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CD Mastering
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is CD Mastering necessary?
In the recording studio, you record one song at a time, and the
focus of the recording or mixing engineer is to make each song
great. The result, however, is generally a collection of songs
that all peak at different levels and may have different EQs.
In the post-production phase (called Audio Mastering or CD Mastering),
a professional engineer unifies the CD by using EQ, compression,
and other dynamics processing to give it a consistent sound from
track to track.
What does CD Mastering do for my album’s sonic quality?
CD Mastering can raise your album's overall level through the
careful use of compression, so your album can compete with any
major label release. The Mastering engineer also ensures that
your music will sound great - whether it's being played through
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.
Audio Mastering is also helpful for addressing issues such as
"pops," out-of-phase tracks, and overall noise reduction.
How does having the SoundLab review my Master help me?
A fresh pair of ears can be the difference between a good-sounding
CD and a great one. A real advantage of CD Mastering is that an
unbiased sound professional has the opportunity to evaluate your
Master 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 to make your music sound its best.
What formats of Audio Master do you accept?
We can accept your Master on one of the following formats:
• CD-R Master (Audio or files)
• PMCD Master (pre-Mastered CD)
• Digital Audio Tape (DAT)
• 1610 or 1630 U-matic Tape
• Mini Disk
• DDP (exabyte tape)
• 1/2" or 1/4" Analog Tape
Handle all Masters carefully, both before and after recording.
Touch them only by the edges and keep them free of fingerprints
and scratches that can cause data errors. Make sure your Master
and box are labeled clearly with your contact information.
Doesn’t CD Mastering cost a lot?
It doesn’t have to. Disc Makers' SoundLab is the best value
in the workflow of making a CD. The CD Mastering that costs you
$490 at the SoundLab can cost you anywhere from $800 to $2,500
at other post production studios. For a fraction of the cost of
other major Mastering studios, SoundLab gives you access to equipment
that will help make your music sound like the pros - our engineering
staff has the gear and the talent to rival the best studios in
the country. We'll make your music ready for commercial release
and your project will receive the individual care and attention
it deserves.
Do I get to listen to my CD after the Audio Mastering
is done?
Absolutely. We’ll send you an Audio reference CD for you
to listen to and review. It’s the perfect time to compare
how much Audio Mastering can do for your album. Listen to your
original CD Master after listening to your Audio reference and
you’ll hear the difference. Crisper highs, thundering lows
and punchy mids bring your vision to life.
Can I Master my own CD?
Yes, but unless you’re an Audio Mastering Engineer it’s
not recommended. It takes a highly trained ear and years of technical
expertise to properly Master an album. But you’re in luck.
Our Audio Mastering Engineers are some of the finest in the industry.
With extensive knowledge in both the newest gear and numerous
styles of music, you’re in good hands.
Should I keep a copy of my original CD Master?
Yes. It is always recommended that you keep a copy of your original
Master; this is called a safety copy. A safety copy can be crucial
if you Master is damaged during shipping to us. Plus, it’s
great to compare against your new Master after the Audio Mastering
process.
Will you preview my Master for Free?
Absolutely. We're so confident that our Audio Mastering can make
a huge difference in the majority of recordings, that we are offering
a FREE CD Mastering review - upon request - when you place a new
CD replication order. As part of our mission to make your CD project
a success, a SoundLab engineer will preview your Audio Master
to determine whether or not your CD would benefit from post production.
Call us and we'll give you our honest opinion, with no sales pitch.
What else do you need beside by Audio Master?
You must complete a Track Listing Form with your Audio Master.
Click here to download the form. Required information on the form
includes a complete and accurate running time log listing all
events (tones, silences, songs, outtakes, noises, etc.) as they
occur. For CD replication, track starts should be indicated on
the log. Maximum program lengths vary by format. For CDs, the
maximum length is 79:45 minutes. For programs over the industry
recommended 78:00 total time, you must submit a signed disclaimer
form with your order. Click
here to download the Track Listing Form.
Why should I choose the SoundLab over another Audio Mastering
studio?
There are a number of reasons to choose the SoundLab for your
Audio Mastering. With years of experience on the highest-quality
industry gear, we’ve mastered both the techniques and equipment
in order to provide you with a superior service. Plus, you’ll
pay a fraction of what you would at another CD Mastering studio
all while receiving exceptional service and attention to detail.
Will CD Mastering help me get an advantage in the marketplace?
You bet. A properly Mastered CD gives you radio-ready sound that
is sonically equivalent to any major label release. By having
CD Mastering done to your album you provide a higher quality product
with consistent tonal quality across the board, something radio
DJs expect and discerning fans appreciate.
What if I’m not happy with the CD Mastering after
it’s done?
No problem. We are so confident that you’ll love your CD
Mastering that if you’re not satisfied you pay nothing.
We’ll just do a straight transfer of your original master.
What type of gear do you work on?
The SoundLab at Disc Makers has consistently remained at the forefront
of technology so your album will sound its best. Our industry-leading
CD Mastering studio offers you access to some of the most advanced
Mastering gear ever produced, at a fraction of the price of the
world's other leading Mastering houses. After CD Mastering, your
project will have the professional edge needed to compete with
major label releases.
EQUALIZERS:
Massenburg Labs
Avalon
Sontec
Weiss
Mellennia Media
Pultec
COMPRESSORS:
Daniel Weiss
Focusrite Blue 330
Tube-Tech
Joe Meek
Millennia Media
MONITORS:
Westlake
Genelec
Quested
Audix
Tannoy
TUBE GEAR:
Giltronics
CONVERTERS:
Apogee
Mytek
DIGITAL AUDIO WORKSTATIONS:
SADiE
Sonic Solutions
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