Fade out - before or after mastering?

[MrVelvet]

Just wondering what the general way is... I remember hearing some songs where - at the end when fading out - the tone/sound changes, which makes me guess that the fade was there before mastering and that caused the material to react differently to the processing at this point. But then again, there's probably plenty stuff where the fade happened afterwards.

Is there any preference? Any advances one way or the other?

[Lagerfeldt]

If you fade before (or into) compression you'll get another sound, and you're kind of working against the machine. It can work though, but be aware of hiss if you're not fading the actual end file.

[24-96 Mastering]

Originally Posted by MrVelvet

Just wondering what the general way is... I remember hearing some songs where - at the end when fading out - the tone/sound changes, which makes me guess that the fade was there before mastering and that caused the material to react differently to the processing at this point. But then again, there's probably plenty stuff where the fade happened afterwards.

Is there any preference? Any advances one way or the other?

I guess the sound changing during a fade out is somewhat "classic" in its own right. A lot of great tracks on great albums do that... and it always makes me smiles when hearing it. But of course, I very much prefer to do the fades at the mastering stage for exactly that reason.

[Alex Tang]

...during mastering, but after compression as Lagerfeldt hinted.

[MASSIVE Master]

I agree generally - But at the same time, it can be a pretty cool effect when it's exaggerated... As mentioned, the sound changes - actually becoming more dynamic during the fade (if the fade was applied during the mix or pre-compression during the mastering phase).

If the compressor is hitting pretty hard and the release is reasonably slow, it can be very nifty...

Not a rule of thumb or anything - Just a look at the other side of the coin...

[Alex Tang]

Originally Posted by MASSIVE Master

I agree generally - But at the same time, it can be a pretty cool effect when it's exaggerated... As mentioned, the sound changes - actually becoming more dynamic during the fade (if the fade was applied during the mix or pre-compression during the mastering phase).

If the compressor is hitting pretty hard and the release is reasonably slow, it can be very nifty...

Not a rule of thumb or anything - Just a look at the other side of the coin...

And you're right Massive! For effects, almost anything is possible. The important thing is to know exactly what to expect whenever we make a decision such as this.

[leaper]

One more thing to add is that if the fade is made before mastering, it's quite often made with no thought of pause time or the following song on the CD.
Sometimes this can lead to a less than optimum fade out.

[Marbarbaar]

Originally Posted by leaper

One more thing to add is that if the fade is made before mastering, it's quite often made with no thought of pause time or the following song on the CD.
Sometimes this can lead to a less than optimum fade out.

I simply MUST go off topic and applaud your avatar.

[Adam Dempsey]

Originally Posted by leaper

One more thing to add is that if the fade is made before mastering, it's quite often made with no thought of pause time or the following song on the CD.
Sometimes this can lead to a less than optimum fade out.

Very true. Context is the name of the game.

[csl]

I'd imagine fading out after EQ/comp, but before dithering, would be a safe option.