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CRAFTLABMASTERING
Home
facilities
Contact
FAQs
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About
Services
Online Mastering
  • What is mastering
  • Mastering vs Mixing
  • checklist for mastering
  • is mastering necessary?
  • Apple Digital Masters
  • ISRC Codes
  • DDP File
  • Mastering in Lebanon
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    • What is mastering
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    • is mastering necessary?
    • Apple Digital Masters
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    • DDP File
    • Mastering in Lebanon
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Mastering vs Mixing

Mastering Can't be Done by the Mix Engineer, Unless...

  • Are Nearfiled Monitors used in Mastering?
  • What is Mastering? What is Mixing?
  • What Equipment are used in Mixing and Mastering?
  • What Software is used in Mixing and Mastering?


...unless....

Mixing and Mastering Definition

WHAT IS MIXING?

Mixing is the stage after the recording. It is the art of enhancing the sound of every element separately and combining all recorded tracks to fit in a sound field. Mixing Equipment includes EQs, compression, panning, reverb, delays, and other effects used for this purpose. 

WHAT IS MASTERING?

Mastering is the stage after Mixing. It is the art of enhancing the quality of the entire mix, taking it a step further sonically to be ready for release, making sure it sounds well through multiple playback systems and compatible in different formats. 

In case of an album or EP, all the tracks will have a consistent perceived loudness, Insertion of ISRC Codes, PQ codes, CD-Text, DDP, Apple Digital Master Formats, etc.Click to know more about Mastering 

What is the Difference Between Mixing and Mastering?

The Monitors are Different

Mixing and Mastering Monitors are Different

 A crystal clear AD/DA converter with professional (preferably passive) 3-way midfield speakers are used in Mastering so as to reflect all frequencies to mimic a typical home listening situation. Nearfield monitors are best suitable for recording and mixing studio (for precise instrument localization and reverb/effects judgment). 

The Equipment are Different

Mixing and Mastering Equipment are Different:

Analog high-end processors are used in Mastering for best sonic results ( quality, noise, headroom) . The gears are often custom-made and carefully chosen due to each Mastering engineer's taste (in tube sound and other technical features). 

Digital plug-ins are rarely used in Mastering (only a few limiting is needed) whereas Mixing nowadays relies on digital processing (especially in home studios) with the settings and all tracks are recalled by a single click within the session.

The Softwares are Different

Mixing and Mastering Softwares are Different:

A special DAW is used for Mastering with an extended algorithmic calculation and other features ( ISRC and PQ codes, CD-Text, DDPi delivery, formats...). Other DAWs are more suitable for mixing/editing. 

The Rooms are Different

Mixing and Mastering Rooms are Different:

Early reflections in Mastering are kept at minimum for a precise judgment without any barriers between the monitors and the engineer (an inclined ceiling is a plus). We often see a large console or desk in mixing studios which is important and practical (but has its drawbacks...).

A dedicated room treatment with different specs (NC, ER, Reverb Time) is needed for Mastering. The mixing room is often surrounded by machines/fans/AC. Mixing is sometimes done in a live concert with PA system (or even bedrooms!)

The Ears are Different

Mixing and Mastering Ears are Different too!

 Mastering Engineer is trained through years to listen in a macro  perspective, concentrating on the whole stereo track as one group. Whereas the Mix Engineer is trained to listen more in a micro perspective, concentrating more on each track, the balance between each track and group, and the stereo image. 

A fresh set of Healthy ears with a creative mind are essential  in Mastering to snatch any minor issue since this is the last stage before releasing the Music!

...Unless he/she is missing some info in the Audio Industry!

 So, since Mastering is about enhancing the quality of the entire mix, wouldn't it be more logical to enhance the quality of this mix during mixing?

More about Mastering?

  • What is Mastering?
  • Is Mastering Necessary? 
  • What is Online Mastering?
  • What is Apple Digital Masters?
  • Mixing Checklist for Mastering

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  • Online Mastering
  • What is mastering
  • Mastering vs Mixing
  • checklist for mastering
  • is mastering necessary?
  • Apple Digital Masters
  • ISRC Codes
  • DDP File
  • Mastering in Lebanon