Common Misconceptions of the Mastering Process
The mastering process is an important and often misunderstood aspect of audio production. There are many misconceptions about what mastering is, what it involves, and what it can achieve. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common misconceptions about the mastering process.
Mastering is just adding volume: One of the most common misconceptions about mastering is that it is just about adding volume to a mix. While increasing the volume is one aspect of mastering, it is just the tip of the iceberg. The mastering process is designed to enhance the overall sound of a mix, and involves a variety of technical and creative processes, such as equalization, compression, stereo imaging, and limiting.
Mastering can fix poor mixes: Another misconception is that mastering can fix poor mixes. While mastering can enhance a mix and make it sound better, it cannot fix fundamental problems, such as poor sound balance, incorrect instrument placement, and excessive distortion. These issues must be addressed during the mixing process.
Mastering can make a bad recording sound great: It is also a misconception that mastering can make a bad recording sound great. If a recording is of poor quality, no amount of mastering can save it. The best results are achieved by recording high-quality audio in the first place, and then using mastering to enhance the mix and prepare it for commercial release.
Mastering is only necessary for commercial releases: Another misconception is that mastering is only necessary for commercial releases. While mastering is often associated with commercial releases, it can also be useful for any project that requires a professional and polished sound. For example, mastering can help home recordings and demo recordings sound more professional and competitive.
Mastering is a one-size-fits-all process: It is also a misconception that mastering is a one-size-fits-all process. Every mix is unique, and as a result, mastering should be approached as a unique project, taking into account the genre, style, and intended audience. A mastering engineer must be able to adapt their approach for each project to achieve the best results.
Mastering only involves using plug-ins: Another common misconception is that mastering only involves using plug-ins. While digital audio workstations (DAWs) and plug-ins are commonly used in the mastering process, it is important to remember that the best results are often achieved through a combination of digital and analog processing. An experienced mastering engineer will have a wealth of analog gear, such as equalizers and compressors, at their disposal, which can be used to shape the sound in a way that is not possible with digital processing alone.
Mastering is a complex and often misunderstood aspect of audio production. Understanding the common misconceptions about mastering can help you make informed decisions about your audio projects and achieve the best possible results. Whether you are a recording artist, producer, or engineer, it is important to have a clear understanding of what mastering is and what it can achieve, in order to produce high-quality audio that stands the test of time.
