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Dedication
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Dedication
by Evren Göknar
Major Label Mastering
Cover
Half Title
Title
Copyright
Dedication
Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
Credits/Gratitude/Disclaimer
Introduction
Mastering Defined
Major Label Mastering: Professional Mastering Process
Part I • The Key Competencies and Understandings of a Mastering Engineer
Chapter 1 The Mastering Engineer
Competencies
Become an Audiophile
A Note on Sampling Frequency (S) and Bit Depth (BD) in High-Resolution Audio
Musical Genres
Musicality
Deliberate Listening and Subjective Assessment
Become a Critical Listener
The Image or Soundstage
Playback System Considerations
Become Aware of Recording Methods and Technologies
Become Knowledgeable About Audio Mastering Tools
The Primary Colors of Mastering
Electronic Components and Circuit Design Topologies
Know Audio Frequencies
Understand Panning
Know Loudness Metering/Level Measurements
Become Knowledgeable About Acoustics and Listening Environments
The Effect of Acoustics on Sound
Become Proficient With Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs)
Become Adept at Quality Control (QC) Methods
Become Able to Generate the Audio Master
Implement Recallable Workflow Approaches
Mastering Notes and the Capitol EQ Rundown Card
Notes on Recalling Settings
Naming Conventions
Become Personable and Entrepreneurial in Demeanor
Key Understandings to Possess
Sampling Theorem
Analog Domain vs. Digital Domain Considerations
Conclusion
Exercises
Chapter 2 Listening Experience: The Mastering Engineer’s Primary Concern
The Eleven Qualities of Superb Audio Fidelity
Level/Apparent Loudness
Image
Transient Response
Depth
Definition
Clarity
Detail
Extension
Correct Dynamics (Musicality)
Vocal (or Featured Instrument) Halo
Blossom
Conclusion
Exercises
Part II • The Mastering Studio and Fundamental Mastering Tools
Chapter 3 The Mastering Studio
A Critical Listening Environment
The Room
Common Design and Treatment Approaches
Acoustic Properties and Sound
Common Acoustical Issues—Standing Waves, Flutter Echo, and Comb Filtering
Acoustical Testing and Treatments
Speaker Monitor Calibration
Front/Back Treatment Approaches
Power and Grounding
Speakers and Power Amplifiers
Soffit-Mounted
Freestanding
Near-Field Monitors
Off-Axis Listening (OAL)
Power Amplifiers
Monitor Path/Monitor Control
Signal (Channel) Path
Mastering Console vs. Point-to-Point Considerations
Cabling/Interconnects/AC Cords
Digital Clocking and Dither
The Anatomy of a Professional Mastering Studio
The Three Zone Mastering System
Conclusion
Exercises
Chapter 4 Fundamental Mastering Tools and The Primary Colors of Mastering
Analog-to-Digital and Digital-to-Analog Converters (AD and DA)
Mastering Reference Levels
Equalizers (EQ)
Equalizer Configurations
Compressors/Limiters
Varieties of Analog Compressors
Expanders/Gates
Brickwall Limiter (BWL)
BWL Safety—User Tips
Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs)
Conclusion
Exercises
Part III • Professional Mastering Process: The Five Step Mastering Process
Chapter 5 Step I: Objective Assessment
Verify the Sampling Frequency (S), Bit Depth (BD), and File Type
Measure the Decibels Full Scale (dBFS) RMS and Peak Levels of the Audio File
VU Meter Reading
Target Levels of Mastered Audio
Waveform Inspection
Conclusion
Exercises
Chapter 6 Step II: Subjective Assessment
Deliberate Listening Revisited
Three Questions That Frame Subjective Assessment
Is the Listening Experience Pleasing, Effective, and Genre-Appropriate?
Are There Mix Issues?
How Present or Lacking Are the Eleven Qualities of Superb Audio Fidelity?
Musical Genres
Subjective Assessment Before Mastering
Subjective Assessment After Mastering
Conclusion
Exercises
Chapter 7 Step III: The Mastering Game Plan
Setup—The Mastering Game Plan ‘Flight Check’
Select Sampling Frequency (S) and Bit Depth (BD) of Mastered Audio
Select Signal Path
After You, Kind Sir: Compressor or Equalizer First in the Mastering Chain?
Monitoring Positions in Signal Path
Oscillator Sweep the Signal Path
Verify L/R Integrity Through Mastering System
Select the Critical First Mix to Master
The Best Sounding Mix
Organize the Mixes
Execution of The Mastering Game Plan
Gain Structure
Gain Distribution in The Three Zone Mastering System
Compression/Limiting (Dynamics)
EQ
Capture
Conclusion
Exercises
Chapter 8 Step IV: Assembly—Links in a Chain
Tops/Tails Editing and Song Spacing
PQ Encoding/Indexing
Metadata
CD-Era Shenanigans: Hidden Tracks
Conclusion
Exercises
Chapter 9 Step V: Delivery—Generate the Master
Plant Master Compact Disc (PMCD)
Disc Description Protocol (DDP) CD Master
Digital Audio Files (.wav, .aiff, .dsd, .flac, .alac)
High-Resolution Digital File Formats (.dsd, .flac, .alac) Overview
Mastered for iTunes File (MFiT)/Apple Digital Masters (ADM) File
Streaming Services
Files for Vinyl Mastering
Generating the Master
Dither/Render/Burn
Quality Control (QC)
Check All Song Starts and Transitions
Listen to the Entire Album
Information to Verify
Audio Integrity to Approve
For Digital File Masters
CD Master Designations
Conclusion
Exercises
Part IV • Professional Mastering Process—Macro Considerations
Chapter 10 Before the Mastering Session
Preliminary Dialogue With the Client
Genre-Specific Considerations
Experiment Regularly
The Mastering Shoot-Out
Pricing
Conclusion
Chapter 11 The Inner Game: Mindset Approaches
Mastering Is Either Effective or Not
Psychoacoustics
Lead the Listener by Embracing Macro-Dynamics
Work Habits
Be Meticulous
Documentation (Notes)
Listen Universally
Manage Problems With Humility and Professionalism
Conclusion
Chapter 12 Session-Saving Mastering Tips
Mix Evaluation—Reject a Subpar Mix or Project
Oscillator Sweep the Signal Path Redux
Spectrum Analyze the Mastered Audio
When In-the-Box (ITB) Mastering Is Your Friend
What If Your Client Is Difficult?
Conclusion
Part V • Professional Mastering Process—Micro Considerations
Chapter 13 Detailed Guidelines for Processing Audio
Select Converters and Signal Path
Equipment Sequencing Considerations
The Three Zone Mastering System (Detail Moves)
Zone 1 Moves—PBDAW Adjustments
Set Optimal Mix Playback Level
Write Macro-Dynamic Automation
Preserve Leading Edge Transients
Advanced PBDAW Adjustments
Zone 2 Moves—Analog Signal Path
The Mastering Console (Gain and Other Features)
Zone 3 Moves—After AD Conversion and in the RDAW
Adjustment Sequence: Gain Structure, Dynamics, and EQ
Match Mix and Master VU Metering
Conclusion
Chapter 14 Advanced Mastering Chain Tools and Techniques
Side-Chain Compression (s.c.)
Multiband Compression/Limiting (MBC/L)
Serial Peak-Limiting
Dynamic EQ
Saturation
Analog Tape Compression
Clipping
Parallel Processing (Compression and EQ)
Mid-Side Processing (M/S)
Hybrid Domain Mastering (Both Digital and Analog)
Line Amps and Transformers
Stem Mastering
Intercuts (Mastering Moves by Song Section)
Adding Reverberation
Conclusion
Exercises
Chapter 15 Mid-Side (M/S): An Elixir of Mastering Hope
M/S at Capitol Mastering
M/S Stereo Recording Technique—History and Origins
Microphone Signals
At Console Input
Signal Summing Matrix at Console
In a Mastering Context
Encoding From Stereo Into M/S
Decoding Out of M/S Back Into Stereo
Creating an M/S Matrix in Pro Tools
Encoding (DAW Example)
Decoding (DAW Example)
Practical Applications of M/S in Mastering
M/S Hardware Processors for Mastering
M/S Plug-Ins for Mastering
Conclusion
Exercises
Chapter 16 In-the-Box Considerations
Drawbacks
When to Use ITB Mastering
Basic and Advanced Setups
Digital Hardware Options
Sampling Theorem and ITB
Conclusion
Exercises
Chapter 17 De-Noising/Audio Restoration (Out, Damned Spot!)
Sonic Solutions NoNoise
Izotope RX7
Cedar
Options Onboard Your DAW
Conclusion
Exercises
Chapter 18 Conclusion and Summary
Appendix I: Common Mastering Acronyms and Terms
Acronyms
A–C
D–F
G–L
M–R
S–Z
Appendix II: Awards and Notable Projects
Awards and Notable Projects
Appendix III: Mastering Biography
Index
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