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What is audio mastering?

Audio Mastering is the final and most important step in the recording process. Mastering is the process of transferring your final demo into a "master" that is used for duplication, replication and playback on a multitude of different systems. In essence it is the 'sweetening' of your music and adding 'punch' to give you that definitive sound. For this reason it is often said to be 'the difference between a demo and a record'.

What kind of mastering does Imperial Media offer?

At Imperial Media we offer a full selection of mastering services, including:

• Matching levels
• Equalization
• Compression
• Topping & tailing
• Fading
• Noise reduction

As well as correcting any recording problems, our audio mastering process will improve the overall tone, levels and dynamic range of your tracks whilst defining an appropriate balance for the final sequence.

How does the mastering process work?

The process will vary according to the specific demands of the tracks to be mastered. The typical steps of mastering are:

1. Audio edited or arranged as it will finally appear.
2. Eliminate undesirable artifacts, like hum and hiss.
3. Make audio corrections: level, balance and dynamic range.
4. Transfer the audio to the final format. A copy of the PMCD (Pre-Mastered Compact Disc) is then submitted for client approval.

A typical mastering session might include:

1. Listen to the source audio and identify problems.
2. Application of noise reduction techniques.
3. Set the highest peaks in track volume.
4. Application of compressors to control the peaks.
5. Use of equalization to control specific or problematic frequencies.
6. Application of a dynamic processor to affect tonal range.
7. Transfer the final master.

What does 'Matching Levels' mean?

'Matching Levels' is sometimes referred to as 'Normalization', and consists of adjusting volume levels of the various tracks within a CD so that there are no jarringly loud or quiet tracks. The normalization is of overall tracks and not individual instruments within the track. The end product should have consistency across tracks to ensure the ideal playback experience for the listener.

What is 'Equalization'?

Applying final equalization to your project helps balance frequencies and it give your tracks clarity and definition. Often times a recording mix needs a little assistance in some frequency ranges, and equalization, i.e. tonal adjustment, can help. Good equalization can add sparkle to the top end, definition to the low end, and presence in the middle. In addition, it is often necessary to make slight tonal changes to keep sonic continuity from song to song in a CD, especially if the songs were mixed at different times or in different studios.

What is compression?

Technically, compression (or limiting) is often necessary to control excessive momentary sound level. Generally, all amplified live shows and commercially released CDs have some compression, whether on individual instruments or on the entire mix. Compression can truly help tighten the bottom end of the music, and it can give evenness to a song and string of songs.

What is topping & tailing?

Topping and tailing is digitally editing each track to ensure that the beginnings and ends (the top & tail) are clean and crisp.

What is fading?

Fade-ins, fade-outs and cross-fades at the beginning or end of tracks consist of adjusting levels from full volume to zero volume. This can be done with extreme precision during the audio mastering process; simply let Imperial know where you want the tracks to begin and end, and how long you want any fades to be.

What is noise reduction?

Noise reduction is the application of filters to remove ambient hum, tape hiss or other unwanted noises such as clicks and pops. If there is noise in a particular track, a segment of the track containing only noise can be sampled as a profile for noise reduction. This profile is applied over the entire selection and the noise minimized or cancelled.