My project is finally getting mastered next week...

amrindersandhu · 17th November 2011

Ok, so I've been working on a music project for about 2-3 years now (taken so long due to a lot of delays in between). But finally, the tracks are just about finished and I've got a studio booked for the mastering next week!

I'm currently mixing down the tracks, getting closer to all the tracks being wrapped up.. just a few things here and there. I find myself at this point getting really stressed with the mixing side though, I have guide mixes of the same tracks that I try and make the mix sound identical too, but it just doesn't sound the exact same (Probably because the tracks were made in acid and reason, and im mixing them on logic).

What I wanted to know was, do you guys have any kind of procedure you follow before getting your stuff mastered? I know when I go into that studio I need to have my music head screwed on, so is listening to the mixes constantly until I go to the studio a good idea? Or shall I not listen to the tracks for a few days before its mastered? I'm not sure what to do!!

kingtoad · 18th November 2011

If you're trying to make your mixes sound identical to the guide mixes, why not just use the guide mixes?

Regarding your question, if you have chosen a mastering engineer you trust I would not sweat it too much. Be prepared to help judge track transitions and suchlike but place your trust in the processing decisions of the guy/girl that you presumably chose for a reason and you should be happy.

Rob Murray · 18th November 2011

If you have the luxury, take a break for 2 days. The most common way clients can both waste time, and negatively effect the master is when they attend and all they hear is the part that's been bugging them, or they still want more bass and although it might not be appropriate, if that's what the client demands, that's what they get. An ear break will help you be a bit more objective hearing the mix, not what you remember being a mix issue yesterday.

Really, as stated above, if you trust your ME there shouldn't be much to it. They might ask an opinion here or there, but it won't be anything crazy. What you do need to worry about is that everything is correct and ready on your end. Make sure mixes are clearly labelled, and that you've listened down to your mix/print/bounce to make sure it's right, no missing elements, chopped fade-outs etc.. If you're worried about vocal levels have the vocal up/down at the ready so if they say "the vocal seems a little low" you can pull it out, no problem. Same with any alt mixes.

So my advice would be take a day off, make sure your files are tidy, and well labeled, and then kick your feet up and enjoy the project, maybe even celebrate a bit when you're finished. You've been working on this for over 2 years, you deserve it.

Technologyworks · 18th November 2011

Most important:
Take time be be sure you are happy with your mixes. It's pointless rushing to mastering if you are not happy with the mixes.

Have a break before the session so you are fresh and able to listen impartially.

Work out your running order, try a few out in your own time, not on the clock at the mastering studio.

Enjoying the session is important too!

Peter

17th November 2011	#1
amrindersandhu Gear interested Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 15 Thread Starter	My project is finally getting mastered next week... Ok, so I've been working on a music project for about 2-3 years now (taken so long due to a lot of delays in between). But finally, the tracks are just about finished and I've got a studio booked for the mastering next week! I'm currently mixing down the tracks, getting closer to all the tracks being wrapped up.. just a few things here and there. I find myself at this point getting really stressed with the mixing side though, I have guide mixes of the same tracks that I try and make the mix sound identical too, but it just doesn't sound the exact same (Probably because the tracks were made in acid and reason, and im mixing them on logic). What I wanted to know was, do you guys have any kind of procedure you follow before getting your stuff mastered? I know when I go into that studio I need to have my music head screwed on, so is listening to the mixes constantly until I go to the studio a good idea? Or shall I not listen to the tracks for a few days before its mastered? I'm not sure what to do!!

18th November 2011	#3
Rob Murray Gear maniac Joined: Jul 2006 Location: NYC Posts: 177	If you have the luxury, take a break for 2 days. The most common way clients can both waste time, and negatively effect the master is when they attend and all they hear is the part that's been bugging them, or they still want more bass and although it might not be appropriate, if that's what the client demands, that's what they get. An ear break will help you be a bit more objective hearing the mix, not what you remember being a mix issue yesterday. Really, as stated above, if you trust your ME there shouldn't be much to it. They might ask an opinion here or there, but it won't be anything crazy. What you do need to worry about is that everything is correct and ready on your end. Make sure mixes are clearly labelled, and that you've listened down to your mix/print/bounce to make sure it's right, no missing elements, chopped fade-outs etc.. If you're worried about vocal levels have the vocal up/down at the ready so if they say "the vocal seems a little low" you can pull it out, no problem. Same with any alt mixes. So my advice would be take a day off, make sure your files are tidy, and well labeled, and then kick your feet up and enjoy the project, maybe even celebrate a bit when you're finished. You've been working on this for over 2 years, you deserve it. __________________ Murray Mastering www.murraymastering.com

18th November 2011	#4
Technologyworks Gear Head Joined: Apr 2011 Location: London I think... Posts: 43	Most important: Take time be be sure you are happy with your mixes. It's pointless rushing to mastering if you are not happy with the mixes. Have a break before the session so you are fresh and able to listen impartially. Work out your running order, try a few out in your own time, not on the clock at the mastering studio. Enjoying the session is important too! Peter __________________ Peter Technologyworks Mastering http://www.technologyworks.co.uk

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18th November 2011	#2
kingtoad Mastering Engineer Joined: May 2008 Location: Leeds, UK Posts: 42	If you're trying to make your mixes sound identical to the guide mixes, why not just use the guide mixes? Regarding your question, if you have chosen a mastering engineer you trust I would not sweat it too much. Be prepared to help judge track transitions and suchlike but place your trust in the processing decisions of the guy/girl that you presumably chose for a reason and you should be happy.