A song is typically mastered at the final stage in the recording process and is concerned with equalization and dynamic enhancement in order to improve the sound translation on all playback systems.
The effects of a good song master is typically a louder, warmer and more professional sounding song. This is achieved by working with compressors, limiters, equalizers and other audio mastering tools.
Mastering is not to be confussed with mixing. The mixing process involves taking each individual file, such as Kick, Snare, Lead Vocal, Guitar1, Guitar2 etc and working with levels, paning, EQs etc to create the final 'mix'.
Mastering is the process of taking that 'mix' and giving it the final polish, which can make a hge difference, simce many of the mastering tools would not be used in the mixing process. |
