First off get Bob Katz's book [[url=http://[/URL]="http://www.amazon.c…"]Cubase.net .:::. View Forum - Wavelab 7[/]="http://www.amazon.c…"]Cubase.net .:::. View Forum - Wavelab 7[/]. and read the information there. When you have done all of this and still have specific questions then you can ask them here. FWIW and YMMV

You can do mastering in 3 ez steps in Wavelab! (ducks chairs thrown at me)

1. Normalize panning

2. Normalize level to -1db

3. Edit the beginning and end to put in a quick fade.

Listen and enjoy! Dont forget to save.

That'll get you started. Real mastering takes as many years to learn as playing an instrument very well.

Please don't squash the dynamics out of everything! Real music breathes!

Taken what both of you said on board. I'll start with what you said John and I'll get right onto those books etc.

Thank you both for the information.

Usually I youtube things like this but not with mixing and mastering.. I find that there are a lot of people on youtube who really have no idea what they are doing and I would prefer to get the information from a specialist forum like this.

Thanks again!

A) To create a cohesive and compliant (to the media) production master from which all copies will be made.

Steps?

1. Listen objectively (this is the part where people typically mess up) --
2. Realistically establish a "mental visualization" of the potential of the recording --
3. Do what the recording needs to get from point "A" to point "B" --
3b. This needs to be done individually and holistically at the same time --

B) If you don't know, I don't know what to tell you (other than perhaps reading those books).

C) Listening skills and knowing your tools is everything. The chain will likely be different from mix to mix - There are no presets, there are no starting points (except "Listen").

JohnTodd, post: 358865 wrote: You can do mastering in 3 ez steps in Wavelab! (ducks chairs thrown at me)

1. Normalize panning

2. Normalize level to -1db

3. Edit the beginning and end to put in a quick fade.

Listen and enjoy! Dont forget to save.

That'll get you started. Real mastering takes as many years to learn as playing an instrument very well.

Please don't squash the dynamics out of everything! Real music breathes!

I hope this reply was done somewhat "tongue in cheek????"

Massive Mastering, post: 358967 wrote: A) To create a cohesive and compliant (to the media) production master from which all copies will be made.

Steps?

1. Listen objectively (this is the part where people typically mess up) --
2. Realistically establish a "mental visualization" of the potential of the recording --
3. Do what the recording needs to get from point "A" to point "B" --
3b. This needs to be done individually and holistically at the same time --

B) If you don't know, I don't know what to tell you (other than perhaps reading those books).

C) Listening skills and knowing your tools is everything. The chain will likely be different from mix to mix - There are no presets, there are no starting points (except "Listen").

Well put. I would only add...

Having the proper space, acoustics, equipment and experience doing lots of mastering really helps....It is, as others have said, not something you learn overnight and there are no tricks or shortcuts to doing a good job,

Hello,

Mastering you'll want to do with fresh ears for the music needing work.

You just need to get in there and do it, over and over till you start hearing what you are doing.
It's best to have reference cd's of what sound you want, and constantly compare.
Biggest things would be, but only as neccesary,
Equalization, Compression, Stereo imaging and a Brick wall Limiter.
You are really trying to sweetin' up the songs, and make the album sound fluid. It will take lots of time and practice but start small and keep checking the forums, good luck

Keep It Trill
LOS

Thomas W. Bethel, post: 358970 wrote: I hope this reply was done somewhat "tongue in cheek????"

Somewhat, yes. You guys are great on theory, I just wanted to give him some concrete things he can do to get started. Mastering is a voo-doo art that I hope to improve myself in soon.

This is all very helpful as I currently don't have the first clue..

However.. I am extremely pleased to hear that it is more listening than a set plan because I have really good ears even though I have no mastering experience.. I guess it's time to get a few demo tracks done and have a play about for an exercise!

Thank you everyone!

That's great to hear, good luck and keep your ears fresh