A lot people ask me what the difference is between a “mastered” song and a "non-mastered” song.
The best way I know to explain it is to let you HEAR it. (headphones or better speakers work best)
Mastering is about putting the last level of audio polish on a song. It’s about taking the Mix to the loudness level it can go while keeping the integrity of the Mix.
The mixing is where all the heavy lifting is done in regards to balancing instruments (and vocals). So mastering is just taking the final approved mix and enhancing that one stereo file.
In this video clip you can see how I have the final approved Mix on one channel and the final approved Master on the next and I’m soloing each one.
If you are also mixing the song (like in my case in this song) then the mastering shouldn’t feel massively different. It should just feel like the most enhanced version of the song yet.
If you listen to this song “36 Lawndale” by an amazing rapper Mr.Bravo, you will hear:
a tighter and more defined low end.
a clarity and crispness
loudness increased
If you would like your music mastered, reach out to me by filling out the contact form below