An Introduction to CD Mastering
While many people think that the mixing of the separate audio tracks is the final step, a recording must be mastered well in order to sound good. CD mastering is the last chance for creative input when creating a compact disc. After a disc is mastered, it can be printed, reproduced, and sold.
The process of mastering a CD includes several steps. The first step is putting the songs, called tracks at this point, in order. Next, the volume is leveled for all of the songs. The length of time between songs is also adjusted, and any editing on the intros and ends of the songs (such as fades and crossfades, etc.). Also, any unlisted, secret songs, usually known as hidden tracks, are added at this point.
There are several ways to master a CD. First, the mix can be sent to a professional CD mastering engineer, which is what professional musicians with major recording contracts usually do. These mastering engineers often work in their own mastering facilities, which are different from standard recording studios, in that they have much less gear and are designed for the best playback of the mix as possible in order to fix any slight discrepancies.
Aside from professional CD mastering engineers, CDs can be mastered at home using computer software. This option is usually more realistic for unsigned artists or musicians who are just starting out. Depending on the quality of the software and the skill of the person doing the mastering, the CD may sound great or it may sound muddy and unprofessional.
Online CD mastering is another option. CDs mastered online can be a great time-time, in that, instead of sending a mix to a mastering engineer, the mix is sent over the Internet. This option requires a high-speed Internet connection.
Free CD mastering is obviously the cheapest way to master a CD. Artists may want to use free mastering programs on demos or other early recordings that artists use to send to record labels to generate interest. Many CD burning programs included on many computers can be used to do basic but necessary mastering functions.
The difference between a professional sounding CD and an amateurish recording is often found in the mastering. All of the songs played on the radio are extensively mastered in order to sound slicker and more listenable.
CD Mastering Info provides detailed information on CD mastering engineers, facilities, and software, as well as online and free CD mastering. CD Mastering Info is affiliated with Original Content.
Latest News
![]() ABC News | Getting to Carnegie via YouTube New York Times, United States - That second option is the main feature of a new marketing project by Google to bolster the organized presence of classical music on YouTube and promote the ... Classical musicians get shot at fame on YouTube YouTube Symphony Orchestra: Google sees a future in fancy music of ... Thomas signs on for YouTube symphony project |
eJamming Inc. Inks Licensing Deal with MTV Networks Music Group MarketWatch - Jeff Yapp, executive vice president of program enterprises for MTV Networks Music and Logo Group, said, "The combination of interactivity and music speaks ... eJamming inks licensing deal with MTV Networks |
Omstream.com Announces Signing of NuTone Music and Their Catalog ... MarketWatch - "Omstream was created out of a need to locate and purchase music that elevates consciousness amid the clutter of millions of songs available on iTunes and ... |
WHDH-TV | BSO launches its own music download service Boston Globe, United States - Four albums of music created under the baton of BSO music director James Levine will be available in February. (Michael J. Lutch) By Geoff Edgers After ... BSO offers music downloads at its Web site Marketing style leaves maestro miffed |
How Does This Sound? Motorola Introduces MOTOROKR EM35, Delivering ... MarketWatch - A device designed for supreme audio performance both as a mobile device and music player, EM35 delivers an exceptional audio experience for both music and ... |
Grammy Museum takes a broad, hands-on approach Los Angeles Times, CA - But those pieces are vastly outnumbered by technology-centric stations, some of which are designed to educate visitors about music from different eras and ... Harman International Technologies Featured in New GRAMMY Museum GRAMMY Museum All About the Music Grammy Museum: highlights for January |
![]() Contactmusic.com | Chris Brown, Britney Spears, Coldplay, Leona Lewis And Alicia Keys ... MTV.com - They include mild-mannered Chris Brown — whose videos and interviews were reportedly seen 43 million times on the on-demand Music Choice TV service. ... Coldplay & Leona Lewis Top iTunes Sellers Top iTunes sellers released Coldplay, Leona Lewis Are Tops on iTunes |
New York Times | Music Review | Lost Dog New Music Ensemble New York Times, United States - The Lost Dog New Music Ensemble, from left, Miranda Cuckson, on violin; Laura Barger, on piano; and Emily Brausa, on cello. By STEVE SMITH Community is a ... |
![]() Ars Technica | Online seen claiming 41 pct share of US music market Reuters - LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Digital music sales account for 18 percent of the US music market and that figure will grow to 41 percent in five years, ... Report: online to be larger piece of shrinking music pie Report: US Digital Music Sales Growing; Not Supplanting CDs Music Industry Decline Accelerates |
Music Review: Scott Weiland is 'Happy in Galoshes' San Francisco Chronicle, USA - By JOHN KOSIK, AP Writer Fresh of his five-year stint with Velvet Revolver and a brief reunion tour with Stone Temple Pilots, enigmatic frontman Scott ... |
Resources
-
Unlimited Music & Movie Downloads
Movie traffic, great seller, great conversion, you get an easy $45 per sale.
-
MP3 Music Downloads
Best Conversion Ratio, Highest Earnings Guaranteed!
-
Unlimited Music & Movie Downloads
Download Free Music Now. Search & Find MP3
-
The Bandit A&R Newsletter for ambitious acts and songwriters
Bandit publishes details of Music companies world-wide which are in the market for new acts songwriters and masters Secure on-line card clearance system
-
My Music Inc. - Unlimited Free Music and Movie Downloads.
Top Conversion Ratio, Highest Earnings Per Sale Guaranteed ! - Updated 01/03/2006.
-
Rated "Best iPod 'accessory' Ever" Download Movies, TV shows, Music Videos and Songs for i
Capatalize on the Popular iPod Brand! Earn 75% - $35+ per Sale! Best Converting Website of 2006! #1 Product for All iPod Fans
-
Learn To Read Piano Music With Fun Piano Software for Children, Adult Beginners And Piano Teachers
"
-
Front & Back Music Software & Royalty Free Music Clips
Royalty Free Music
-
DVDxRipper.com - Copy Any DVD to CD
Brand new site, Big money maker. Incredible 75% revshare.
-
MoviesDirectPro
Incredibly high converting Unlimited Downloads site. Unlimited Moves, Tv Shows, Documentaries, Music Albums, Software & Games.


