- The Producer Lab
- Posts
- Mastering Doesn't Matter
Hey there! This is Ernesto. This week, we're diving into mixing vs mastering, unexpected twists in the festival scene, and a game-changing mastering tool. Plus, we've got the track of the week on deck. Let's get it!
Does Mastering Matter?
I can almost hear your gasps through the screen. But let me explain.
Mastering is important, no doubt. It's the final touch, the cherry on top that brings out the best in your mix. It's what makes your track sound complete, polished, and ready to compete with others in the industry.
But - and here's the twist - the most crucial part of mastering is actually having a good mixdown. That's right, it all boils down to your mix. If your mix is off, no amount of mastering will save your track from sounding like a cacophony.
So, what does this mean for us producers? It means we need to focus more on improving our mixing skills. This will help us deliver a mixdown that is balanced and clear, where every element has its own space to shine.
Here's the deal. Record labels have professional mastering engineers. Their whole job is to make your track sound the best it can. So, if your mixdown is on point, they'll have an easier time mastering your track and making it sound absolutely stellar.
That being said, it's beneficial to have a decent understanding of mastering. Why? Because this lets you test your tracks in clubs and on different sound systems, helping you understand how your mix translates across different environments.
So, concentrate on your mix, get a decent handle on mastering, and let the professionals do their thing. Now let’s get it!
Track of the Week:
Industry News: Change of Plans for Dirtybird
DIRTYBIRD's yearly bash, Campout, is on hold. However, the crew is rallying behind their East Coast gig, Dirtybird CampInn, at the Wyndham Orlando Resort.
Expect pool parties, three stages, and renegades. Controversial Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan will lead the opening ceremony. Also performing are heavy hitters GRiZ, Walker & Royce, VNSSA, and Dirtybird's very own Claude VonStroke, among others.
So, while Campout takes a breather, we're prepping for a wild ride at CampInn next week.
This week is all about mastering so we're highlighting Izotope Ozone. It's like your own personal Swiss Army Knife for polishing tracks, packed with features like EQ, multiband compressor, exciter, imager, maximizer, and more. Plus, its Mastering Assistant and presets make it perfect for those still learning the ropes.
while it can't fully replace the trained ear of a seasoned pro, It has everything you need to ensure your tracks are club and demo box ready. Check it out here!
Upcoming Events:
The Wednesday Roast - Twitch stream at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT on June 7th, 2023. Get feedback on your track mixdowns and ask production questions!
E.R.N.E.S.T.O's links that don't suck:
Listen: Top 10 Tracks of the Month | Spotify | Apple Music
The Label: Broken English Traxx
Meme of the Week:
