mastering gurus???

[kickerkeef]

Hi people,

I recorded my bands' third album at our home studio early this year. As with the previous album I took this new recording to one of the best mastering engineers money can buy... a time honoured legend! Obviously I don't want to mention who, but this guy has done some big albums in his time.

Anyway, the mastering session went well according to all parties. I left the studio with my master copy and set about finishing the artwork, etc. At this point I must mention that the 'listening copy' sounded great, reasonably loud and but still punchy, perhaps a little bassy, but only marginally.

Now, moving forward about 6 months and we've just managed to get 2 songs from the album on rotation on a number of commercial FM stations around the country. Quite an effort for an independant act.

BUT... only now do I find out that the mastering has given me anything but RADIO-FRIENDLY tracks! The radio limiters/compressors are dropping the level of my track about 4-5 db more than every other song on the station!! WTF?!!

I have spoken with the mastering engineer and he says he can't work it out! have I recorded a freak album?!

Should he have filtered the bottom end? What could be doing this? and WHY doesn't this dude know what's going on?

[Ruairi]

Keef,

try posting your question on Brad Blackwood's forum here

Lots of pro mastering engineers there that may be able to give you an insight into your problem,

cheers,
Ruairi

[kickerkeef]

thanks for the reply. while i'm here tho does anyone else have an idea?

[dave-G]

There was a paper written by Orban and Foti (manufacturers/designers of the industry standard broadcast limiters), which really does a lot to enlighten on this subject. If memory serves, Brad keeps a copy of it posted on his euphonicmasters.com website.

-dave

[djui5]

I'd get a new mastering engineer......


He say's he can't work it out?


Whatever....

[twilt]

everyone should check out bob katz's mastering book (mastering audio, the art & the science).
it's one of the best audio books i have read, gives you a clear understanding of the process.
even if you have no intention of mastering yourself the book gives ideas on how to make your mixes better and therefore need little work after the fact(aside from queing info etc.).
everyone i have turned on to the book LOVES it.
enjoy