How does the mastering process work?
The process will vary according to the specific demands of the tracks to be mastered. The typical steps of mastering are: • Audio edited or arranged as it will finally appear. • Eliminate undesirable artifacts, like hum and hiss. • Make audio corrections: level, balance and dynamic range. • Transfer the audio to the final format. A copy of the PMCD (Pre-Mastered Compact Disc) is then submitted for client approval. A typical mastering session might include: • Listen to the source audio and identify problems. • Application of noise reduction techniques. • Set the highest peaks in track volume. • Application of compressors to control the peaks. • Use of equalization to control specific or problematic frequencies. • Application of a dynamic processor to affect tonal range. • Transfer the final master.
