The rise of modern technology has brought a new dimension in the music industry. The tools and equipment available nowadays have made it possible to perfect music tracks even after they are recorded. The art of music mastering has evolved, and now it’s more accessible than ever. Thanks to the internet, music mastering services are available online. Therefore, music producers and artists do not need to visit a mastering studio physically. In this article, we will delve into the art of online music mastering.
What is online music mastering?
Online music mastering involves refining and enhancing music tracks after recording through the internet. After recording a song, the producer will send it to a mastering engineer who will finalize the track. The mastering engineer will process the track to ensure its overall balance, tone, and volume are consistent. The final product aims to achieve a consistent sound across the entire album or EP. The mastering engineer will also ensure that the music tracks are compatible with various playback systems like car stereos, computers, and portable devices.
Advantages of online music mastering
One of the key advantages of online music mastering is cost. Traditionally, music mastering services were prohibitively expensive, but nowadays, music mastering services are accessible. In addition, online mastering allows producers and artists to choose from various mastering studios around the world. Therefore, they can find the perfect mastering service for their needs. Online music mastering also saves time and effort since you do not have to visit a physical studio.
What to consider before choosing an online mastering service
Before choosing an online mastering service, music producers and artists should consider the following:
a. Experience and expertise of the mastering engineer
b. Reputation of the online mastering service
c. Cost of the online mastering service
d. Turn-around time for the final mastered tracks
How online mastering works
Online mastering works by uploading music tracks to the online mastering service. Once uploaded, the tracks will undergo processing by the mastering engineer. The mastering engineer will then send the final mastered tracks via email to the producer or artist. The mastered tracks will be in various audio formats like WAV, MP3, or FLAC.
Common mistakes to avoid during online music mastering
To achieve the best outcome from online music mastering, music producers and artists should avoid the following mistakes:
a. Choosing low-quality audio files
b. Sending overly compressed or limited files
c. Overusing EQ, compression, and limiting effects during mixing
d. Sending unedited, or raw mixed tracks
Conclusion:
The art of music mastering has transformed due to the emergence of online music mastering. Music producers and artists can now access music mastering services from any part of the world. Choosing the right online mastering service is crucial to getting the best result for your music. Before choosing an online mastering service, consider the experience and expertise of the mastering engineer, reputation of the online mastering service, cost, and turn-around time. With online music mastering, achieving professional-level sound is more accessible now than ever before.
