Trek-e's Mastering Blog

Mastering with the Neve 32087 Mastering EQ

Posted January 25, 2010 - 21:48 by Trek-e

The Neve 32087 Mastering EQ is a rare equalizer specifically designed for mastering music. The tone of the EQ is undeniably Neve.

How to convert vinyl records to MP3's.

Posted December 26, 2009 - 00:00 by Trek-e

We often get asked to convert people’s beloved albums to some form of digital format. The conversion itself is quite easy. Making it sound good is the hard part. The first thing you have to consider is the music on the vinyl has already been mastered for that specific record. So the last thing you want to do as an engineer is add more compression or effects. So, what kind of equipment are you using?

How does audio compression work?

Posted November 26, 2009 - 22:05 by Trek-e

Audio level compression, sometimes referred to as DRC (dynamic range compression) is a process which reduces the dynamic range of an audio signal. It is used in the mastering process very mildly to help increase the overall volume of a source track by decreasing the dynamic fluctuations or peaks.

What is SPDIF and should I use it?

Posted October 16, 2009 - 18:08 by Trek-e

Let’s first start by talking about what SPDIF is. SPDIF, also known as Sony Phillips Digital Interface, is a protocol connection for carrying digital audio signals between two devices. The two companies got together and developed a standard with the IEC so that different manufacturer components could be linked without signal degradation.

How much headroom should I leave?

Posted September 16, 2009 - 17:47 by Trek-e

A lot of people ask me how much headroom they should leave when submitting a mix for mastering. Most engineers would recommend at least 3db of sonic headroom. I agree and I would add, the more headroom the mix-engineer can provide, the better for the mastering process. When the mix has at least 3db of headroom, it allows for the full dynamics of a song to shine through.