Tips for first mastering session (at Sterling Sound)

[Bob Olhsson]

A mastering engineer needs to start from the assumption that the mix and balance between mix elements sounded exactly the way you wanted in your mix room. Anything other than that really needs to be communicated.

[IIIrd]

when mastering i try and get as much information from the client as possible before we start reachinng for eq, compression etc.
i ask what areas need attention, what the client is expecting from the audio and from the session.
at the end of the day...the session is a 2 way street.
if at anytime you're not happy (which i'm sure wont be the case), you need to say so, and say why.
as mentioned before communication is the key. it's a team sport so work together. and finally, enjoy the day, you've done the hard work in the studio...time for you to relax,
have fun
IIIrd

[Masterer]

Originally Posted by engmix

I've had numerous records mastered at sterling. these are my personal opinions.

1. Make sure your record sounds the way you want it to prior to mastering. It's not going to change that radically from your room to theirs. I personally mix through 2 bus compressors, bus eq, or what ever else i think it needs to get me a good end result prior mastering. Make sure to monitor through a Limiter in your room from time to time to know what's ahead of you. If you are using radical amounts of master bus compression or limiting, bring a version without it as a safety. Don't just assume your engineer will run your mix through a bus compressor or whatever. I once specifically left off my bus compression so the engineer could use his. He didn't run the mix through a bus compressor until i asked him to. As soon as he did, the master sounded 10k times better.

2. Let the mastering engineer work alone for a few minutes while they get acquainted with the track. I certainly don't like people looking over my shoulder from the word go. These guys have their process, no mater what you say, they're going to do their thing. Often their thing is the right thing, but not always the case. See below.

3. Don't be intimidated. If you feel you want compressors pumping a little more, then ask for it. If you want more aggressive eq, then push the engineer for more, or visa versa. Unless you're mastering to vinyl, then nothing you can do is out of bounds.

4. Do a morning session. They have a nice selection of bagels and cream cheese.

That's good advice, 'specially about the cream cheese.

[jayfrigo]

Originally Posted by Masterer

That's good advice, 'specially about the cream cheese.

Years ago I used to get video dubs done at this place that in the morning had a chef making Belgian waffles and omlettes to order. I'd always take a friend and eat while we waited for the dub. It was the only time I'd get up early. I swear we ate more than we paid for the dubs. Ah, post production houses. They know how to live.

[Bob Olhsson]

You guys are starting to sound awfully professional!

[Cellotron]

My clients have to suffer with just Entemanns' donuts and Cafe Bustelo or English Breakfast Tea in the morning. I think the fact that the bill is a digit smaller than what you get at the Manhattan joints at the end of the day makes up for this though

Best regards,
Steve Berson

[gbb]

Originally Posted by nickynicknick

I would suggest getting a test master done...

Nick

Does anybody know if Sterling charges for a test master.

Thanks.

[24-96 Mastering]

Originally Posted by gbb

Does anybody know if Sterling charges for a test master.

Thanks.

Whether they'll prepare a free 'sample' depends will likely depend on who you (or the artist, or the label / A&R, or the management) are and which ME you want working on your mix. It's probably best to just get in contact and ask.