Mastering Direction Help?

[Michael_Lewis]

Hey folks! Just finished up recording a song with a band I play in. Next thing we need to do is get it mastered somewhere. Any directions/website you guys would suggest? Don't judge but we are looking in the 25-100 budget range.

[CS70]

I did this Excel last year. Some info may be outdated, but can give you a start.

[Jack Ruston]

Try Ed Woods

J

[Sam Inglis]

What changes are you hoping that the mastering will make to the track?

[The Elf]

I'm happy to look at it, and within budget, but Sam's question is important.

PM me if you're interested.

[Michael_Lewis]

I was thinking that it may help just clamp everything down one last time... i'm not sure. I've just been told by many, like our producer, and others that it's just a necessary part.

[Stef Andrews]

Can thoroughly recommend Tom Woodhead at Hippocratic Mastering. Have used him a few times along with having heard many things pass through his fingers/ears - great work!

[Michael_Lewis]

After did a minimal amount of research I found a company called Mercury Mastering. Any input? Still considering all these other options.

[SafeandSound Mastering]

Hi Michael, mastering music is a good plan for numerous reasons. The entirety of recorded history has been mastered with good reason even though it may well have been mixed by a world class mix engineer. Much music is not, so it stands to reason the value of mastering is typically high, especially in recent years where competent engineers are far from costly.

For a single track the main reasons:

1) Objective listen to a mix with fresh experienced ears (with mix appraisal inclusive)
2) Quality control, listening for defects such as bad edits/clicks/glitches
3) Subjective enhancement / correction of tonal dynamic issues.
4) Optimal translation-critical tonal adjustment with linear room and monitoring.

For multiple tracks:

Sympathetic spacing, optimal tonal and dynamic interaction between pieces on an album. Compilation and QC of a medium ready for duplication/replication.

The listening techniques for mastering are a little different from those for mixing as it needs to relate to the inherent limitations of manipulating a stereo mix down. (and/or providing appraisal if requested by the client) You may find this video of interest, it is unscripted and so what one would call "naturally" presented.

Audio mastering explained

All the best however you proceed.