Cyclotron
Records Pro Audio Mastering provides CD mastering for independent
artists at affordable rates.
The
Mastering Process
The
mastering process begins with an assessment of the music style.
The mastering techniques used for Dance music, for example, differ
from the techniques used for Rock music. Specifically, information
in the bass range of the audio spectrum will be more heavily compressed
and maximized for Dance music and will be less compressed for Rock
Music.
The
next step is enhancing the quality of the recording as necessary.
Enhancing can include equalizing to balance the frequency levels;
using state of the art filters to bring out the treble frequencies;
removing any unwanted noise (i.e. tape hiss); and/or adding analog
warmth to smooth out the sound. Check out our samples
page for examples of projects we've worked on.
Why
Mastering is Important
When
making tracks in your home studio, you'll find that your final mixes
sound a little flat compared to professional, store-bought CDs.
Our professional engineers will make sure your tracks sound as loud
and as crisp as your store-bought CDs. Cyclotron Records uses high-end
audio plug-ins and analog equipment to ensure your tracks stack
up to any commercial disc. Even if you're only going to create MP3s
for distribution over the Internet, you still need to master your
tracks prior to data compression. With proper mastering, your MP3s
will sound louder and fuller and will help give you a professional
edge.
Our
Philosophy
Simply
making a track as loud as it can be does not constitute proper mastering.
It is important to give the music room to breath. Over-compressing
or over-limiting can create ear fatigue in just a matter of minutes.
There are several software packages that will allow you to make
your tracks louder, but most inexpensive packages do so at the cost
of audio loss. When your audio is clipped (that is, deleted due to
over-modulation) you're losing your precious music. Sure it may
sound loud, but you'll be missing subtle dynamics that make a track
more engaging.
Even
the most experienced recording studios rely on mastering engineers
to put the finishing touches on their products. The reason for this
is twofold. First of all, mastering engineers only focus on mastering.
Therefore, they are able to dedicate their time to making the final
mix sound as good as it can and are not concerned with mixing each
individual recorded element. Secondlyand perhaps more importantlyit
is absolutely imperative that someone other than the artist do the
mastering because they aren't as close to the project as the artist
and/or recording engineer. The mastering engineer will be able to
listen to your track with a fresh set of ears and will be able to
process your track objectively, making sure your finished product
is competitive with other commercial releases.
Start
with a Good Mix
Although
the mastering process can definitely make a track sound much better,
it cannot compensate for poor mixing techniques. For this reason,
it is important to start with a well mixed final version. Additionally,
minimal (but preferably no) final mix compression and processing
should be used before mastering. Final mix compression should only
be done at the mastering stage and left to a professional.
The
Process | Rates | Samples
| FAQ | Contact
| Order
|