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Recording
Recording (also called tracking) is essentially the process of recording songs. The name comes from the fact that each instrument is recorded individually and given it’s own “track” in the mix, so that the balance and sound of each can be controlled later. Originally, “track” referred to a thin width of analogue tape, today it usually means a file on a hard drive. Performances can be “live”, with all the musicans playing at once; one instrument at a time; or a mixture of the two.
- The most important goals of tracking include:
- Record in a great space – often a recording studio
- Get the best sound for each instrument or voice via a good choice of microphone and it’s placement
- Avoid “spill”, ie. get good separation between the instruments to allow plenty of control in the mix
Most importantly – get a great performance !
Mixing
Mixing is the process of blending all the individual tracks in a recording to create a version of the song that sounds as good as possible – the “mix” balancing the levels of the tracks that have been recorded
- Fine-tuning the sound of each instrument or voice using equalization (EQ)
- “Panning” the tracks between speakers to create a stereo image
- Adding reverb, compression, and other effects to enhance the original recording
Mixing often also includes a good deal of editing – choosing the best bits of every take of a song, and sometimes even building musical elements from scratch. Sometimes there is so much editing involved it forms a separate stage in between tracking and mixing.
Mastering
Mastering is the process of turning a collection of songs into an album (or single, or playlist, or podcast…) and combining them to create a final master for manufacturing. Or – it’s making your music sound the best it can be.
In mixing you are balancing the instruments to get a great mix of each song, in mastering you are balancing songs against each other to get a great sequence. This can vary from being a very subtle process, involving minor tweaks to polish the existing mixes, through to occasionally being a complete rescue mission for problem songs, or where detailed restoration is needed.
Briefly the process involves:
- Balancing (not matching) the level and tonal balance (EQ) of songs
- Controlling the dynamic range – how loud and quiet each section is, for the right musical balance of variety and power
- Editing “tops and tails” – the beginning an end of each song, and the gaps, to create a compelling sequence
- Fixing any outstanding problems from the mix, if possible
Creating a secure, reliable manufacturing master, including PQ information, UPC/EAN codes, ISRCs, CD-Text