How to Master Audio
Buy a high-quality set of speakers or headphones., Mix down a session to a single stereo track., Maintain the highest bit-rate possible., Normalize the track., Apply a basic equalization., Apply compression to gain control over the dynamic range of...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Buy a high-quality set of speakers or headphones.
To master audio, you must be able to accurately hear what is playing back.
Studio monitors or headphones can be expensive, but they are essential tools. -
Step 2: Mix down a session to a single stereo track.
"Mixing down" means taking all the tracks you've recorded and exporting them, or mixing them, to a single stereo track.
It is better to apply effects using a single stereo track than use the master bus on an entire session.
The "master bus" is the master volume channel for all of the tracks you record.
Some engineers decide to apply mastering effects to this channel, but it is not advisable for novices , If you recorded at the recommended 32-bit rate, maintain this quality.
You can convert the file to the CD-standard 16-bit rate once you've applied your effects and are satisfied with the track. , Normalizing brings the highest amplitude to the maximum volume you have set.
Many people set their peak at
-0.2 dB, which means the waveform will be raised to a maximum of
0.2 decibels under zero. , Depending on the quality of the initial mix you don't want to make a lot of drastic changes here.
Experiment until you've achieved the desired sound.
Add more bass and lower mid-range frequencies to create body.
Bring up the upper harmonics to produce more clarity.
For example, cutting frequencies around 250 Hz will add some clarity to the sound; and boosting around 1kHz will make the vocals appear more present. , Dynamic range is the amount the song varies from it's lowest volume to it's greatest volume.
Start with a 2:1 ratio and set the post gain at
0.
Make very small tweaks until you achieve the desired effect.
You should notice that quieter parts of the song sound louder and clearer, and that louder parts are not as loud.
Don't make the ratio too high or else you will get a very squashed sound.
A squashed sound implies that the audio does not sound open and the subtleties of the piece are lost because every instrument is so close in volume. , This is meant to be put in the chain after the compression and is helpful in shaping the tone.
You probably won't need much equalization, but you can do some minor shaping to the sound after you apply the dynamic effects of compression. , Reverb essentially models room spaces and gives the processed audio track more of a live feel.
Reverb will add depth and give the stereo track a warm and complete sound.
Add as much or as little as you'd like, depending on the effect you are seeking. , Limiting the audio to a certain dB level will give you more volume.
Begin by setting your limiter at
-0.2 dB.
You should notice a definite increase in volume.
To avoid unnatural, unpleasant sounds, do not raise the gain too high. , You can do this with your audio mastering program, so consult the program instructions for help. , When burning your mastered audio track to a CD, set the write speed as low as possible to make sure the quality of audio is as high as possible.
Many engineers burn at 1x or 2x.
You can then duplicate the burned disk and be assured the sound quality will be replicated. -
Step 3: Maintain the highest bit-rate possible.
-
Step 4: Normalize the track.
-
Step 5: Apply a basic equalization.
-
Step 6: Apply compression to gain control over the dynamic range of the audio track.
-
Step 7: Apply equalization.
-
Step 8: Apply reverb to the track.
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Step 9: Apply a limiter.
-
Step 10: Convert your stereo file to 16-bit and 44.1 kHz.
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Step 11: Burn the track to a CD.
Detailed Guide
To master audio, you must be able to accurately hear what is playing back.
Studio monitors or headphones can be expensive, but they are essential tools.
"Mixing down" means taking all the tracks you've recorded and exporting them, or mixing them, to a single stereo track.
It is better to apply effects using a single stereo track than use the master bus on an entire session.
The "master bus" is the master volume channel for all of the tracks you record.
Some engineers decide to apply mastering effects to this channel, but it is not advisable for novices , If you recorded at the recommended 32-bit rate, maintain this quality.
You can convert the file to the CD-standard 16-bit rate once you've applied your effects and are satisfied with the track. , Normalizing brings the highest amplitude to the maximum volume you have set.
Many people set their peak at
-0.2 dB, which means the waveform will be raised to a maximum of
0.2 decibels under zero. , Depending on the quality of the initial mix you don't want to make a lot of drastic changes here.
Experiment until you've achieved the desired sound.
Add more bass and lower mid-range frequencies to create body.
Bring up the upper harmonics to produce more clarity.
For example, cutting frequencies around 250 Hz will add some clarity to the sound; and boosting around 1kHz will make the vocals appear more present. , Dynamic range is the amount the song varies from it's lowest volume to it's greatest volume.
Start with a 2:1 ratio and set the post gain at
0.
Make very small tweaks until you achieve the desired effect.
You should notice that quieter parts of the song sound louder and clearer, and that louder parts are not as loud.
Don't make the ratio too high or else you will get a very squashed sound.
A squashed sound implies that the audio does not sound open and the subtleties of the piece are lost because every instrument is so close in volume. , This is meant to be put in the chain after the compression and is helpful in shaping the tone.
You probably won't need much equalization, but you can do some minor shaping to the sound after you apply the dynamic effects of compression. , Reverb essentially models room spaces and gives the processed audio track more of a live feel.
Reverb will add depth and give the stereo track a warm and complete sound.
Add as much or as little as you'd like, depending on the effect you are seeking. , Limiting the audio to a certain dB level will give you more volume.
Begin by setting your limiter at
-0.2 dB.
You should notice a definite increase in volume.
To avoid unnatural, unpleasant sounds, do not raise the gain too high. , You can do this with your audio mastering program, so consult the program instructions for help. , When burning your mastered audio track to a CD, set the write speed as low as possible to make sure the quality of audio is as high as possible.
Many engineers burn at 1x or 2x.
You can then duplicate the burned disk and be assured the sound quality will be replicated.
About the Author
Samuel Henderson
Samuel Henderson specializes in educational content and has been creating helpful content for over 5 years. Samuel is committed to helping readers learn new skills and improve their lives.
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