Digital Audio Mastering Manual

Digital Audio Mastering Manual

Author: Alessandro Fois

Publisher: Alessandro Fois

Published: 2020-03-16

Total Pages: 271

ISBN-13:

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Note to the 1st Edition This manual has been translated from Italian by a non-native translator. This will allow full comprehensibility of the text but will not always guarantee an absolute smoothness of the natural expressive form. As this is a technical manual, we do not think that this is particularly serious. However, we apologize to the reader, appealing to his understanding. If the English version of this manual will receives sufficient consent, we will ensure that we prepare a new edition with a more refined translation as soon as possible. Those who would like to help me improve the translation of the English version of this manual and other manuals like this, can contact me at the addresses they can find below. I invite you to report any suggestions, incompleteness, errors, by writing an email to the address below. The manual is available on www.alessandrofois.com under the Books menu Preface The purpose of this manual is to provide concrete and simple help aimed at rapidly obtaining professional-level results, in alignment with the quality standards of the audio production industry, without using analog outboards. The easy application of the criteria suggested below make it suitable for inexperienced operators; but even audio professionals with few mastering experiences will be able to integrate and reorganize the knowledge already acquired through practice. Digital technology has made the equipment necessary to obtain professional results more accessible; therefore numerous home studios were born, dedicated to recording and processing of sound, some of which are managed by sound engineers of good competence, almost like their professional colleagues. Primarily this book is addressed to them, so that they can organize in a more orderly way the knowledge already acquired, fill the conceptual gaps, learn new concepts and procedures, find out inspiration for new mental and professional paths. An experienced sound engineer will smile for some simplified explanations. They aim to make the material accessible. But perhaps he will read these pages equally with pleasure, considering them a mental exercise of “revision”. For beginners, the manual would like to provide support to learn correctly and experiment with the principles and procedures of digital audio mixing. Index of the manual Note on the 1st edition Foreword Index of the manual CHAPTER 01 - Mastering preliminary ITB and OTB Purpose of mastering What you need Analog and Digital Mix analysis Logbook Dynamic Analysis impressions listening Stereo-mono compatibility Tonal Verification Dynamic Verification Review of the mix Creating and Parameters of a Session Your computer's resources Other Specifications Comparison Mastering “on board” Sound levels CHAPTER 02 - Editing Cutting, silencing, fading Start cutting Start silencing Start fading End cutting, silencing, fading Middle cutting, insert CHAPTER 03 - Noise reduction Click Crackles Hiss Hum Traffic noise, wind noise and feedback Conclusion CHAPTER 04 - MS Mastering The MS chain L-R to M/S encoding M/S processing M/S to PARTIALURLPLACEHOLDER decoding How to set the M/S matrix on the Daw Mastering operations with the M/S matrix Conclusion CHAPTER 05 - Stereo image Phase correlation Symmetry Width Center leveling CHAPTER 06 - Stems Stem mastering Addition and subtraction What stems How to export stems correctly CHAPTER 07 - Dynamics and Loudness Dynamic I'm listening Natural Dynamics Recording Dynamics Loudness War Audio Consequences LUFS The Revolution of Streaming Reference Loudness True Peak Level The new standards CHAPTER 08 - The working session Import mixes and stems Main Group Original audio track Audio track test Instrument track Audio Chain Building a template CHAPTER 09 - Tonal correction Acoustic perception HPF and LPF What you need General imbalances Static Equalization Dynamic Equalization Balancing the bass Spectrum Analyzer Test of the medium mix Tonal imbalances in individual sources Coloured Equalizers Automation Quality CHAPTER 10 - Dynamic correction Treatment of abnormal peaks Transient Adjustment De-essing Levelling Compression Smoothing Compression Risks of the dynamic process Mix too compressed Comparison and corrections CHAPTER 11 - Environmental correction Ambient sound Increase body Sharps bass Crushed Mix Width and depth Effects Installation CHAPTER 12 - Other processes Enhancement Exciter Analog Tape Saturator Inflator CHAPTER 13 - Finalisation Enhancement of bass Cosmetic Equalization Verification of loudness Finalizer Limiter Oversampling Algorithm selector Lookahead+Attack and release Channel Links Ceiling - Output LUFS Meters True Peak Gain Listening and Comparing Dithering and Noise Shaping Mastering for vinyl Export Duplication on Audio Cd Encoding Automatic mastering Appendix Monitoring Warning Conclusion Author's Biography Copyright Contacts


Mixing and Mastering in the Box

Mixing and Mastering in the Box

Author: Steve Savage

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2014-08-01

Total Pages: 316

ISBN-13: 0199380252

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Mixing and mastering are the final challenges in creating great recordings. Great mixes require both creativity and a practical understanding of process, while final masters require both a clear sense for purpose and specialized ears for achieving artistic goals. Mixing and Mastering in the Box gives readers the practical tools for accomplishing both of these tasks while highlighting the artistry of the creative process. While much of the information presented in Mixing and Mastering in the Box is applicable to those using analog mixing gear, or a hybrid of digital and analog tools, the book focuses directly on working completely within the Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). Author Steve Savage lets readers in on such topics as the secrets of collaboration and using EQ, compression, delay, reverb, and brickwall limiting to improve the sound of records, each topic illustrated with a myriad of concrete examples. Mixing and Mastering in the Box is the ultimate reference manual for the home recordist and the perfect basic to intermediate text for any DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) training class in mixing or mastering. The book is also ideal for readers who handle their own mixing and mastering or who wish - or are professionally required - to be better informed when collaborating on mixes and masters.


Mastering Audio

Mastering Audio

Author: Robert A. Katz

Publisher:

Published: 2007

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780240805450

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Suitable for those who want to increase their mastery of digital and analog audio: musicians, producers, A&R, mastering, recording, and mixing engineers, this title offers an introduction to the procedures and technical issues involved in mastering.


The Mastering Engineer's Handbook 4th Edition

The Mastering Engineer's Handbook 4th Edition

Author: Bobby Owsinski

Publisher:

Published: 2017-01-18

Total Pages:

ISBN-13: 9780998503325

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Audio mastering is the final step in the audio production process, polishing the recording's final mix and prepping it for release and distribution. This fourth edition of Bobby Owsinski's classic The Mastering Engineer's Handbook is a thoroughly updated and comprehensive manual on the art and science of creating well-mastered recordings. Today's musicians and engineers have many high quality and low cost software-based mastering tools available to them, but the challenge is to understand those tools and learn to use them wisely. Redesigned and updated to reflect both the latest in technology and recent changes in the marketplace, this new edition shows you both the fundamentals, and the advanced aspects of both self-mastering, and prepping your mix for mastering by a pro. Topics covered include: Techniques for making a hot-level master A comprehensive look at mastering for vinyl including the format's latest technology improvements Mastering techniques for the best sounding online streams An overview of the tools required for successful self-mastering The book also features interviews with a number of legendary mastering engineers discussing their techniques and tips that will help you master your own music with style and technical know-how. Give your music the benefit of the expertise you'll find with The Mastering Engineer's Handbook, Fourth Edition.


Zen & the Art of MIXING

Zen & the Art of MIXING

Author: Mixerman

Publisher: Mixerman Publishes

Published: 2021-10-01

Total Pages: 281

ISBN-13: 0960040560

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Mixing is an Attitude
When I think back to my best mixes—regardless of their commercial success—in each and every case, I can only describe the experience as one in which I was working from deep within, outside of any external forces. I wasn't thinking; I was doing. I wasn't scared of what anyone would think. I wasn't scared of failure. All my decisions were made with confidence, and once a judgment was made, I didn't second-guess myself. I allowed the music to guide me, and I based all of my mix decisions on nothing more than one simple criterion: Are the song and production doing what they're supposed to be doing?
That sounds nice, huh? I mean, that's the headspace you want to be in when you're mixing! The problem is, you can't get there if you're focused on all the wrong things, and we're all susceptible to distraction and self-doubt. Great mixing involves trusting yourself, first and foremost. And I can promise you, that trust is downright infectious to everyone on your project.
Who Am I?
I'm Mixerman, a gold and multi-platinum mixer, producer, and recordist. I've been mixing professionally and at a high level for over three decades now., and I can assure you, great mixing isn't about manipulating sound. It's about the decisions you make in regards to the music, the balances, and how you use the arrangement to push the listener forward through the song. This is accomplished thought concrete strategies and techniques, that I'm uniquely qualified to offer you.
Boost Your Confidence Now
You can spend the next decade mixing two songs a day to get there. Or you can get Zen & the Art of MIXING 2021, and I'll explain the thinking behind great mixing. And then watch your confidence soar.
There's a reason why this is my most popular work, to date. Enjoy, Mixerman


Metal Music Manual

Metal Music Manual

Author: Mark Mynett

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Published: 2017-03-27

Total Pages: 880

ISBN-13: 1317611055

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Metal Music Manual shows you the creative and technical processes involved in producing contemporary heavy music for maximum sonic impact. From pre-production to final mastered product, and fundamental concepts to advanced production techniques, this book contains a world of invaluable practical information. Assisted by clear discussion of critical audio principles and theory, and a comprehensive array of illustrations, photos, and screen grabs, Metal Music Manual is the essential guide to achieving professional production standards. The extensive companion website features multi-track recordings, final mixes, processing examples, audio stems, etc., so you can download the relevant content and experiment with the techniques you read about. The website also features video interviews the author conducted with the following acclaimed producers, who share their expertise, experience, and insight into the processes involved: Fredrik Nordström (Dimmu Borgir, At The Gates, In Flames) Matt Hyde (Slayer, Parkway Drive, Children of Bodom) Ross Robinson (Slipknot, Sepultura, Machine Head) Logan Mader (Gojira, DevilDriver, Fear Factory) Andy Sneap (Megadeth, Killswitch Engage, Testament) Jens Bogren (Opeth, Kreator, Arch Enemy) Daniel Bergstrand (Meshuggah, Soilwork, Behemoth) Nick Raskulinecz (Mastodon, Death Angel, Trivium) Quotes from these interviews are featured throughout Metal Music Manual, with additional contributions from: Ross "Drum Doctor" Garfield (one of the world’s top drum sound specialists, with Metallica and Slipknot amongst his credits) Andrew Scheps (Black Sabbath, Linkin Park, Metallica) Maor Appelbaum (Sepultura, Faith No More, Halford)


The Art of Digital Audio Recording

The Art of Digital Audio Recording

Author: Steve Savage

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2011-06

Total Pages: 284

ISBN-13: 0195394097

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Making great audio recordings requires striking the right balance between technical know-how and practical understanding of recording sessions. Even in the digital age, some of the most important aspects of creating and recording music are non-technical and, as a result, are often overlooked by traditional recording manuals. The Art of Digital Audio Recording teaches readers what they really need to know in order to make great sound recordings with computers - both the practical and the technical information, including: DT What to look and listen for in a recording environment DT Straightforward advice on recording almost any instrument DT Essentials of digital audio workstations DT Essentials of recording gear: microphones, mixers, and speakers DT Fundamentals of understanding and applying EQ, compression, delay, and reverb DT Secrets to running creative recording sessions DT Practical application of digital editing, mixing, and masteringA special section identifies solutions to the most common challenges in the recording studio, and the book also features an addendum with essential tips and reference information including: DT How to walk into a commercial studio and be the engineer DT Researching and buying gear: Internet vs. brick and mortar DT Digital formats: A handy referenceAs a whole, The Art of Digital Audio Recording is an essential resource that gives recordists the tools they need to let technical understanding serve greater musical goals.


Digital Audio Theory

Digital Audio Theory

Author: Christopher L. Bennett

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2020-12-27

Total Pages: 255

ISBN-13: 1000292258

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Digital Audio Theory: A Practical Guide bridges the fundamental concepts and equations of digital audio with their real-world implementation in an accessible introduction, with dozens of programming examples and projects. Starting with digital audio conversion, then segueing into filtering, and finally real-time spectral processing, Digital Audio Theory introduces the uninitiated reader to signal processing principles and techniques used in audio effects and virtual instruments that are found in digital audio workstations. Every chapter includes programming snippets for the reader to hear, explore, and experiment with digital audio concepts. Practical projects challenge the reader, providing hands-on experience in designing real-time audio effects, building FIR and IIR filters, applying noise reduction and feedback control, measuring impulse responses, software synthesis, and much more. Music technologists, recording engineers, and students of these fields will welcome Bennett’s approach, which targets readers with a background in music, sound, and recording. This guide is suitable for all levels of knowledge in mathematics, signals and systems, and linear circuits. Code for the programming examples and accompanying videos made by the author can be found on the companion website, DigitalAudioTheory.com.


The Mixing Engineer's Handbook 4th Edition

The Mixing Engineer's Handbook 4th Edition

Author: Bobby Owsinski

Publisher: BMOG

Published: 2017-01-07

Total Pages: 314

ISBN-13: 9780998503349

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The Mixing Engineer's Handbook has since become the go-to text on mixing for recording programs in colleges and universities around the world. Now available in a completely revised fourth edition, the book remains the best, most up-to-date source for mastering the art and science of creating pro-quality mixes .


Audio Mastering Secrets

Audio Mastering Secrets

Author: John Rogers

Publisher: Independently Published

Published: 2021-07-23

Total Pages: 194

ISBN-13:

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The #1 Best Selling Audio Mastering Book for 2020 and 2019! If you're into audio engineering, this is a great music production book to add to your home recording studio collection. Packed with step-by-step proven methods. Audio Mastering Secrets is the first audio mastering books that focuses entirely on how to master audio to radio quality standards, all from the comfort of your home recording studio. No expensive gear required to get amazing results! Written by John Rogers of JR Mastering, this guide outlines (Step By Step) the techniques John has used to professionally master over 40,000 songs, since 1999. My book covers the following: This Book Is An 8.5 x 11 Learning Guide (184 pages) It focuses on how to master audio, how to become a great audio mastering engineer, and how not to be a bad one. I do not get into the specific brands of gear you should buy, the history of sound engineering, or 1,000's of compressor settings (of which maybe 40 you'll ever use). In this book I focus on mastering audio! Common Mastering Problems And Their Solutions In audio mastering, you will face common problems like a mix being too thin, tinny, distorted, over-saturated, muddy, or not bright enough. Sometimes you can't get the song loud enough, boomy enough, no separation, too much bass, no sparkle, and many other problems. I explain in detail which effects processors to use and their exact settings to solve these common problems. This is a great tool to refer back to when needed. My Step-By-Step Audio Mastering Session You will learn the 18 steps I take in the audio mastering process. From importing your file, down to loudness maximization and finally exporting a perfectly mastered song! This Entire Book Is Based On Real-World Experiences Not on theory, what I learned in school, or what I heard from some other engineer. I teach from real world experiences with satisfied clients. Mastering Different Genres Here s where I break down the sonic qualities of sixteen different genres. How much brightness, bass, boominess, compression, etc., you re trying to achieve for each genre. And several tips on what clients are looking for. My Audio Mastering Laws In this section, I cover a series of dos, do nots, and facts that basically apply to all audio mastering jobs regardless of genre. I also cover several pitfalls you will experience (just like I did) as an audio mastering engineer, and how to get through them. Setting Up You're Listening Environment In this section I cover calibrating your speakers, learning your speakers, speaker placement and room size. And, the myth about soundproofing your room. The Effects Processors Used In Audio Mastering The basics of what they all do, how to use them, when to use them, and my initial settings templates. This Book Is A Very Easy Read I left out all the high-tech jargon and rarely used words that slow down sentence flow. And Much More! In a matters of weeks, you can learn all of the audio mastering secrets, tips, and techniques that took me over 19 years to learn!