Pure Sound Mastering
Mastering
is the last step in the production of your music. We have all heard the term "Digitally Remastered". But what is
mastering? Basically, after all the recording and mixing has been done, you end up with a 2 track stereo mix. From there it
is run through either some analog equipment for compression and equalizing, or done with mastering software.
Software for this purpose does the mastering extremely well. It has many advantages
over analog mastering, such as the ability to "save" settings for future remasters if necessary. A lot of mastering
is done with software these days, and it is our preference. With analog mastering, the 2 track mix has to go through an additional
digital to analog conversion, then
analog to digital again. With every conversion, you lose
some fidelity.
Over the years, we have used many types of hardware and software for mastering,
but our mastering software of choice is Isotope Ozone II. It is extremely detailed
and transparent, the results are simply amazing. You can literally take a dull, lifeless sounding mix, to a
level beyond your expectations. Any mix, no matter how good it sounds without mastering, well simply sound stunning after
mastering.
There are two elements in this process, Corrective
and Enhancement. If there is a problem area in the mix, such as a boomy or thuddy
low end, due to inaccurate monitoring while mixing, and remixing is not an option, corrective mastering well fix
that problem with the use of EQ and multiband compression.
Enhancement Mastering brings out more clarity, detail, depth
and punch. It gives the over all sound a wider stereo image and energy.
This is why we use Ozone Mastering. It does this better
than anything we have ever heard.We use it as an "Audio Suite" plug-in with Pro Tools.
Another words, the mix is not run through Ozone in real time. This also makes a difference in how
long it takes to master an album.
The room and monitors play a critical role in accurate monitoring. What is accurate monitoring? It is being able to hear clearly
what is actually there in detail, to make the correct adjustments to bring out the best
in your sound. Our mastering room is 16 by 25 feet and is acoustically balanced. We
master using GENELEC 1032A monitors with a 1092 Subwoofer. The subwoofer allows you to hear
down to 20 hertz. With a big low end in todays music, you really need to be able to hear it. In a room this size, you can
hear the low end.
Mastering these days has taken an unfortunate turn
known as the loudness wars. Another words, some producers and record labels try to make the CD louder than another artists,
simply because it gives the impression that it sounds better. But it is actually only a matter of turning up the volume control
on whatever your listening on. Another term for this is "Smashtering". Smashtering kills the natural dynamic range
of music. If you have ever listened to classical music, some parts are so quiet you can hardly hear it, then is so loud you
have to turn it down. This is what's known as dynamic range. At Pure Sound, we can make your album loud, with a minimal
loss of the full dynamic range of your music.
When your ready to master your project, how you have it done, either
analog or digitally, where you have it done, and by who, well get you different results. You can take the same mix to 5 different
studios and have 5 different sounds. For this reason, we have a unique offer here at Pure Sound where we well master 1 song
for you at no charge, burn it to a CD so you can hear for yourself what to expect before making a decision.
