Mastering
Mastering is the last step before a record is handed off to be duplicated. A mastering engineer provides a second objective opinion from that of the mixing engineer, artist, or producer. Rather than just making a song “loud” a mastering engineer will incorporate their creativity into the overall song using a variety of tools. 
When it comes to mastering a song there are four main tools our engineers use – multi-band compression, linear phase equalization, brickwall limiting, and filtering – The mastering engineer will also apply the correct transition/fades between tracks, evaluate the stereo image, and encode Meta Data.
Unlike mixing, mastering is done to the song as a whole, fixing problems (if any) that may be present in the mix, and making it ready for the radio. We understand how close you are to your songs, so we evaluate them very carefully, and only making changes we think are necessary. It is important that you make sure your mix is as close as possible to how it is supposed to sound.
Once the mastering process begins, our mastering engineers will go through the correct steps of bit depth reduction and sample rate conversion to ensure your final product is in redbook format standards. Working with our professional engineers will give your final tracks the punch, clarity, and loudness you hear with commercial recordings.
Master EQ
Applying filters, advance linear phase, and passive equalization techniques to balance tonality between tracks.
Compression
Using multiband, opto, and parallel compression to create punch and warmth.
Loudness
Reading RMS & peak meters applying brickwall and multi-band limiting so your tracks translate across multiple stereo systems.
Stereo Imaging
Creating width and depth and addressing phase issues.
The Mastering Process:
Before we begin, you will need to export or bounce your mixes (Bit Depth: 24 Sample Rate: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, or 88.2kHz). Because of the poor summing capabilities Pro Tools and Logic’s “Bounce To Disk” and “Bounce” are not recommended. Make sure on your MASTER FADER or STEREO BUSS that the peaks do not exceed past -4dB. Once we receive your properly prepared files, we will master your music. Once completed you will be able to preview your masters online and make any necessary revisions. Once files have been approved, you may choose to come into S1 Studios for CD pickup or we can ship them to you.