MASTERING ENGINEER - ALL INFORMATION AT A GLANCE
The mastering engineer is the last important authority in audio production. Audio mastering is not just a hobby, it is a profession where working on the song in the studio is not just about using plug-ins like ozone to push the sound against the wall. In the following section we want to provide an overview of the activities.
What does a mastering engineer do?
- The mastering engineer works in a professionally set up hybrid environment with both analog and digital equipment, accurately measured acoustics and listening monitors that have a frequency response that is as linear as possible.
Only when these points are correct is the audio engineer actually able to mastering to manufacture. Previously we would refer to this as sum editing.
- The mastering engineer (or similar mastering engineer) usually works on the finished file mix down a music production or is working on Stems. The changes made are usually minimal, since the character of the song is already determined in the mixing, by the mixing engineer and the artist.
- The mastering engineer is the last link in production. It improves the basic quality of the title, processes entire albums for duplication or creates DDP images, That too Mastering for streaming platforms plays an important role here, as the proportion of songs made available online continues to increase.
- The mastering engineer also gives feedback to the mixing engineer, should it Mistakes in the mix exist, which cannot be corrected in the mastering.
The mastering represents the final touch, so to speak. Here the title is prepared for the pressing plant or the radio and for streaming portals. The goal of the audio mastering engineer is a title that sounds balanced on every playback medium.
More and more mastering engineers are also offering one Online mastering on. The advantage for the artist is obvious here. He no longer has to drive to a nearby studio or travel long distances for his Masters.
How do you become a mastering engineer?
At best, a mastering engineer has years of experience in sound engineering and music production and has proven himself to be a mixing engineer over time. Anyone who knows the problems and characteristics in mixing and has a trained ear is also ready to prepare a master. We also look back on over 20 years of experience in the music industry!
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Mixing engineer, audio engineer, mastering engineer - what are the differences?
The term audio engineer is mostly used as a generic term for professional work on audio or sound material. The range of activities within a music production is so gigantic that it is worth breaking down the whole thing a little further here.
Mixing and mastering Engineers go hand in hand to arrive at the ideal sound of the song together.
The mixing engineer primarily deals with the mixing ratio of the individual instruments, creates a tonal balance within the song and thus ensures a pleasant mix.
Ideally, the mastering engineer enhances the previous steps of the "mixer" with his work, eliminates slight inconsistencies within the frequency response and prepares the audio material both musically and technically in such a way that it reaches a professional level and can compete with other productions can.