Mastering
“What is loudness? Is louder always better? How loud should it actually be?”
The art of mastering is to bring a stereo mix (or stems) into the proper balance, considering factors such as frequency spectrum, loudness, and the overall stereo image. The medium for which the mastering is intended is also crucial, as each medium has different requirements. While loudness (measured in LUFS) plays a big role in streaming platforms such as Spotify, YouTube, and Tidal, bass monocompatibility is more important when mastering for vinyl.
What makes a mastering studio a mastering studio? First and foremost, an acoustically optimized monitoring environment is essential for both mixing and mastering. Reflections and room modes, especially in the bass range, should be minimized.
The art of mastering is to bring a stereo mix (or stems) into the right balance, concerning the frequency spectrum, loudness, and overall impression of the stereo image.
It is crucial to know which medium the mastering is intended for, as each medium has different requirements. While loudness (LUFS) plays a significant role in streaming for Spotify, YouTube, Tidal, and similar platforms, mono-compatibility in the bass range is more critical for vinyl mastering.
An acoustically optimized listening room is essential for both mixing and mastering, with optimized early reflections and room modes, especially in the bass range.
The monitoring system is the next crucial factor, as it is important that the complete frequency range can be reproduced accurately for informed decision-making.
There is also the option to work digitally or analog in mastering. The latter is often perceived as more natural and harmonious, while digital processing can be clearer or more transparent.
Many professional recording studios send their finished stereo mixes to mastering studios. This has the advantage that another experienced sound engineer listens to the audio material with “fresh” ears and can detect and correct possible errors. Especially in music productions that are produced in the same recording studio over a more extended period, such a “control instance” is recommended.
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Recording
Focus entirely on the music and let us take care of the technology. In our recording studio, we offer professional equipment, well-tuned room acoustics, and good vibes. Learn more about our recording setup.
Mixing
How should it sound?
Natural and Warm: Many sound engineers appreciate the “warmth” created by analog mixing. We achieve the “British warm and characteristic sound” with the help of an analog Soundcraft TS12 mixing console. You can find further details about it here.
Sound For Film and Video
Whether on location during live filming or in post-production, we take care of good speech intelligibility, balanced volume levels, audio transitions, and a consistent overall sound for your video. Learn more about sound for video clips.
