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Songwriter Forum => Recording => Topic started by: Yodasdad on November 21, 2018, 12:48:06 PM

Title: Mastering Dilema
Post by: Yodasdad on November 21, 2018, 12:48:06 PM
Hi all,

When I started writing songs a few years ago I had no intention of ever being an artist or releasing my own music.

I've recorded and produced my own stuff, as most of us do, and I like to think I've got better as I've gone along. This has included trying to master my tracks as best I can.

Whilst I still have no intention of being an artist, I would like to produce an album, so at least few people can get to hear my music, and for this I'm going to need proper mastering.

My dilema is that for the most part, I really like the way my songs sound in terms of the production, although I know it could be better. Part of this sound is because of the steps I have taken in the pseudo mastering process, such as using compressors, limiters, stereo widener etc.

I'm worried that in getting my tracks mastered properly, I will have to remove a lot of this and although the sound will be better and louder, I may well lose 'my sound' that I've come to like.

I don't mean do do mastering engineers a disservice here, I know they know what they're doing. What I really want though is 'my sound' but better, rather than a different sound.

Help me out guys, what's the solution?

Yodasdad
Title: Re: Mastering Dilema
Post by: Boydie on November 21, 2018, 12:58:26 PM
I could write a really long & detailed post but in short...

Give the person mastering your tracks your original mastered version as a "reference" for them to refer to

This will be really useful to give them something to aim for

I would be more than happy to master one track completely free of charge (and obligation) so that you can hear the difference and help you make a decision going forward....

PM me and we can talk things through
Title: Re: Mastering Dilema
Post by: Wicked Deeds on November 21, 2018, 01:01:49 PM
Hello yodasdad,

I think you've just got yo produce a master WAV file without any mastering finishing touches. . Have a song mastered and take it from there. I like the idea of handing the finished WAV file over for a new approach whether that be a skilled musicians who specializes in mastering or an online service like LANDR.  I've noticed that mastering can highlight problems with a track. At such times, I'll EQ a certain instrument again and then have it remastered. Online subscriptions lasting a month are excellent for this as you can go back and forth until you're happy without incurring further expense. Why not drop Boydie a line, he did an excellent job with my song "The Act of Betrayal."

Paul
Title: Re: Mastering Dilema
Post by: Bill Saunders on November 21, 2018, 02:08:01 PM
I’ll be bold @Yodasdad (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=19208) and say that Boydie will achieve “your sound better” rather than “different”. You’ve nothing to lose, I say, give the man a try!
Title: Re: Mastering Dilema
Post by: Yodasdad on November 26, 2018, 10:22:57 PM
Well guys, dilema over.

Thanks to those of you who offered up your advice.

I took the plunge and bounced a track over to @Boydie (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=18510) and in less than 24 hrs, he bounced it right back. He said it was a pile of sh**e and there's nothing he could do with it.

NOT REALLY! :D

He's done an absolutely cracking job, 'my sound but better', you were right Bill.

Just had it full whack through the headphones and I've given myself a spot of tinnitus, but it's worth it.

Highly recommended and no hassle, just wham!, there's your track, have some of that!

Cheers Boydie and all.

Yodasdad