The need to monitor these tools and adjust the settings for an optimum playback experience without compromising the sound quality was the earliest form of mastering. This was the first time sonic adjustments began to impact the audio after the recording and mixing processes. In order to detect and reduce these peaks, dynamics processing tools such as compressors and limiters were introduced. The energy of these peaks could potentially burn out the disc cutter head or cause the stylus to pop out of the groove when the record was playing. When cutting master discs, these engineers now had to watch for and reduce loud transient peaks present in the tape recording. Recordings were being made to tape and engineers were tasked with preparing a master disc from the tape recording. The introduction of the 331/2 rpm long play (LP) vinyl record in 1948, and the 45 rpm in 1949 contributed to a change over time in the record making process. These wax discs were then used to make stampers, which themselves were used to press shellac-composite 78 rpm discs. Rather, the recording was cut directly to a wax disc via a stylus connected to a diaphragm, which was in turn driven by an acoustic horn through which the sound was captured. The earliest forms of mainstream recording technology did not require the recording, mixing, and mastering processes to be separate disciplines. In cases where a project contains more than a single track, Mastering engineers not only work to improve each individual track but also work to establish a consistent listening experience across an entire album. This involves correcting and enhancing aspects of the mix including level and tone with tools like Ozone to ensure optimal playback quality across all systems and formats before distribution. They’re thinking about the finished product and if there’s something they might need to do to improve the sound. Mix engineers reduce imbalances between instruments by adjusting balance and color, tighten rhythmic patterns, and emphasize important song elements with tools like EQ, compression, panning, and reverb.Ī mastering engineer then listens to the whole piece as a stereo mixdown. Mixing happens at the start of post-production, when a mixing engineer sculpts and balances the separate tracks in a session to sound cohesive when played together. What’s the difference between mixing and mastering?

Mastering music