Once in a while, we (mastering engineers in general) get accused of being “pompous” or “elitist” (for lack of better terms) when we suggest that RTA (Real Time Analyzers), phase analysis meters, loudness meters, etc., aren’t as handy as simply listening and using your ears. Recent posts on a particular forum inspired the following rant about using the right senses for the right job - and saving optional analysis for when it’s needed.

Toward the end is a pair of metaphors that explain the traditional role of the mastering engineer in the recording production process (as it might relate to other vocations). For those who are ‘new to the game’ it might clear up a few things... There's More...

Tags: mastering|listening skills|tools|meters|rta|fft|eqalization|mixing

You're probably tracking too hot. Here's why...

This entry was viewed over 110,000 times in 2008, nearly 300,000 times in 2009, picked up by and published by Pro Sound Web in 2011 -- And is *still* waiting for tweaking...
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Tags: mastering|recording

REMEMBER: MIXDOWN IS CRUCIAL in more ways than one. A good mastering session can go very well, or very poorly depending on what happens during mixdown. Much of this is common sense, yet much of it isn't common sense until you've experienced the fallout a few times...

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Tags: mastering

Generally speaking, MASSIVE Mastering isn’t a “master by mail” place. Although admittedly, probably 75% of all sessions here are unattended. So, it’s worth addressing that we (and basically every other mastering facility) can act as a “master by mail” facility.

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Tags: mastering