Read This First!

This blog, originally written as a Mastering FAQ for bands coming to Keith Cleversley and the Playground Recording/Mastering Studio, it’s become a source for all kinds of mastering related topics and tips. Everything you need to know about the mastering process is here, including an indispensible “Quick Start Mastering Guide” guide or the more detailed “Detailed Mastering FAQ“, as well as many of the articles from the upcoming book in tentatively titled “Mastering Demystified” and set to be published in 2010 if the publishing deal goes through.

Also, if you’re coming to The Playground to master and read nothing else, please read “Nothing Goes Louder Than Zero” to get critical details on proper mixdown levels for your music!

To me, mastering is an amazing artform and one of the most misunderstood as well. When I first got into mastering, it was like trying to learn how to become a magician; there were so many methods and equipment used that many mastering engineers didn’t want to reveal, in fear of losing closely-guarded secrets. To me, though, it’s not about the methods and the gear used to make great sounding mastered records; it’s about the EARS used to get there, so this blog was born.

You CAN understand mastering and make informed decisions about the entire process. Read just a few of the key articles here, and you’ll be better informed when you walk into a studio to master what you’ve undoubtedly spent countless hours crafting. Also, I’m always available via e-mail to answer any questions you might have, and I always respond to comments as well.  Part of the point of this blog is to de-mystify the entire mastering process by putting it into easily understood explanations that will ultimately make your
record sound better than it may have otherwise.

Up Means Louder, Keith

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

KEY MASTERING ARTICLES:

General Mastering FAQ – A good place to start
Best Mastering Formats – What format to bring your masters in
Key Mastering Points – Additional reading on mastering

FURTHER READING:

Neve and SSL EQ De-mystified – Some basic facts about the “sound” of EQ’s
Dithering & When to Dither – This article could save your mixes
Nothing Goes Louder Than Zero – Critical info on mixdown levels for mixes
Practical and Effective EQ Use – It’s easy to overlook the basics