~ Audio Mastering

When it comes to audio mastering, using an experienced mastering engineer is key to taking your audio project to the next level. AudioIntegrity knows that you only get one chance to make a lasting impression. We use only top quality, professional analog and digital equipment from Prism, Shadow Hills, Maselec, Inward Connections and others. With some of the best gear and over 15 years audio mastering experience (19 years as a recording engineer) we achieve that next level to your sound.

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For all audio mastering tasks we use Sequoia systems utilizing Lynx AES-2 sound cards offering true 16, 24 and 32-bit support, all up to 192KHz sample rates. We deliver your final audio projects as Red Book Pre-master CD's (PMCD's) or via the internet as a DDP Project file set. Masters can be burned with CD-Text, UPC and ISRC codes. This information is burned onto the master and is part of the final master disc. From start to finish, our goal is to make the audio mastering process as easy and seamless as possible. We make every aspect carefree and painless, from delivery of the mixes to mastering to approval of test files and last but not least, delivery of the final masters.
 
Although we may be the ones doing the mastering, you are always in control of the project. This a good time to take the opportunity in speaking with us or emailing any feedback or mix comments related to your sonic vision or other specific requests. You're part of this collaborative effort. We know that you want perfection for your project and we strive to give you nothing less. Once we've done the mastering all projects receive test samples for listening and approval. This allows you to give us feedback and make any necessary revisions. Although we strive to "nail" it the first time around, we'll do everything we can to make it the best it can be and make sure you as the client is happy. In the end it's all about satisfying our audio clients and performing the best cd mastering services possible.

Our process...

First, you deliver your files via our File Management Service (we will provide a link to your private upload page) or by mail. We request that your mixes be in the .wav or .aiff format - at the resolution your recorded it (don't dither or sample rate convert). We can also accept regular cd's, dvd's, dat's and Masterlink Discs. Make sure you leave some headroom to work with - at least 3dB max peak below zero (not RMS). Let the mastering process take care of final volume and loudness.

Once we have your mixes we will start the audio mastering process. This starts by applying final equalization to your project to help balance frequencies and enhance the over all sound. We do this by listening first. Then with experienced ears and our Inward Connections DEQ-1 Analog Mastering EQ, we shape the frequencies that bring your project to life. AudioIntegrity also uses high end AudioCube Cube-tec software plugins for extreme filtering and other eq related tasks.

Next, through creative compression and limiting we bring your project up to "radio" CD standards. In this stage of the mastering process we normalize and balance volume levels by applying compression and limiting to create a consistent and dynamic flow from beginning to end (amounts used are determined by the program material and ultimately what sounds good to the ear). With our Shadow Hills Industries Mastering Optograph (Stereo Optical Compressor), Maselec MLA-3 Multi-band Analog Compressor and the WAVES MAX BCL bass enhancer/compressor/limiter, we can offer an array of tonal texture and compression types in the analog AND digital domain.

For projects that require or choose a analog/digital approach, all Digital to Analog and Analog to Digital conversions are done using the Lavry Engineering DA-11 and PRISM Dream AD-2 converters. This insures that we have the cleanest and most accurate conversion which preserves the integrity of the original recording.

For the final stage of the mastering process, after all songs have been mastered, we then edit and sequence each song to your chosen song order. Spacing between songs is done by "feel" rather than set spacing ( 2 sec. or 3 sec.). How the album flows from song to song is also an important factor in the quality of the final project. After test .wav files have been uploaded or a test CD copy has been delivered and approved, we then create the final PMCD or DDP 2.0 fileset and deliver them to you or your chosen duplicator.

Articles:

What is Audio Mastering?
Audio Mixing and Mastering, The Differences