Hi there. I hope someone can help with this query. My band have finished mixes of our new album, which we have waited quite a long time for! We are now at the stage where we need to master it ready for release, something which is being hammered home by the mix engineer, who does not want the responsibility of mastering himself.

Now, whilst we are aware that it is a very important stage of the release, we are not so sure about who/what we are looking for. On the mix engineers advice we have approached a couple of people based on the albums that we think stand up pretty well on various systems, particularly in our genre, but beyond that we are stumped.
Our music is a mixture of ska/reggae, rock and indie I guess, and older songs and the odd rough/unmastered mix can be heard at www.myspace.com/jimmythesquirrel

Does anyone have any advice that might help us out? I have always found SOS forums as a great source of knowledge (though previously without having to make specific posts!)

Thanks

Jody

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www.soundcloud.com/trayelectric

I know this one guy.; )

Seriously, there are members of this board that could do this for you.

Just pm or email them and let them know what you are looking for and most would be able to provide you with a sample.

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PM for Affordable Rates - High Quality Analog Mastering
www.waltzmastering.com www.waltzmastering@gmail.com

Hi, thanks for your response, as any of these guys make themselves known I am sure we will do something along those lines. Is there anything to be said for using a mastering engineer with experience of mastering in our genre, or is mastering an art that transcends genre?

The one person we have thought of so far engineered, mixed and mastered a favourite album of ours which to our ears always sounds great whether we've put it on in the van, car at home or in the bar. However, having come this far we want to be able to check out all our options so we can make the most informed choice possible.

J

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www.soundcloud.com/trayelectric

Advertising isn't allowed on these forums so you are unlikely to have anyone come forward offering their services on this thread. However, keep an eye out for the little envelope in the top right corner of your screen as this means that you have a private message.

Cheers

James.

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JRP Music - Audio Mastering and Restoration.
http://www.jrpmusic.net

Hi James, thanks for that, will do. Like I say, I rarely post but often browse the forums so wasn't expecting any advertisments in the the thread, rather people's thoughts on the process of finding a mastering engineer. Initially it can seem very open ended and somewhat daunting given our understanding of the process, especially the damage that can be done from a bad job!

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www.soundcloud.com/trayelectric

Hi Tray,

It really depends on budget too as you could go to one of the big mastering places and I'm sure they will do a fine job. You need to be realistic though - if you like the way a commercial album sounds it has a lot more to do with the production and mixing than the mastering of it.

Mastering great mixes is dead easy - cos they sound great already!




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Mac Pro, Logic Pro, lots of software and 17 hard drives!

Yeah, hopefully we've gone about this recording the right way, as it started with what we think were real good recordings in a studio we were very comfortable in, and (eventually) went to a guy we worked closely with and really trust to mix. Definately think the mix is good. Having aborted one mix, done different overdubs and changed mix engineers we really don't want to f**k it all up with the last stage!

Thanks for your advice though, as obviously the above factors have led to some money being spent (though not over budget I hasten to add) so while we wanna keep cost down to a certain extent, we really aren't averse to paying should we feel it is justified.

The benchmark album I referred to earlier also isn't a million miles away from the standard of mix I HOPE we have, so hopefully being realistic too!

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www.soundcloud.com/trayelectric

Edited by TrayElectric (17/03/10 04:03 PM)

Quote TrayElectric:

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Is there anything to be said for using a mastering engineer with experience of mastering in our genre, or is mastering an art that transcends genre?

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I think it is important to work with an ME who is familiar and has experience with he genre that is specified, although many experienced mastering engineers have a lot of work under their belt working in different genre's anyway, so in those cases it does transcend.

It's really about finding someone you trust and who responds to what you are looking for as far as vision and goals. You don't want to end up with something that is fatiguing to listen to after a few minutes. Your basically looking for someone with an unbiased opinion who can give the album continuity, tonal balance, translation, and assembly as you see/hear it.

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PM for Affordable Rates - High Quality Analog Mastering
www.waltzmastering.com www.waltzmastering@gmail.com