What Exactly Is Mastering? ALAN DOUCHES of WEST WEST SIDE Explains

ALAN DOUCHES of WEST WEST SIDE Explains What is Music Mastering.

by Frank Godla  July 18, 2016 2:00 pm 10

Mastering has always been one of those things we all know is needed to complete a record, but don’t truly understand ourselves. So I recently caught up with esteemed mastering engineer, Alan Douches of West West Side, to shed some light on the subject with a list of questions in hand. With thousands of impressive mastering credits under his name, Alan is considered to be one of the biggest mastering professionals in the world today, and we couldn’t be happier to have him on Gear Gods.

When bands like The Dillinger Escape Plan, Death, Converge, Baroness, Cannibal Corpse, Misfits, Six Feet Under, Leprous and Motorhead are only a fraction of artists you’ve worked with, you know this is the right guy for the job! Read More Here

 

What is Mastering and Why Should I get my Music mastered

What is Mastering and what does it actually do?
On a technical side, mastering will prepare a final master format for replication or duplication. A verified error-checked master can be provided that will ensure the highest possible quality will be reproduced. On an artistic side, the mastering engineer can analyze the audio and makes decisions as to the overall tone, level and dynamic range of the music as a whole, and provides a uniform balance for the entire sequence. By using processes like compression, limiting, equalization and other signal processing etc., we can help make your record sound the best it can. With EQ we can clear up frequencies to make your record sound clearer and/or bigger. By using compression we can help “glue” the mix together and give your record a sonic fullness that you may be looking for. This is all performed in an accurate control room with high resolution monitors and amplifiers. Using Digital editing we are able to cut out unwanted parts, making songs flow smoother while cleaning up beginnings and endings of songs and creating a more enjoyable sequence (we are also able to “de-noise” projects with a high noise level, talk to us before hand and we can make certain we’ll have all the right additional audio that may be helpful). There are also special effects we can add to your record. Let us know if you have any ideas initially. We would never add effects without consulting you first (Often these are production ideas that come about after the mix was completed, or that the mix engineer felt he could not adequately provide). Overall, the process should make your CD more listen-able on a wide range of playback systems, and bring it to it’s fullest potential.

Why should I get my music mastered?
One main reason many people desire a mastering process is for perspective… so your mixes and album stand up today, and, years down the line. Having a fresh set of trained ears go through a record has long been an essential part of the recording process. Many people spend a great deal of time agonizing over the details of their album. Mastering brings in the fresh perspective that many people involved in the recording process dont have. We also enjoy getting involved during your recording process, to ensure your mastering can be it’s best. Call us if your having concerns about your recordings. Remember, overall, the process should make your CD more listen-able on a wide range of playback systems. All this must be done with great quality gear in an accurate control room.