DO I NEED MY PROJECT MASTERED?
It depends on how you will be using your music production. If your your production is for self satisfaction, and for friends and family to hear, then I might not master. But if you plan on public broadcast (ie: myspace), selling, pitching to Movies, TV or radio then I would definately master.
Why is CD Mastering necessary?
When recording, the entire focus is on the mix of each individual song. Then when you compile them together, they may be at different levels and may not match sonically. That is where mastering comes in. Mastering is the art of creating an even flow of tracks on a cd. This consists of volume adjustments, sonic characteristics, and spreads (the distance between songs). Mastering is also the last chance to correct any problems in the file before reproduction.
Mastering can raise your album's overall level so that your album will compete with major label releases. The mastering engineer also ensures that your music will sound great whether it's being played on the radio, a car stereo, a portable CD player, or a top-of-the-line stereo system. In CD Mastering, the sound of your CD will be optimized, making it sound punchy, warm, and full, while raising the overall level (volume) and highlighting details that aren't already apparent. Mastering is also helpful for addressing issues such as "pops," out-of-phase tracks, and overall noise reduction.
A fresh pair of ears can be the difference between a good-sounding CD and a great one. A real advantage of post production is that an unbiased sound professional has the opportunity to evaluate your music and determine how to get the most out of your production. After you've spent weeks or even months in a recording studio listening to your CD over and over again, a fresh pair of ears can put the project into perspective for you and let you know whether or not your CD will benefit from post production. After all, you only have one chance for a first impression so make your music sounds its very best.
Upload your song Now! (please leave contact info)
rob@fhmastering.com