The Mastering Show

Mastering EQ is about balance, not matching. In this episode we explain what the difference is, why it matters and and ways you can get it right. Topics include: - Why “radio ready” sound is a mastering myth - How you can affect the balance of instruments in the mix, even within a stereo file - A simple but crucial point of mastering technique - The pros and cons of phase linear EQ - Ian’s recommended EQ plugins Links Loudness means NOTHING on the radio - the proof http://productionadvice.co.uk/loudness-means-nothing-on-the-radio/ The Heart And Soul of Mastering http://productionadvice.co.uk/heart-and-soul/ Phase linear EQ demonstration https://youtu.be/efKabAQQsPQ Rock music and gynaecology http://mastering-media.blogspot.co.uk/2008/08/rock-music-and-gynaecology.htmlMentioned in this episode:Learn to master !Click HERE to see Ian's courses and mastering resourcesLeapwingFind out more about Leapwing's plugins

7 Huhti 201654min

Compression explained - using pillows and punchbags. Yes, you read that right ! And in this show we also talk about: - Why mastering compression is all about loudness. Except it’s not. - How compression in mastering is different than in mixing - How to make mastering compression invisible - Ian’s suggested starting-point settings for mastering compression - Why you might want to use multi-band compression Links Using compression to add punch, warmth and power to your mix http://productionadvice.co.uk/using-compression/ What is compression ? Sponges hold the answer http://productionadvice.co.uk/what-is-compression/ Multiband compression – the mastering engineer’s secret weapon? http://productionadvice.co.uk/multiband-compression-for-mastering/ Gregory Scott - Demolishing Compression Myths https://www.attackmagazine.com/features/columns/gregory-scott-demolishing-the-myths-of-compression/ Cheers !Mentioned in this episode:LeapwingFind out more about Leapwing's pluginsLearn to master !Click HERE to see Ian's courses and mastering resources

1 Huhti 201655min

In this show we take a deep dive into the topic of limiting. We explain why you need limiters, important Do’s and Dont’s, recommended plugins – and why there’s a good chance you’re using them wrong… Links: Are brickwall limiters nothing but pure evil ? http://productionadvice.co.uk/brickwall-limiters/ Video demonstrating inter-sample peaks and how they affect Mastering for iTunes http://productionadvice.co.uk/mastered-for-itunes-video/ Intersample peaks and why they matter - more about why you should leave at least 1 dB peak headroom when mastering, with audio examples https://youtu.be/veLLvoIubzo Mentioned in this episode:Learn to master !Click HERE to see Ian's courses and mastering resourcesLeapwingFind out more about Leapwing's plugins

23 Maalis 201639min

We’re kicking off the show with a short mini-series covering every aspect of the mastering chain in turn – levels, EQ, compression, limiting and metering. We’re going to be starting at the end and working backwards – and in case you’re wondering why, Ian explains during the show ! So in this episode we cover the “Three M’s” of mastering- and to find out what they are, you’ll need to listen to the show. Show Links: The acoustic treatment material we talked about in the show is Owens Corning 703, sometimes known as Rockwool. http://www.gikacoustics.com/product/owens-corning-703-2-inch/ To find out more about using acoustic treatment to improve the sound of your studio: http://productionadvice.co.uk/building-a-home-mastering-studio-part-3/ For more about loudness meters: http://productionadvice.co.uk/lufs-dbfs-rms/ To assess the EQ balance of your music: http://www.voxengo.com/product/span/ More about the mindset of mastering: http://productionadvice.co.uk/heart-and-soul/ Mentioned in this episode:Learn to master !Click HERE to see Ian's courses and mastering resourcesLeapwingFind out more about Leapwing's plugins

23 Maalis 201649min

In this first introductory episode, we introduce ourselves and talk about what we have in store for the show. We then cover some mastering basics that will give you a solid grounding for the rest of the shows. Not sure what mastering is ? Start here ! Show links: What is mastering ? Photoshop for audio http://productionadvice.co.uk/mastering-as-photoshop/ LUFS, dBFS, RMS… WTF ?!? How to read the new loudness meters http://productionadvice.co.uk/lufs-dbfs-rms/ Mentioned in this episode:LeapwingFind out more about Leapwing's pluginsLearn to master !Click HERE to see Ian's courses and mastering resources

23 Maalis 201627min