Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is mixing?

Mixing is the process where multiple instrument recordings are combined to create a piece of music. In most cases, the recordings are mixed to a two-channel recording (left and right). During the mixing process, many processes can take place, typically panning individual instruments from left to right, adjusting volume levels, adding reverb, equalizing, and dynamic compression. Other processes may include delays, echoes, chorus effects, pitch-shifting, phasors, guitar amp modeling, etc.

The mixing process can be one of the most influential steps taken during the post-production stage. It can take a song in many different directions. However, a good set of musical ears and quality equipment will ensure that the direction taken will be congruent with what the music is trying to express.

What happens during a typical mixing session?

Mixing is probably the most creative step during the post-production stage. What happens during the mixing stage is strongly dependant on the musical genre and the artist's message. Because of this, each mixing session will be quite unique. But, almost any session will involve some level of compression, equalization, panning, noise removal and volume adjustments. Reverberation is usually used to some extent as well. Effects like delays, choruses, and extreme sonic manipulation are usually reserved for specific genres of music, although anything is possible, and totally up to the musician(s) involved.

What is mastering?

The mastering stage is the final step before an album is sent off for duplication. Mastering is your last chance to make sure everything is exactly as it is supposed to be. Mastering involves the processing and editing of an entire mix (typically using equalizing, dynamic compression and limiting), whereas a mixing session involves manipulation of individual elements within the song.

A great deal of quality control is put in place during the mastering process. Attention to the finest details is crucial. The music should not be released for duplication until the client (you) is truly happy with the end result.

What happens during a typical mastering session?

Although no mastering session is identical, the following procedures are typical:

Level Adjustments, Equalization, Dynamic Compression, Fade-Ins, Fade-Outs, Track IDs Inserted, Spaces Between Songs Adjusted, Noise Removal, Peak Limiting and Dithering.

By the end of a mastering session, the individual songs become part of a larger picture; the album. There should be a feeling of continuity throughout the CD. The songs should "make sense" musically, and feel like they belong together on the album.

The recording should feel real.

After all of the session work is completed, you will be contacted immediately. Then you will receive a reference disc or audio file(s) via e-mail to take home and audition on a playback system you are familiar with. Any changes you feel are necessary will be documented at the studio, and a second reference disc will be made for your final approval.

What is a Red Book Audio CD?

A Red Book Audio CD (also known as a Compact Disc-Digital Audio, or CD-DA) is an optical disc which conforms to the 'Red Book Standard'. It was jointly developed by Sony and Philips in 1982 to ensure proper playback on any standard CD player. Nearly every music CD on the record shelves supports this format. It is VERY important that the Duplication CD Master conforms to this standard, otherwise proper playback of consumer discs may be jeopardized.

CD players were also designed to conform to this Red Book Standard when reading discs. As such, many players are very picky in this regard, and may not play back a CD if it does not strictly conform to this standard.

ALL MikeRoePhonics Duplication CD Masters are burnt to a Red Book Audio CD for full compliance to the Red Book standard. They are designed to play perfectly on ALL standard CD players. Additionally, each disc undergoes extensive error checks to ensure a very low error rate (another requirement of the Red Book Standard).

Why are your rates based on song/album length, and not by the hour?

The reason for this is two-fold:

i. A flat rate allows the customer to see the exact final costs before any work is started. It eliminates any guesswork, and becomes one less thing to worry about.

ii. In a situation where I may charge for 3 hours of work, a client may feel it should only take 1 or 2 hours to complete. Charging a flat rate based solely on song or album length aleviates a customers concern about a session that may last longer than they expect. Regardless of the project, you will be given a custom quote before any work is done.

What if I still have questions?

Feel free to call MikeRoePhonics Digital Audio with any questions @ (563) 940-4004 or e-mail me at mike@mikeroephonics.com