1. make beat 2. record vocals 3. ?????

[balla_balla]

hey y'all

I'm trying to understand the process of making a song

from what I've read and researched, the process of making a song is something like this;

1. make the beat

2. take the beat to the studio and record the vocals

3. mixing and mastering

my questions are;

1. I belive mixing is adjusting the levels of the beat and vocals etc. so they fit together well. If that's what mixing is, then what is mastering?

2. is mixing and mastering something that can be done at home or is it recommended to be done at the studio

3. is it always necessary to mix and master a song? do all y'all do it?

thanks for the help!

 

[Loose Cannon]

1.-
Mastering (i think) is just mixing one channel. Like mixing is like mixing a bunch of different tracks (kick, snare, hat, bass, etc.) but i think mastering is just mixing one track with all those together. Its hard to explain, but masatering is usually more complex then mixing. Somebody else might be able to help you with that question.


2.-
Yes, it can be done at home. The final product will 90% of the time be better if its done at the studio, but it can be done with time and effort at home. Most people mix there shit as best as they can at home before they bring it to the studio.


3.-
It isnt a hafto. I think most people on here just mix and not master. I dont master at all. I might eq the final file and add like .05% delay just to fill in some space, but i dont ever feel like i need to master, because im usually straight after i finish mixing.

 

[eXampuL_oNe]

hey y'all

I'm trying to understand the process of making a song

from what I've read and researched, the process of making a song is something like this;

1. make the beat

2. take the beat to the studio and record the vocals

3. mixing and mastering

my questions are;

1. I belive mixing is adjusting the levels of the beat and vocals etc. so they fit together well. If that's what mixing is, then what is mastering?

2. is mixing and mastering something that can be done at home or is it recommended to be done at the studio

3. is it always necessary to mix and master a song? do all y'all do it?

thanks for the help!

Mastering: when u master a finished track all you are doing is pretty much tweaking, adding effects and eqing shit.... Unless the studio you were at didnt compress the vocals or eq the vocals then u should do so at your own will (some people don't like compression and can ride the gain well, i on the other hand hate tryin to ride the gain)... That is my opinion, but if you talk to an experienced engineer they will probably tell you what it really is and how it can be done... I usually compress the vocals 2 times (i have no compressor or booth so this makes them shine real nice) then eq the vocals.... After that is done i will eq the instrumental, bounce the track in logic and then use the multi-pressor on the finished product... Overall it comes out beutiful... What are you using to Master with?

 

[balla_balla]

okay thanks... any more advice anyone else?