Analog mastering in audio production

Q: WHAT IS ANALOG MASTERING?

At the analog mastering works the mastering engineer in audio production with external hardware (sg analog hardware ). The signal to be processed is fed to the external devices via high-quality AD converter channels. Artifacts can be partially bypassed by using analogue devices. The basic disadvantage of analog technology compared to digital technology is reproducibility (the so-called "total recall"). Due to the large number of buttons and rotary controls, which often do not have a grid, it is extremely time-consuming to adjust the processed audio material in analog mastering restore to allow for a consistent sound across all versions. In many cases, this only happens with time-consuming photography of the device settings in the mixer. “Pure” analogue mastering is actually no longer done in the studio these days. Hybrid solutions are used today. This means that the delivered audio material is already available digitally after mixing. Using the DAW, it is sent to the analog devices via the AD converter and, after processing, is recorded again in the DAW and ends up as a stereo master. This has the advantage that the audio material can be digitally prepared or post-processed, regardless of the analog processing steps in the online mastering .

Q: ADVANTAGES OF ANALOG MASTERING

The clear advantage of analog mastering is the unique sound, which makes sound processing in the mastering studio an experience thanks to the processing of high-quality components and sound conductors in the analog devices. Many hardware users swear by the feel of buttons and controls rather than pressing buttons with the mouse. In addition, analog sounds much more musical than digital, which is based on the fact that it is incredibly difficult to represent something imperfect in digital form. You can find more information about this in our blog post analogue vs. digital .

Q: DISADVANTAGES OF ANALOG MASTERING

As a disadvantage, the difficult reproducibility of settings is the main problem with the mischi and mastering with analog hardware during the audio production . a vg total recall is difficult to do here. This can be remedied by taking photos of the settings on the devices and the tedious reconstruction should have to be changed. Which may well be the case in the case of the digitalization of the music industry.

Q: IN WHAT FORMAT IS ANALOG MASTERING?

As a rule, the format (if it is uncompressed) does not play a major role. Bit depth and sample rate are more decisive. Usually you play titles that use the den mixing process have passed through in at least 24 bit and 44,1 khz. A higher resolution and bit depth is possible and even desired, since you always work with the best resolved version in mastering. The final output format is only determined and played out after mastering.

In analog mastering, the mastering engineer processes the digital audio material using external analog hardware – such as equalizers, compressors, or tape machines. Routing the signal through these devices creates characteristic saturation and harmonic overtones that purely digital processing chains cannot generate in this way. Today, analog mastering is mostly used as a hybrid approach.

What is analog mastering?

At the analog mastering works the mastering engineer in audio production with external hardware (sg analog hardware). The signal to be processed is transmitted via high quality AD converter Channels sent to external devices. Artifacts can be partially circumvented by using analog devices. The principal disadvantage of analog technology compared to digital technology is its reproducibility (the so-called "total recall"). Due to the large number of buttons and rotary controls, which are often not rasterized, it is extremely time-consuming to restore the settings of the processed audio material in analog mastering in order to enable a uniform sound for all versions. In many cases, this only takes place with time-consuming photographs of the device settings in the mixer.

Analog mastering brings saturation and harmonic depth — how it differs from and complements the digital workflow is shown in the Mastering Guide.

“Pure” analogue mastering is actually no longer done in the studio these days. Hybrid solutions are used today. This means that the delivered audio material is already available digitally after mixing. Using the DAW, it is sent to the analog devices via the AD converter and, after processing, is recorded again in the DAW and ends up as a stereo master. This has the advantage that the audio material can be digitally prepared or post-processed, regardless of the analog processing steps in the online mastering.

ADVANTAGES OF ANALOG MASTERING

The main advantage of analog mastering is its distinctive sound. High-quality analog components can add subtle saturation, depth and movement that many engineers and artists find musical. Hardware also gives the mastering engineer a tactile workflow with real knobs and controls, which can support faster, more intuitive decisions. Analog is not automatically better than digital, but in the right context it can bring a master closer to the sound and feel the artist is looking for. You can find more background in our blog post on analog vs. digital.

Analog mastering for your tracks too?

DISADVANTAGES OF ANALOG MASTERING

The main disadvantage of analog mastering is recall. Reproducing exact settings can be difficult when working with analog hardware, especially if revisions are needed later. Engineers usually document the settings with photos and notes, but rebuilding a chain still takes more time than opening a digital preset. If you want your song mixed with analog equipment and personal guidance, our Online Mixing Service is the right place to start.

IN WHAT FORMAT IS ANALOG MASTERING?

As a rule, the file format matters less than the quality of the source file, as long as it is uncompressed. Bit depth and sample rate are more important. Mixes that have completed the mixing process are usually delivered at a minimum of 24 bit and 44.1 kHz. Higher resolution and bit depth are welcome, because mastering should always work from the best available version. The final delivery format is defined after mastering.

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