On average, an album may take anywhere
from one to two days to master. Generally one day for a standard album, or two
days if it's a particularly long album, containing radio & vinyl versions,
complex edits or restoration issues. All projects are discussed thoroughly with
a mastering engineer prior to the session . Artists are encouraged to attend sessions, however as this is not
always possible, mastering notes on EQ, sequencing and editing are always
welcome.
At
the completion of a mastering session, artists are provided with a CD copy of
the mastered audio. This reference can be taken away and listened to in familiar
surroundings and equipment. It is essential that
the reference CD is carefully appraised as this is the opportunity to address
any problems. If any changes are required, a revision session will be arranged
quickly so as production schedules can be adhered to.
Once final approval is granted,
Crystal Mastering requires notification to make the production masters for either
CD, or vinyl manufacturing. It is essential to advise the mastering
engineer if the recording is destined for vinyl production before session
commencement, as this influences the mastering procedure.
Most mastering sessions are booked
several weeks in advance, so last minute requests are occasionally impossible to
accommodate. However, Crystal Mastering will always
endeavor to rearrange our schedules to accommodate your needs. If you know
that you would like us to master your project, we advise you call Crystal
Mastering when you commence your mix down session. Please call our staff for
studio rates.
Ensure that someone has a thorough,
uninterrupted listen to all mixes prior to mastering.This certifies that all
correct versions are present without glitches, errors or drop outs. To ensure
your mastering session runs smoothly, be sure to provide your mastering engineer
with accurate and detailed track listings on all materials provided. Wherever
possible, bring all back up copies and duplicates of mixes as this will
alleviate any dilemmas should errors or playback problems arise.
Mastering for
Vinyl
When mastering for vinyl, the rule of thumb is,
'time versus recorded
level' .
ie.the louder it is and the more bass it
has, the shorter the
playing time. Listed below are optimum
cutting lengths for
achieving maximum bass response, volume and fidelity;
12 inch single
33 rpm..............10-12
mins
12 inch LP 33rpm....................15-18
mins
12
inch single 45 rpm.............. 6-8
mins
12 inch LP 45
rpm.................. 12-15
mins
7
inch 45 rpm single ..............3 mins
7 inch 33 rpm single
..............5 mins
The times below are
maximum playing times, not
exactly optimum for fidelity, but
still yield fair results.
12
inch single 33 rpm...............12-14mins
7
inch 45 rpm single ...............5 mins
7 inch 33 rpm
single ...............7 mins
12
inch LP 33 rpm....................20-24 mins
12 inch
LP 45 rpm....................15-16 mins
Tips For Vinyl
Mixes
1). Try and have the kick and bass
centred in the mix.
(not panned
left and right) Also avoid stereo
panning
any other 'bass
heavy' instruments. Think bass, think mono.
2). Try and eliminate as much sibilance
as possible
on the vocal
track (de-essing)
3). Avoid excessive amounts of sub bass
frequencies
(below
40Hz), as well as
excessive top end (above 16kHz).
4). Avoid excessive buss compression
& limiting.
Studio
Policies
*Clients should be aware that no Master
or Reference Disc will be issued unless sessions are payed for in full, or,
unless prior credit arrangement has been made.
*A cancellation fee will be charged
unless a notification period of 4 working days is given to Crystal
Mastering.
Cancellation fees will be 50% of
original booking time.
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