This is a quick video on how a mid-side processor works, and how to check the stereo field of your mix using a mid-side processor equalizer.
Don't spend 1-2 years (please never), 6 months, or even 6 weeks learning how to professionally master audio. Not to mention waste a ton of money too. Not when I can show you EVERYTHING you need to know in ONLY TWO HOURS with my Audio Mastering Secrets Video Series!
This video shows one of the more imptotant compression techniques I use in audio mastering. In my audio Mastering Secrets Video Series, I explain everything you need to know about audio mastering.
The sound engineer scam, the online recording studio ripoff, whatever you want to call it. I hear about it 3-4 times a month from my clients, since 1999. It never changes!
What is audio mastering? I've seen a lot of different answers on the Internet to this simple question. Some were pretty technical and confusing.
What does mastering do to a song? Your main goal in audio mastering is to replicate the sonic qualities of a well professionally mastered commercial song, in the same genre and style as the song mix you are working on.
What's the difference between mixing and mastering? A lot of people new to music don't know the answer to this.
Here's the basic hardware you need to master music:
Learning and calibrating your speakers for your DAW in audio mastering is a very important step in the audio mastering process. When I first start out with NEW speakers (though I never change them now), I listen to my favorite hit songs in every genre and style. Songs that I know from my years of experience have X amount of bass, X amount of brightness, etc. I know how these songs are "supposed" to sound.
I would say YES, most people can become a great mastering engineer. I say this because most of the mixes I receive from clients are pretty good and I know the audio engineer (the band member with a computer) has only minimal training. He could easily be great if he put a little more study and practice time into it. And if he had this book to teach him what took me over 17 years to learn! Ha!
In order to produce a good master, a mix needs proper headroom and dynamic range.