpipes =
)
Mix
Final Master
Mix + Maximizer
LOUD Master
Song 8 (lighter and more acoustic)
Final Master
Mix + Maximizer
Loudness
We decided to go for the less loud option so that we can avoid audible clipping, to maintain higher sonic fidelity and keep things punchy. The band didn't mind and neither did the mastering engineer (Nathan James from The Vault, http://www.vaultmastering.com/ ). He was actually fond of the idea...I wonder if he was surprised that someone wants his masters less loud for a change
I must admit I was tempted to go for the loud master, since as you can hear the loudness makes you perceive it as being really big, mean and powerful but ultimately I think I made the right decision.
Gear Used
Analog EQ - Sontec 432B/C9
Analog Compression: Manley Variable Mu Compressor
Tube Line Amplifier: Custom
DA/AD provided by Mytek and Prism (AD-2)
A splash of Digital MS EQ : Weiss EQ1 MkII
Leveling by Oxford and Sequoia.
Eye Candy
Summary
This is the first time someone else masters my mixes and I hope it won't be the last. When the band told me they planning on having it mastered elsewhere I was initially worried that my mixes will be ruined or that they'll spend a load of money to get the same thing I would have done. Thankfully, even if this scenario was possible, the result is actually awesome. I recommend all of you to give pro mastering a go, especially if you're not mixing in a well-tuned and treated room, and most of us aren't. If you're the next Andy Sneap, or indeed Mr. Sneap himself, you can pass
Thanks
I must thank the forum for providing me with the possibility to have a sort of mastering contest, thanks to which I found Nathan, whom I should thank, too. He sent me some really great sounding demos and his approach is a very rare combination of professionalism and friendliness
Feedback
...is welcome
I'd be happy to know what you think about the recordings/mixes/masters/etc. I'm not involved in the music itself but I could mention your thoughts to the band and by the way, their whole album is going to be available for download in a day or two so I'll give you a link in case someone likes their stuff.
Thanks for reading all of this
Some observations
The mastered version is more open and balanced, the dynamics are somehow more alive, the vocals sound real and full, the guitars have more definition and are also sound fuller, the low end is cleaner and rounder. In comparison my maximized mix is slightly scooped and harsh, muddy and thubby, the dynamics are more static and suppressed, the vocals are less natural because of their scooped quality, the guitars and cymbals are thinner and more harsh.
Comparison Clips
Song 7 (double bass + tamboura and bagpipes =
)Mix
Final Master
Mix + Maximizer
LOUD Master
Song 8 (lighter and more acoustic)
Final Master
Mix + Maximizer
Loudness
We decided to go for the less loud option so that we can avoid audible clipping, to maintain higher sonic fidelity and keep things punchy. The band didn't mind and neither did the mastering engineer (Nathan James from The Vault, http://www.vaultmastering.com/ ). He was actually fond of the idea...I wonder if he was surprised that someone wants his masters less loud for a change
I must admit I was tempted to go for the loud master, since as you can hear the loudness makes you perceive it as being really big, mean and powerful but ultimately I think I made the right decision. Gear Used
Analog EQ - Sontec 432B/C9
Analog Compression: Manley Variable Mu Compressor
Tube Line Amplifier: Custom
DA/AD provided by Mytek and Prism (AD-2)
A splash of Digital MS EQ : Weiss EQ1 MkII
Leveling by Oxford and Sequoia.
Eye Candy
Summary
This is the first time someone else masters my mixes and I hope it won't be the last. When the band told me they planning on having it mastered elsewhere I was initially worried that my mixes will be ruined or that they'll spend a load of money to get the same thing I would have done. Thankfully, even if this scenario was possible, the result is actually awesome. I recommend all of you to give pro mastering a go, especially if you're not mixing in a well-tuned and treated room, and most of us aren't. If you're the next Andy Sneap, or indeed Mr. Sneap himself, you can pass
Thanks
I must thank the forum for providing me with the possibility to have a sort of mastering contest, thanks to which I found Nathan, whom I should thank, too. He sent me some really great sounding demos and his approach is a very rare combination of professionalism and friendliness
Feedback
...is welcome
I'd be happy to know what you think about the recordings/mixes/masters/etc. I'm not involved in the music itself but I could mention your thoughts to the band and by the way, their whole album is going to be available for download in a day or two so I'll give you a link in case someone likes their stuff.
Thanks for reading all of this
