Desktop Mastering

Mastering is the mystery part of the recording process - those final steps in generating a great - sounding mix for disc or the Web. Desktop Mastering teaches the basic processes of this art and craft, enabling you to feel confident about your mixes without spending the big bucks required by pro mastering studios. You'll learn about: * Equalization using peak, shelving, parametric, graphic, and other types of EQ, utilizing outboard hardware as well as plug-ins * Compression, and how to...
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Mastering is the mystery part of the recording process - those final steps in generating a great - sounding mix for disc or the Web. Desktop Mastering teaches the basic processes of this art and craft, enabling you to feel confident about your mixes without spending the big bucks required by pro mastering studios. You'll learn about: * Equalization using peak, shelving, parametric, graphic, and other types of EQ, utilizing outboard hardware as well as plug-ins * Compression, and how to restrict dynamic range using optical, hard-knee, soft-knee, and other compression methods * Limiting, or maximizing the volume of the mix * Matching the sound and "vibe" of the songs, so they all sound like they were recorded at the same time in the same studio * Sequencing songs and matching their levels * File-format handling and different methods for burning CDs * Special techniques for preparing your music for CDs, MP3s, Web sharing, cell phones, and even how to add effects like reverb, flanging, AutoTune, "telephone voice," and "robot voice." Audio engineer and writer Bob Buontempo presents this information in a way that will satisfy professionals yet is geared to novices who wants to pick up this book and be ready to make their first "master" that same day.