What better way to show you the difference SoundLab
CD Mastering can make than to give you a listen? The online
audio files below contain before and after samples of some of
our post-production work. Some differences will be immediately
obvious. Others are more subtle. With post production, much depends
on the master we receive. Sometimes a master needs significant
work, other times a minor tweak is sufficient. We provide the
engineer's perspective, as well as the artist's. Take a listen
and follow along. Each example is grouped in twos, with the “before”
track playing first.
Note: These are .mp3 files, compressed
using a lossy codec for easy downloading. They do not convey
the full range of the actual CD recordings, and may not sound
as dramatic through your computer speakers. To receive our
full CD of examples of before-and-after recordings which illustrate
the benefits of mastering your project at the Disc Makers
SoundLab, click HERE.
Tracks 1 and 2
Townhall “Kick the Can”
This track was recorded and
mixed well, so it was easy to work with. The idea was to brighten
up the mix a bit and give the vocals more presence. This band
is currently getting radio
airplay so we wanted it to be able to compete with everything
else you’d hear on a daily basis.
“What a difference!”
-George Stanford, Townhall
Philadelphia, PA
Tracks 3 and 4
Eric Hughes “The Harbor”
This is a nicely arranged and orchestrated track. Our idea
was to make the entire track a little fuller and smoother.
The performance was great so we just wanted to enhance it.
We attempted to give the vocals and strings more depth and
body without losing any clarity.
“I found working with Disc Makers to be a great experience.
They were very professional and helped us to get exactly what
we wanted, a great sounding and good-looking CD. At every step
of the process, the staff provided excellent service and communication.
This was our first experience with a recording project and
I would recommend Disc Makers to anyone.”
- Eric Hughes
Chesapeake, Virginia
Tracks 5 and
6
John Volz “Black and White”
The goal here was to give the guitars more edge and bite — to
make the recording jump from the speakers. We felt that as
a heavier recording, it could benefit from that extra kick.
“I’ve been recording all my life, so I know mastering
can make or break a project. When I got back my reference CD,
I think I actually shed a tear. What I had given Disc Makers
was already pre-mastered, but they turned it into a living,
breathing, crisp version of my original.”
-John Volz
Clayton, NJ
Tracks 7 and 8
Stephanie Staples “Breathe on Me”
A tender song that needed some tender touches. We wanted to
make the track a little fuller and make sure the nice acoustic
guitar fills were clean and clear.
“We researched several mastering companies before finding
that Disc Makers had the best equipment, accessible engineers,
and great pricing. Before we sent our final mix, we sent a
few songs to get initial feedback. The mastering engineer took
extra time to listen to the tracks and then contacted us with
suggestions. Working with Disc Makers was a pleasure and we
look forward to working with them in the future!”
-Stephanie Staples
Toledo, OH
Tracks 9 and
10
Geri Mingori Band “Y’all Ain’t Ready”
This client had a vision, and very specific directions. The
goal, as with most projects, is to make the recording into
a cohesive, consistent album. Listen to the difference between
these two
tracks to see how energy is added when songs are mastered.
“My expectations were met – and then blown away.
This was a concept album that needed specific editing that
I knew would be difficult. I was astonished at the precision
that was applied to my edit cues. My hat is tipped to the engineers
at the SoundLab for taking my work and adding that all-important
polish.”
-George Jackson, Geri Mingori Band
Collingswood, NJ
Tracks 11-12
Lacy Spano “Do You Wanna Dance”
This track came to us nearly finished. Still, mastering gave
it a stronger, brighter sound and ultimately, a better finished
product.
“I would like to thank the SoundLab engineers for the
wonderful job they did... Lacy’s next project will surely
be manufactured by Disc Makers.”
-Pete Spano
Abilene, TX
Tracks 13-14
Chris Davis “Learn Not To Feel”
The idea for this project was to strengthen the foundation.
We went in, beefed it up and got a good deal of volume out
of it.
“I knew post production was going to be important. I
didn’t realize how important! The SoundLab engineers
at Disc Makers brought my recording to another level altogether.
They were easy to talk to and responsive to all my concerns.
With a fast turnaround and an affordable price, I wouldn’t
consider a project without taking advantage of their expertise.”
-Chris Davis
Nesquehoning, PA
Tracks 15-16
Joanne Vecchio “Never Never Land”
With our noise reduction capabilities, we are able to help
with problems such as tics, pops, hiss, hum, etc. The process
can be tricky though, since these abnormalities are usually
products of the recordings, so artifacts can remain from the
process. This sample shows how we successfully removed a glitch
while leaving a barely noticeable artifact which the client
was very pleased with. Instead of completely changing the sound
and charm of certain older or analog recordings, we solved
problems one at a time while maintaining the integrity of the
project.
“I’m a purist at heart. I record live at the studio – no
bells, no whistles, no punch-ins. Where Angels Peep Through
ended up on three cassette tapes with no DAT available from
the studio. With patience, professionalism, and perseverance,
the mastering staff at the SoundLab helped me save my project.
I couldn’t be happier.”
-Joanne Vecchio
Cumberland, RI
