buddylee2000, post: 348991 wrote: We are working with a final mix, done on pro tools, and are set to master it. The final mix sounds GREAT and I don't want to alter the sound in the mastering process. What would you suggest be done in the mastering process? I am not a recording engineer. I am the producer of the project. Thanks in advance.

In something like this where it sounds like you are very satisfied with the mixes and final sound, a very light touch is needed in mastering just to assure continuity between songs and then assembly for replication.

WaltzMastering, post: 348992 wrote: In something like this where it sounds like you are very satisfied with the mixes and final sound, a very light touch is needed in mastering just to assure continuity between songs and then assembly for replication.

Thanks Waltz, sounds like the right approach to me. We'll be doing additional recording in the future and will keep you in mind!

It probably should go without saying, but good communication with your ME is crucial. That's true as a general rule (for any collaborator, in fact), but in a case like this it's even more important. A lot of MEs seem to be inundated with people who expect them to work some sort of magic that will make their record the loudest on the radio. Since that's not what you are looking for you need to make your desires clearer. Congratulations on getting a mix that you are excited about!

BobRogers, post: 349011 wrote: It probably should go without saying, but good communication with your ME is crucial. That's true as a general rule (for any collaborator, in fact), but in a case like this it's even more important. A lot of MEs seem to be inundated with people who expect them to work some sort of magic that will make their record the loudest on the radio. Since that's not what you are looking for you need to make your desires clearer. Congratulations on getting a mix that you are excited about!

Thanks Bob, sounds like good advice and much appreciated.

This brings to mind a thread I'm involved in at another forum where a "mastering engineer" (and I use the quotes as a prop in this case) is spouting off about how the mastering engineer is responsible for the overall dynamics - and the stereo image - and the spectral balance (among other things) of a mix.

Of course, my point is that the mastering engineer may be able enhance (or completely screw up) any or all of those aspects -- But -- But... Sorry - Even here I can't put together a sentence properly that makes any sense after hearing such misguided tripe.

Saving "good mixing" for the mastering phase is terribly off the mark. If you're happy with your mixes (as well you should be, dammit) there you go. During the mastering phase, little tweaks may be applied to make one roll into the next a little more consistently, maybe the heads & tails could be tweaked to be a little more transparent, minor EQ tweaks -- or maybe almost nothing at all.

I have no real issues with people who expect a lot from the mastering phase -- But I certainly have no issues with people who prefer the process to be as transparent and 'hands-off' as possible either...

Massive Mastering, post: 349039 wrote: This brings to mind a thread I'm involved in at another forum where a "mastering engineer" (and I use the quotes as a prop in this case) is spouting off about how the mastering engineer is responsible for the overall dynamics - and the stereo image - and the spectral balance (among other things) of a mix.

Of course, my point is that the mastering engineer may be able enhance (or completely screw up) any or all of those aspects -- But -- But... Sorry - Even here I can't put together a sentence properly that makes any sense after hearing such misguided tripe.

Saving "good mixing" for the mastering phase is terribly off the mark. If you're happy with your mixes (as well you should be, dammit) there you go. During the mastering phase, little tweaks may be applied to make one roll into the next a little more consistently, maybe the heads & tails could be tweaked to be a little more transparent, minor EQ tweaks -- or maybe almost nothing at all.

I have no real issues with people who expect a lot from the mastering phase -- But I certainly have no issues with people who prefer the process to be as transparent and 'hands-off' as possible either...

Thanks! Very good information.