While most engineers know that using a pro mastering engineer brings the best results, many mixers must produce the finished article themselves. Here are some things to keep in mind for self-created masters that actually make things better.
7 Studio Headphones For Tracking Or Mixing In 2024
Whether it’s for a different perspective on the mix, or for foldback on the studio floor the humble headphone is a mighty studio staple. With choices ever evolving, here we round up our current favourite cans in 2024 for any occasion…
An Accurate Way To Make AB Audio Comparisons
Although most DAWs have their own way of bypassing chains of audio plugins for decision-making, none do what is really needed for meaningful choices: loudness and delay-compensated monitoring. We check out one tool that can do it all…
Understanding Loudness Part 5 - Preparing Content For Music Streaming Services
As a follow-up on Mike’s Understanding Loudness, which is now free, in this article, we are going to cover loudness for music streaming services, including loudness normalisation, album normalisation and how to prepare music tracks for music streaming services, with three free tutorials.
oeksound Bloom - Expert Review
With two well-regarded intelligent fixers already under their belt, oeksound have now turned their attention to something different with distinctly artistic leanings. Here we put Bloom to the Experts for them to deliver their verdicts...
oeksound Bloom First Look
With corrective therapies already under their belt, oeksound have now turned their expertise towards more creative tonal shaping. So what does Bloom do and how does it sound? See and hear it for yourself as we take our first look.
How Good Is Logic Pro Mastering Assistant? Take A Listen - The Results
Back in November we published an article How Good Is Logic Pro Mastering Assistant? Take A Listen in which we processed a track with the four alternative flavours of AI assisted mastering which had come to Logic and asked the community which they preferred? What if anything can we infer from the results?
Steinberg Wavelab 12 Announced - ARA Included In 80 New Features
Steinberg has recently unveiled WaveLab 12, their latest offering in the world of audio mastering and editing. This new version boasts nearly 80 new features and improvements, making it a significant update for professionals and enthusiasts in the audio industry.
Being Good At Every Audio Production Skill Is A Myth - Here’s Why
The availability of amazing audio tools makes it easy for anyone to get hold of anything. With audio production bringing together a number of skill sets, we discuss why it might not be possible to excel at everything even when we think we’re fully equipped…
How Good Is Logic Pro Mastering Assistant? Take A Listen
The introduction of Apple Logic Pro’s new Mastering Assistant is an helpful development for some music producers and audio engineers. Especially for those who don’t have the skill that a professional mastering engineer brings, or the budget to hire one. We take it for a test, we’ve included the audio so you can take the test and listen for yourself.
Six Ways Mix Engineers Can Prepare For Mastering
Successful masters come from successful mixes. Here we talk about some of the artistic considerations as well as the more practical things to have in order before that hard-won mix goes to Mastering.
Pulsar Audio W495 -Tested
Evoking a classic mastering EQ, Pulsar Audio’s W495 promises wide, musical flavours and control that goes beyond where stereo EQs usually ends. Here we explore how its vinyl roots are more than just a nod to the days of pure listening enjoyment…
We Check Out Waves Online Mastering
When it comes to mastering, self recording artists and producing creatives have a lot to navigate. For those who do choose to go it alone, Waves Online Mastering sets out to automate the process for pain-free deliverables. Here we try it for ourselves.
When Is An Audio Spectrum Analyser Useful?
Analyzers can show us lots but what can they actually tell us about making the mix better? Here we look at when an extra window on the mix can help.
Using PSP stereoController2 To Restore Symmetry In The Mix
Although stereo sources in real life aren’t usually symmetrical, it’s often desirable to even things out in the mix. Here we use one tool to tip the balance on recorded sounds with results that completely outrun Pan and Balance…
Using The Mid Side EQ In The Pulsar 8200 For Mastering
When it comes to mastering, the best mixes arrive without the need for much EQ at all, if any. That said there are those times when mixed audio could benefit from some shaping. Where regular stereo EQ has its limits, these three mid side treatments can help.
Massenburg DesignWorks MDWDRC2 Native - Expert Review
The traditional dynamic processors known to most have their limits. Setting out to provide maximum transparent dynamic control, even at the extremes, we put the latest from the mind of audio giant George Massenburg to the Experts…
Pulsar 8200 Parametric EQ Plugin - First Look
For some, parametric EQ begins and ends with GML’s legendary 8200. Following its release, we take our first look at the new Pulsar 8200. With a fresh take on a studio legend, how does this feature-packed homage perform? Watch and hear it for yourself.
How To Get Masters That Work In The Real World
Despite an end to the Loudness War, getting louder masters for bass-heavy genres is still a consideration for engineers working in these styles. Here Erman Aydöner shares with us his moves for healthy masters without skimping on the low end.
We Check Out United Plugins MasterMind
Although one-stop mastering processing in a single box isn’t new, simple audio plugins providing the same thing are fewer and further between. We take a look at one solution for engineering producers that aims to cover all bases…