Hertfordshire Recording Studio

Mastering - A Beginners Guide - Graphic Equalisers

2009-12-10T07:18:00.000-08:00

There are two types of equaliser, both available as virtual equalisers in the form of software plugins and physical equaliser desks. The two types are Graphic and Parametric. This post is about the first - Graphic Equalisers.

The controls on a graphic equaliser are laid out to represent a graph, hence the name. Each slider controls a frequency which can be cut or boosted by sliding the control up or down. Although easy to use and understand, graphic equalisers have limited function due to the fixed frequency ranges. For this reason, graphic equalisers are not often used by professional mastering engineers. Professional recording studios use parametric equalisers in their mastering process to get the best results possible.

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Mastering - A Beginners Guide - Compression and Limiting
Online Mastering

Mastering - A Beginners Guide - Compression and Limiting

2009-11-27T02:08:00.000-08:00

Hi! This post is going to explain some of the terms used in the post-production process of mastering. It may be a little strange to start with the final processes and work backwards, but I think it is important to know what editing is capable of so you can prepare your audio to suit.

Mastering is the final edit of any sound project. It takes a rough studio mix and refines it into a perfected copy, ready for distribution. Whilst the mixing process compiles the audio and adjusts individual levels within a track, mastering balances a group of tracks into an even package. During the mixing process you can add effects and during mastering you can remove any flaws.

The basic processes of mastering include sequencing tracks into the correct order, fading tracks in and out and adjusting the overall volume.

The Process of Compression

Compression reduces the dynamic range of the audio signal being processed.
A compressor is used to automatically adjust the volume, most commonly loud sounds are reduced to a certain level. Sounds below a certain level can be adjusted to increase the volume by applying make up gain. The two processes remain separate, so that when the volume of loud sounds is reduced to meet the required level all other sounds remain unaffected, and vice versa.

Compression is done for a number of reasons: to refine a mix to achieve the desired result, to compensate for limitations that occurred during recording or mixing or to improve the listening experience in a range of situations.
If you are listening to an audio track in a car or through small speakers it may be difficult to hear quieter sounds without turning the volume up, so that loud sounds may be uncomfortable or distorted. Compression can be used to adjust the levels so that both the quiet and the loud sounds are audible at a comfortable volume.

The Process of Limiting

Limiting is used in the last stages of mastering. It is used to remove random spikes that may have been left over after compression and to raise the overall loudness of a balanced mix. It is a delicate process, that requires only a small amount to enhance the audio. Limiting too much can destroy a track.

Next time: Equalisation and Leveling.

by Cara Chapman

Recording Studio

Music Blogs

2009-10-26T09:28:00.000-07:00

Here are some other music blogs you may be interested in

Voice Over Recording - A blog featuring information on voice overs.

Online Mastering - A blog on online mastering.

More music blogs to come soon!

Graphic Nature Recording, Rehearsal and Production Studios

Hertfordshire Recording Studio - First Post

2009-10-26T04:34:00.001-07:00

This blog will be about the Hertfordshire Recording Studio, Graphic Nature. Posts will be about our services and events, updates, news etc. including: recording services, rehearsal rooms, mixing, live recording, voice overs, tv and film music, mastering, remote/mobile/location recording, online mastering and more.