Category: Music Production

How to Get Your Master Loud WITHOUT Distortion

  Use True Peak Limiting and Oversampling Increase the Release of a Limiter to at Least 30ms Try a Double Limiter Approach Use the MetaPlugin with 8x Oversampling Making your master loud without distorting it is one of the most challenging things a mastering engineer can do.  Although many would say to simply make the […]

Spotify or Tidal: Which Streaming Service Sounds the Best?

  Quick Answer Although which service sounds better may be subjective to some, Tidal provides higher quality masters using lossless files, whereas Spotify streams music using an AAC lossy format.  If you intend to use lower quality formats to reduce data usage then Spotify may be better the better option. Spotify or Tidal: Which Streaming […]

What is this New Free Plugin by Tokyo Dawn Labs!?

  Quick Answer The TDR Molotok was released in Oct. 2020 and is a vintage emulation of multiple soviet-era audio compressors.  The sound that this plugin creates is unique due to the alpha-beta-sigma variable weighting and the subtle distortion it imparts onto the signal when using a quicker attack. The Tokyo Dawn Labs Molotok in […]

How to Master Pop Music with Logic’s Stock Plugins

  Step 1: Subtractive Side Image Equalization with ‘Channel EQ’ Step 2: Subtle Compression and Distortion with ‘Compressor’ Step 3: Additive Stereo Equalization and Distortion with ‘Tube EQ’ Step 4: (Optional) Subtle Harmonic Excitement (<1%) with ‘Exciter’ Step 5: Additive Side Image Equalization with ‘Channel EQ’ Step 6: Brick-wall Limiting using True Peak Detection with […]

The BEST Free Reverb Plugin?

  What is the Best Free Reverb Plugin? Although there is no “Best” reverb plugin, the Valhalla Supermassive is by far one of if not the best FREE reverb plugins that we have used. The functionality is comprehensive and versatile, while the overall sound rivals that of some of the best paid reverb plugins. The […]

Top 10 Best Sounding Metal Master References

  10. Honeycomb – Deafheaven 09. The Faded Line – Lamb of God 08. [Mind Over Mind] – Norma Jean 07. Blow Your Trumpets Gabriel – Behemoth 06. Bring Back the Plague – Cattle Decapitation 05. Immortal – Lorna Shore 04. The Seer’s Embrace – Dead to a Dying World 03. Betterment – Baptists 02. […]

How to Master a Song in 11 Easy Steps

  Import your Stereo Mix into your DAW Reduce the Mix’s Amplitude with Clip Gain if its too Loud Insert a Mid-Side Equalizer and Use Subtractive Equalization If needed, use Compression (either stereo or multi-band) Insert Tape and/or Tube Emulation Saturators Insert a Mid-Side Equalizer and Use Additive Equalization Adjust the Stereo Image with your […]

What is Music Mastering?

  Quick Answer Music Mastering is a step in music production in which an audio recording (typically a stereo music mix) is prepared for distribution.  How a mix is prepared for distribution during music mastering depends on the genre of the music, the intended platform it will be distributed on, and other factors. What is […]

What is Audio Mastering?

  Quick Answer Audio mastering is the process of preparing an audio recording for various means of distribution – how an audio recording is mastered depends on the type of media, the client’s intentions and desired style, and the medium of distribution.  Audio mastering is a complex and intricate process, best reserved for professionals. What […]

Mastering for Reggae Music

  Quick Answer Mastering for Reggae Music is the process of preparing a Reggae track or album for distribution while maintaining a high fidelity, clear and present transients, and a clear yet powerful low-frequency range.  Mastering for Reggae music includes creating a transparent and clean, yet cohesive sound. Mastering for Reggae Music in Detail For […]