Need tutorial about mastering.

[ipaqlinux48]

Hi,

Does anybody knows where I can find information about mastering? I've created a song but it sounds to "raw". I have no clue how the pros do it, but their music always sounds good: not to hard, not to soft, all instruments are always in balance.

It's hard to explain but you know what I mean.

Thanks in advance.

[picato]

There's a lot of information on the net. Just try an ordinary search engine with phrases like "mastering" + "tutorial", "tips", "eq", "effects" etc. Many online magazines about recording and music have their own tutorial sections that's really good.
Mastering and mixing isn't something you learn by just reading one article though... I've found a lot of articles on the net that has been useful as a start, but you have to practice and experimenting on your own alot as well. I can't recommend one article that's been outstanding. I've read hundreds so far...

[Hollowcell]

http://forum.midiaddict.com/viewtopic.php?t=35903

This is a thread from the Future Music forum which I linked somewhere else here regarding compressors. This thread also has some usefull (well-known) tips regarding mastering too. It's interesting because it also mentions specific tools to do the jobs.

You may need to know how compressors,limiters and EQs work in general before reading though.

[picato]

Originally Posted by Hollowcell

http://forum.midiaddict.com/viewtopic.php?t=35903


You may need to know how compressors,limiters and EQs work in general before reading though.

That's a really true statement. Although mastering can do much it can't do everything. knowing the properly use of basic effects is very important too, and not just a piece of cake.

[303lovesit]

Mate check out www.blackoutaudio.com

An absolute great site for tips!

A Good freind of mine runs it and has some of the best artists posting on there all the time and are very very helpfull!

Un like this lot!! ......... (JOKE) Check it out though!!!

But yeah man like hollow said you can only read basics after that you have to practice and practice as your ears will finaly pick up where your going right and wrong but EQ and Compression is the Key!!!

[Smag]

This may help you

http://www.amazing-demo.com/Articles/mastering.html

Recurring themes seem to include being subtle with the effects and only use tools / techniques if you need to, not because you think you have to. Have a commercial CD to compare your tunes to and flick between the two to see what needs to be changed / added. It's important hat your tune can stand up on it's own without mastering, if it doesn't then you may need to strip it down again. Mastering is basically about creating consistency and balance in your tracks so the listener doesn't have to get up to change the volume or graphic EQ on their stereo.