Mastering for Web Video

[Seedhay]

Hi all,

First, a big thanks to all GS members. I've used the site many times but have never posted, but have found it to be a really good resource! So, again, thanks!

I am a composer who usually just submits my music masters to clients and am not involved in final mix downs for their use (tv, web, movie etc.).

However, I have a job now where the client is asking me to do the final mix for them (VO + music). It will primarily be a web video, although there is talk of other uses.

I am used to mastering things (music only) with a -0.2 dcb ceiling. Do I need to lower the ceiling for this type of application?

Any other tips for mastering for this medium? I imagine a low cut would be useful...my instincts are to cut between 50-100 hz? Seem like a good ballpark? (its not a boomy track, but does have low-hz-info).

Thank you!

[danika]

Originally Posted by Seedhay

Hi all,

First, a big thanks to all GS members. I've used the site many times but have never posted, but have found it to be a really good resource! So, again, thanks!

I am a composer who usually just submits my music masters to clients and am not involved in final mix downs for their use (tv, web, movie etc.).

However, I have a job now where the client is asking me to do the final mix for them (VO + music). It will primarily be a web video, although there is talk of other uses.

I am used to mastering things (music only) with a -0.2 dcb ceiling. Do I need to lower the ceiling for this type of application?

Any other tips for mastering for this medium? I imagine a low cut would be useful...my instincts are to cut between 50-100 hz? Seem like a good ballpark? (its not a boomy track, but does have low-hz-info).

Thank you!

It depends on what audio format will be used with the video. If it's mp3, then you definitely need to lower the ceiling since there's no limiting in the conversion process. Go down to at least -1 dBFS, more if mix is fairly hot. Check the mp3 for clipping after the conversion.

Use the highest bit rate allowable for whatever site the video is being submitted to. Most of the time the site will accept any bit rate and just convert it if the bit rate is higher than their limits for streaming.

AFAIK a low cut filter wouldn't make any difference one way or the other.

[Seedhay]

thx, danika.