The Guide to Audio Formats and Delivery Mediums
Posted by Justin Perkins on 05/19/202105/19/2021
A general guide to what master formats you need from your mastering engineer and why.
Articles
From time to time, I’m asked to write about various aspects of the mastering process. Many of the articles were inspired by realizing I was typing the same email over and over again. Below is a list of articles I’ve authored on various aspects of audio mastering and published on The Pro Audio Files.
Read the articles:
The 6 dB of Headroom for Mastering Myth Explained
Posted by Justin Perkins on 02/27/201802/27/2018
An article clarifying one of the most common myths and points of confusion that I see on audio forums and Facebook groups, how much headroom to leave on your mixes for mastering.
What Automated Mastering Services Can’t Do For You
Posted by Justin Perkins on 06/30/202106/30/2021
It would be too subjective and a waste of time to criticize services such s LANDR, Aftermaster and other automated mastering services about their sound qualities. Instead, this article focuses on facts about things those services simply can't provide for you at this time, or maybe ever.
The Importance of Lacquer Cutting for Vinyl
Posted by Justin Perkins on 06/22/202206/22/2022
This article focuses on vinyl releases, and why it's important to use a lacquer cutter who you know does good work and that you can communicate with rather than blindly sending your music off to the pressing plant and hoping for the best. Lacquer cutting is the most important step when it comes to how your vinyl sounds. You wouldn't send your unmastered mixes off to the CD plant and hope they master it well before doing all the expensive and time consuming setup processes, would you?
Things to Consider When Evaluating Your Master
Posted by Justin Perkins on 04/16/201704/16/2017
An article to enlighten you on things to consider and listen for when evaluating your initial master from your mastering engineer/studio.
13 Quick Tips for Preparing a Mix for Mastering
Posted by Justin Perkins on 02/02/201702/02/2017
This article stemmed from replying to a Facebook post about how to prepare some mixes for mastering. I put together a quick checklist of things to consider and be aware of to help make the process go smoothly.
What is Mastering in 2016?
Posted by Justin Perkins on 02/25/201602/25/2016
A general overview of mastering technicalities, best-practices, ideas, and random thoughts.
Common Misconceptions About the Mastering Process
Posted by Justin Perkins on 04/14/201504/14/2015
This article explains common misconceptions about audio mastering such as why even though your masters may be technically loud when analyzed on meters, they do not sound as loud other material, and why louder is not always better.
The Importance and Benefits of a Mastering DAW
Posted by Justin Perkins on 10/26/201810/26/2018
An overview of why Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase (and similar DAWs) are not full featured mastering DAWs and why a DAW/Audio Editor designed specifically for mastering will improve your workflow, make things easier, and improve results as well.
A Guide to Preparing for Mastering
Posted by Justin Perkins on 12/22/201412/22/2014
A general overview of things to consider before your mastering session.
11 Tips for Better Mastering Results
Posted by Justin Perkins on 10/23/201510/23/2015
Some useful tips for your and veteran mixing engineers to help ensure your mastering session goes smoothly.
CD-Text, Metadata, Artwork & More
Posted by Justin Perkins on 05/17/201605/17/2016
A brief guide to submitting your CD/project info to the Gracenote Database and why iTunes (and most other consumer audio apps) can't directly read the CD-Text/Metadata embedded on a CD even though you think it should, and how apps actually get that info.
8 Non-Audio Apps to Help Run Your Audio Business
Posted by Justin Perkins on 06/13/201806/13/2018
An overview of helpful non-audio apps and services to help you run your audio business, stay organized, and be more efficient.