what is Mastering?

[nkujankuja]

HI Guys

as you know that i'm a new kid on the block, i have recorded few tracks on my cubase LE and everything went well but now i want to know more about mastering. they sound alright when i listen them from the software but now the problem comes as: will it be as good as it sound when i put the on the CD? i did audio mixdown and they still sound good. am i missing something called "mastering"? i'm also using sonar LE which i must still learn more that software because i always you Cubase. can someone tell me how to go about mastering? what is mastering? will mastering make a difference on what i've done? please someone help me. what software should i use to do mastering?

[TonyB]

Please check out the Mastering forum. There are plenty of threads that discuss Mastering. Some good info is over there.

You are missing something called "mastering." Get familiar with using compressors and limiters.

You can do mastering in Sonar LE just fine.

Welcome, by the way.

[brandondrury]

Understanding Audio Mastering: An Interview With Eric Conn | Music Production

Brandon

[TonyB]

Originally Posted by brandondrury

Understanding Audio Mastering: An Interview With Eric Conn | Music Production

Brandon

Thanks for digging that up! It's been awhile since I read it! It was a good re-read!

[fortyseven]

The process of audio mastering varies depending on the specific needs of the audio and may or may not include the following:
Transferring the recorded audio tracks into the Digital Audio Workstation.

Sequence the separate songs or tracks (the spaces in between) as they will appear on the final product (for example, an audio CD).

Process or "sweeten" audio to maximize the sound quality for its particular medium (Edit minor flaws. Apply noise reduction to eliminate hum and hiss. Adjust stereo width. Add ambience. Equalize audio between tracks. Adjust volumes. Dynamic expansion. Dynamic compression. Peak limit the tracks).

Transfer the audio to the final master format.