Quick Mastering Question

[Justin RockWell]

Let's say I have a full song mixed in FL Studio, do I select the master channel of the mixer and master away......or.....

Do I export the mixed song to a WAV file, then master the wav file??

[Darius van H]

I'd do the first, so you have the option to tweak your mix elements during mastering if needs be.

Just remember to put on your hot pants with "mastering engineer" embroidered on the butt when you're doing it.

[donsolo]

That was a bit sarcastic, and semi-rightfully so.

If you're attempting to "master" in FL Studio, you should probably just concentrating on making great mixes.

I wouldn't stress about mastering until your mixes are killer. Once they're killer, then you can figure out some budget to send it to someone who won't destroy the music.

[masterizer]

Originally Posted by donsolo

That was a bit sarcastic, and semi-rightfully so.

If you're attempting to "master" in FL Studio, you should probably just concentrating on making great mixes.

I wouldn't stress about mastering until your mixes are killer. Once they're killer, then you can figure out some budget to send it to someone who won't destroy the music.

That's good advice, if your mix isn't great, mastering isn't going to make it great. Keep on mixing until you have something to send to a reputable mastering facility. Most mastering studios will give you free advice on your mixes and also a sample or free master. Keep on Mixing!

[donsolo]

Actually my point was more that you can post those mixes on myspace etc but if it's at all commercial, first deal with the mixes, if the mixes are great (don't read LOUD into that) then the opportunity to have it mastered either by a big house or a more modest facility will arrise.

And I'm not talking about those "I'll make your tracks loud for $50, just FTP them to me" modest houses. Avoid those.