13. Music Production - The Basic || Mastering

Introduction to Mastering

In this section, the speaker introduces the concept of mastering and its importance in music production. The speaker explains that mastering is the final step before releasing a song and it involves making sure that the song has a competitive loudness level.

Purpose of Mastering

• The primary purpose of mastering is to ensure that a song has a competitive loudness level compared to other songs on digital platforms.

• Loudness is measured in LUFS (Loudness Units Full Scale), which determines how loud or quiet a song sounds.

• LUFS can affect how dynamic or compressed a song sounds, so it's important to set the right loudness for each genre of music.

Enhancing Mixing and Adding Attitude

• Another purpose of mastering is to enhance what was achieved during mixing by adding color and attitude that suits the song.

Mastering Process in DAW

In this section, the speaker demonstrates how to master a song using Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).

Setting Up for Mastering

• Before starting, check if there's enough headroom for processing. Aim for around -6dB or -7dB on the level meter.

Comparing with Released Version

• Compare your mastered version with an already released version of the same song. This will help you identify any differences between your mix and the commercial release.

Using Processing Tools

• Use EQ, compression, limiting, and other processing tools to achieve desired sound quality.

• Be careful not to overdo processing as it can lead to distortion or loss of dynamics.

Conclusion

Mastering is an essential part of music production that ensures a song has a competitive loudness level and enhances its overall sound quality. It involves setting the right loudness for each genre of music, adding color and attitude to the mix, and using processing tools to achieve desired sound quality.

Music Production: Premix and Mastering

In this section, the speaker discusses the importance of premixing in music production and how it can enhance the texture and definition of a song. The speaker also talks about remastering a song that has already been mixed and mastered by another engineer.

Premixing

• Ten different people mixing the same song will result in different balances.

• The difference between two versions of a song can be significant in terms of texture and definition.

• Adding harmonic saturation during premixing can increase texture and definition.

• Premixing is done before mixing to add color to the track, which enhances texture and definition.

Remastering

• Discusses remastering a song that has already been mixed and mastered by another engineer.

• Talks about chasing the quality of an already mastered track by Grammy-winning engineer Fab Dupont.

• Speaker demonstrates remastering a song called "You and I" by singer IF, which was previously mixed and mastered by Fab Dupont.

Mastering Process Overview

This section provides an overview of the mastering process and compares the unmastered and mastered versions of a song.

Comparison of Unmastered and Mastered Versions

• The unmastered version has a muddy sound in the 250-300 Hz frequency range, while the mastered version is cleaner.

• The unmastered version lacks focus, while the mastered version is clearer and more articulate.

• The unmastered version has unclear vocals compared to the mastered version.

• The unmastered version has unclear low frequencies compared to the mastered version.

Hardware Used in Mastering Process

• Touchscreen hardware is used for mastering.

• Various plugins are available for use during mastering, including compressors, SSL bass compressor, tape simulator, clipper, limiter, and multi-band compressor.

Steps in Mastering Process

Step 1 - Cleaning

• First step involves cleaning up any unnecessary frequencies that may interfere with loudness levels.

• A compressor is used to create a specific type of sound for the song.

Step 2 - Preparation for Loudness

• Plugins are used to simulate tape compression from older recording methods.

Step 3 - Clipping and Limiting

• Clipper and Limiter plugins are used to prevent distortion when increasing volume levels.

Manual Cleaning Process

This section discusses the manual cleaning process used during mastering.

Manual Cleaning Process

• The manual cleaning process involves monitoring frequencies in the O and E ranges to identify any muddiness.

• Extreme measures are avoided, and only necessary frequency cuts are made.

Cleaning and Balancing Audio with Plugins

In this section, the speaker discusses how to clean and balance audio using plugins. They cover both manual and automatic methods of identifying and removing unwanted frequencies, including using Teotik and Goldfos plugins for spectral balancing.

Identifying Unwanted Frequencies

• Start by manually identifying any frequencies that are causing issues, such as those in the 200-300 Hz range.

• Use a plugin like Teotik or Goldfos for automatic spectral balancing to remove unwanted frequencies dynamically throughout the track.

High Frequency Limiting

• Use a high frequency limiter, also known as a diacer, to limit high frequency sounds that may be too harsh or distracting.

• Identify any problematic high frequency sounds, such as cymbals, and use the limiter to reduce their impact on the overall mix.

Tube Saturation EQ

• Consider using a tube saturation equalizer like Cup EQ to enhance certain aspects of the audio while avoiding overloading CPU usage.

• Print sections of the track as needed to avoid overloading CPU usage during rendering.

Overall, these techniques can help improve the quality of audio tracks by removing unwanted frequencies and enhancing desired ones.

Mastering Compressors

In this section, the speaker discusses the importance of knowing the color of mastering compressors and recommends using a compressor with color before EQ. The speaker also suggests experimenting with different compressors to find what works best for each scenario.

Types of Compressors

• Mellivery New is a popular compressor used in mastering studios.

• Donatello is often used for soft songs, while Shadow Hill Mas is better suited for louder tracks.

• Universal Audio's menu is recommended due to its DSP capabilities.

Importance of Using Compressor Before EQ

• Lursen, a Grammy-winning mastering engineer, recommends turning on the compressor before EQ.

• Kompresor adds color and can cause slight frequency shifts that affect EQ settings.

Using Analog Hardware Emulation

• Analog hardware emulation has a unique color that should be considered before adjusting knobs.

• Input volume affects saturation and drive, similar to an amplifier.

• Avoid extreme actions when mastering; small adjustments are more effective.

Introduction to EQ and Analog Hardware

In this section, the speaker introduces the use of EQ in music production and explains how different analog hardware can affect sound texture and character.

Using Specific EQ for Specific Frequencies

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of using specific EQ for specific frequencies.

• He gives an example of using a Manley passive EQ with a specific IC to target 1500 Hz.

• The speaker explains that some mastering studios use hardware like GML 9500 only for low frequencies.

Understanding Analog Hardware

• The speaker explains that different analog hardware, such as compressors and saturation units, have their own unique color and texture.

• He compares this to understanding the difference in sound between different types of guitars.

• The speaker gives an example of how Harmoni Mastering uses mainly Soma passive EQ on almost all bands except for 1000 or 1500 Hz.

Conclusion

The introduction provides insight into the importance of using specific EQ for certain frequencies. Additionally, it highlights how different analog hardware can impact sound texture and character.

Using EQ to Boost Frequencies

In this section, the speaker discusses using EQ to boost frequencies in a song. They mention the Trend Song Ibis and Manly hardware, which are used for boosting low frequencies. The speaker also talks about using the R-EQ plugin and Shadow Hill compressor for more aggressive sounds.

Boosting Low Frequencies with Manly Hardware

• The Trend Song Ibis and Manly hardware can be used to boost low frequencies.

• The speaker recommends using the Manly hardware to boost frequencies at 1500 Hz.

• The speaker tests out the Manly hardware but finds it too heavy, so they switch to Universal Audio instead.

Using Shadow Hill Compressor for Aggressive Sounds

• The Shadow Hill compressor is recommended for more aggressive sounds.

• The speaker compares the Shadow Hill compressor to the Manly hardware and finds it more suitable for rock music.

• The R-EQ plugin is used with a low shelf filter set at 0.4 Hz to tighten up low frequencies.

Other Insights

• Mixing and mastering services can cost up to $1000 or more.

Introduction

In this section, the speaker introduces the topic of music production and mentions a specific category that is important in music production.

Key Points

• The speaker introduces the topic of music production.

• The speaker mentions a specific category that is important in music production.

FPI vs FBI

In this section, the speaker discusses FPI and FBI and explains why they prefer to use FPI.

Key Points

• The speaker discusses FPI and FBI.

• The speaker explains why they prefer to use FPI.

Mastering Techniques

In this section, the speaker talks about mastering techniques used by legendary engineers such as Nirvana Bon Jovi.

Key Points

• The speaker talks about mastering techniques used by legendary engineers such as Nirvana Bon Jovi.

• One of the mastering techniques mentioned is using an EQ called Ecu or inflator for saturation.

• The inflator technique is explained in detail with examples from the transcript.

• Another technique mentioned is using an Alicia hardware for tilt only on side parts between 150 to 500 Hz frequency range.

Saturating Vocals

In this section, the speaker talks about how saturating vocals can have an impact on sound quality.

Key Points

• The speaker talks about how saturating vocals can have an impact on sound quality.

• When using saturation techniques like inflator, it's important to be aware of its effects on fundamental frequencies and avoid over-saturation.

Comparing Effects Processors

In this section, the speaker compares different effects processors used in music production.

Key Points

• The speaker compares different effects processors used in music production.

• The Manley processor is mentioned as a good option for adding warmth to the sound.

• The SSL processor is mentioned as the best option for adding density to the sound.

Finalizing Sound

In this section, the speaker talks about finalizing sound and choosing the right compressor.

Key Points

• The speaker talks about finalizing sound and choosing the right compressor.

• Magenta is mentioned as a good acoustic compressor but not suitable for dense sounds.

• SSL is mentioned as a good option for dense sounds.

Introduction to a Free Compressor Plugin

In this section, the speaker introduces a free compressor plugin called "psikotellipop" and explains that it is a very clean compressor.

Features of the Free Version

• The free version of psikotellipop is highly recommended as it is more than enough.

• The speaker mentions that the paid version, "gentleman edition," has additional saturation options.

• The plugin is very clean.

Testing the Plugin

In this section, the speaker tests out the psikotellipop plugin and provides feedback on its performance.

Feedback on Performance

• The speaker thinks that the psikotellipop compressor is excellent.

• They describe it as being "bitter."

• The processing before using psikotellipop was closed with si hotel.

• Nikov was used to make it tighter.

Setting Loudness for a Song

In this section, the speaker discusses setting loudness for a song and provides an example of how to do so.

Example of Setting Loudness

• According to digital platform regulations, loudness should be set at minus 14 lufs and main one tropic.

• The speaker gives an example of a song called "fun Heaven" which was mastered using full analog hardware but still had low loudness levels compared to other popular songs.

• They recommend setting loudness at minus 9fs and slightly lower.