Understanding Mastering: Tips and Tools
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About this ebook
This eBook is a tool to help you understand the process of mastering audio for yourself. The book has handy tips and screenshots of plugins in use and features ten chapters on the main aspects of mastering audio. If you're looking for a guide to understanding mastering then this is the book for you.
Rowena E Smith
I am a fully qualified mixing, vocal production and mastering engineer. I have a BA Hons in Music Technology and Popular Music from the University of Huddersfield and an MA in Music Production from Leeds Beckett University. I spend my time making music, mixing, mastering and completing vocal production jobs. I also write eBooks on music production. I have created over 150 original tracks and over 20 sample packs which are available on my artist site, www.mhyst.net.
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Understanding Mastering - Rowena E Smith
CHAPTER ONE – PREPARATION
You need to prepare your track for mastering. There should be no peaking above 0 dbFS. dbFS is a unit of measurement for amplitude in digital audio systems and when you see PCM in your bounce down settings, this is known as pulse code modulation which has a specific maximum peak level. (Waves.com, 2017)
If any of your tracks are clipping you will not be able to master the track properly. Clipping is a type of distortion when the track(s) are peaking beyond the maximum capability of the digital output. (Waves.com, 2017)
To avoid digital hiss or hum on the track(s) you should make sure the volume is loud enough (but not clipping) to avoid being too close the bottom level of the plugin(s) you’re using to create the track(s). (Azden, 2018)
Don’t use a peak limiter! This means that tracks that would otherwise be clipping are reduced to a ceiling below 0 dBFS or less and this will not achieve an acceptable result. (The Pro Audio Files, 2018)
Do not add any limiters or any compression plugins that will make the mix louder and less dynamicuntil you are ready to master it. If you do use compression