I'd like a 2nd opinion

[mixmkr]

I have a finished CD that I'm just looking to have someone else listen to it in their environment and see if the overall finished product is comparable to a "quality" recorded CD.

My thoughts are that it is, was mastered OK, if not maybe pushed just a little too much on compression, but is still OK.
EQ balance, track flow, etc all seem good.

I'm asking because it seems favorable compared to others I have had "internet" mastered and this time, I had someone else do it who does NOT master professionally, but has good ears and a great playback setup and I gave them past CDs to go by, on what I'm looking for.

I've inquired with some who frequent here, but have received prices upwards of $200 just to listen to the CD and check for errors. For "internet" mastering, that seems pricey to me, especially just spending an hour listening on their system, and I'd like to find someplace considerably cheaper. Even $75 sounds pricey to me, but maybe I'm kidding myself.

The CD leans towards hard rock, is 50 minutes long and is 7 songs, with most crossfaded.

I'm not really interested in RE mastering, but just looking for some honest critiques from somebody with some [good] ears and a good playback environment.

I've got a couple songs up at http://www.soundclick.com/bands/defa...bandID=1048891

but could "snail mail" a CD if needed, realizing they're mp3's at Soundclick.

[api2500]

I will have a listen when I can.

But in the mean time, Abbey Road do an online mastering service for your future projects if you don't like the sound of what your hearing now.

Online Mastering Service from Abbey Road Studios - Home

[mixmkr]

Originally Posted by api2500

I will have a listen when I can.

But in the mean time, Abbey Road do an online mastering service for your future projects if you don't like the sound of what your hearing now.

Online Mastering Service from Abbey Road Studios - Home

Thanks for your time and reply.

I noticed on the site, there is a 10 minute max per song, so if I have an 11 min+ song, I suppose that would qualify as 2 songs for rates?

Also, the mastered versions are then available as downloads, meaning I guess I'd still need to put together a CD if it had crossfades, etc and would have to provide my own methods for checking BLER, etc?
Or anyrate, sounds like I'd have to compile the master, since you're just providing individual mastered songs??

[api2500]

Originally Posted by mixmkr

Thanks for your time and reply.

I noticed on the site, there is a 10 minute max per song, so if I have an 11 min+ song, I suppose that would qualify as 2 songs for rates?

Also, the mastered versions are then available as downloads, meaning I guess I'd still need to put together a CD if it had crossfades, etc and would have to provide my own methods for checking BLER, etc?
Or anyrate, sounds like I'd have to compile the master, since you're just providing individual mastered songs??

Do you have an 11 min song? I suppose it will then.

Well at £90 that is pretty good to have the Abbey Road ME's breathe their magic on it. But yes, the CD stuff you will have to do yourself...

Though with that I can't help you...

[PBM]

Originally Posted by api2500

I will have a listen when I can.

But in the mean time, Abbey Road do an online mastering service for your future projects if you don't like the sound of what your hearing now.

Online Mastering Service from Abbey Road Studios - Home

So do a LOT of good people! Despite the continuing bull you don't have to go to anywhere near Abbey Road to get excellent mastering (or magical breath) in the UK.

People such as Nigel Palmer at http://www.lowlandmasters.com/

will also make it possible for *his* compiling of your CD to be sent to you via internet.

Eric

[api2500]

Originally Posted by PBM

So do a LOT of good people! Despite the continuing bull you don't have to go to anywhere near Abbey Road to get excellent mastering (or magical breath) in the UK.

People such as Nigel Palmer at Lowland Masters: CD mastering in the English countryside. Home

will also make it possible for *his* compiling of your CD to be sent to you via internet.

Eric

If he was unhappy with the others, I offered one with a bit of heritage. No need to get hostile. I know perfectly well that there are loads of other MEs out there.

It's not like the OP hasn't been around all the other independents.

[PBM]

Originally Posted by api2500

If he was unhappy with the others, I offered one with a bit of heritage. No need to get hostile. I know perfectly well that there are loads of other MEs out there.

It's not like the OP hasn't been around all the other independents.

I'm not being in the slightest bit hostile - well not to you anyway, and I didn't mean it to come across like that. Heritage is a bit of a dodgy concept in my book. Abbey Road has some excellent engineers (some even colleagues of mine) but as a corporation it makes a lot out of its name. Even the British Government was fooled ...

Cheers though,

Eric

[api2500]

Originally Posted by PBM

I'm not being in the slightest bit hostile - well not to you anyway, and I didn't mean it to come across like that. Heritage is a bit of a dodgy concept in my book. Abbey Road has some excellent engineers (some even colleagues of mine) but as a corporation it makes a lot out of its name. Even the British Government was fooled ...

Cheers though,

Eric

Well, that could be the case. But if I gave you two names, Abbey Road Studios or Michael Toddington Mastering who would you choose?

A certain trust goes with the brand that is Abbey Road. I don't think all of that is misplaced.

There are very good ME's out there. But suggesting something which people will know means they won't have to take my opinion on things.

And it does look rather impressive if you can get Abbey Road onto your sleeves. :D.

[mixmkr]

Originally Posted by api2500

I will have a listen when I can.

But in the mean time, Abbey Road do an online mastering service for your future projects if you don't like the sound of what your hearing now.

Online Mastering Service from Abbey Road Studios - Home

so how many $ per song (vs euros) and any chance you had a listen?

[Darwin James]

I like "Oh My Lord".