Making an audio master can be a complex process. Professional sound engineers take years to perfect the technique and learn how to chain effects. A lot of practice and a trained ear can lead to excellent results in the realization of the master starting from a rough track. Many people use audio master software and software is easier to use than analog equipment. Here are some steps to get started with audio mastering.
Steps
Step 1. Buy high quality headphones or speakers
To make an audio master, you need to be able to accurately hear what is being played. Headphones or studio speakers can be quite expensive, but they are an essential tool.
Step 2. Mix a session into a single stereo track
"Mixing down" means taking all the tracks you've recorded and exporting or mixing them into one stereo track.
It is better to apply effects to a single stereo track than to use the master bus for the entire session. The "bus master" is a volume channel of each track you've recorded. Some sound engineers apply effects for the master via this channel, but it is not recommended for beginners
Step 3. Maintain as much bit definition as possible
If you recorded, as generally recommended, in 32-bit, keep the same quality of definition. You can convert the file to the 16-bit CD standard once you have applied the effects and find the track satisfactory.
Step 4. Normalize the track
Normalization brings the sound quality to the maximum volume level you have set. Many fix the peak volume at -0.2 dB, which means that the waveform will be increased to a maximum of 0.2 decibels below zero.
Step 5. Apply basic equalization
Depending on the quality of the initial mix, it's best not to change the sound quality too drastically. Try various solutions until you find the sound you want.
Add the low and mid-low frequencies to give the sound more body. Boost the high frequencies to make the sound clearer. For example, reducing frequencies around 250Hz will make the sound clearer; increasing the frequencies around 1kHz allows you to give more presence to the voice
Step 6. Use the compressor to control the dynamic range gain level of the audio track
The dynamic range is made up of the volume changes, higher and lower, of the track.
- Start with a 2: 1 ratio and set the post gain to 0. Make very small adjustments until you achieve the desired effect. You should make the lower volume parts of the track sound louder and clearer, and the louder parts not so contrasting.
- Do not use too large an aspect ratio or you will get too "squashed" sound. A squashed sound implies that the sound is not spacious and the details of the piece are lost, as the volume of the various instruments is too similar.
Step 7. Apply equalization
This has to be placed in succession after the compressor and is very useful for shaping the frequency. You probably won't need to add too much equalization, but you can step in to shape some accessory frequencies after applying the dynamic effects for compression.
Step 8. Apply reverb to the track
Reverb essentially shapes the space of an environment and gives the audio track a live-like sound. It also adds depth and makes the stereo track sound warm and full. Add more or less reverb to the track, depending on the effect you want to achieve.
Step 9. Apply a limiter
Limiting the audio track to a certain dB level allows you to have more volume. Start by setting the limiter to -0.2 dB. You should notice a significant increase in volume. To avoid unnatural and unpleasant sound, do not increase the gain level excessively.
Step 10. Convert the audio file to 16-bit and 44.1kHz
You can do this using your audio mastering program, so consult the manual for instructions on this.
Step 11. Burn the track to a CD
To do this, set the writing speed as low as possible for better sound quality. Many sound engineers burn at 1x or 2x. At this point you can copy the CD by burning with the certainty of getting the same sound quality.
