Pro Audio Mastering - CD Mastering by Cyclotron Records

Cyclotron Records Pro Audio Mastering provides CD mastering for independent artists at affordable rates.

The Mastering Process

The mastering process begins with an assessment of the music style. The mastering techniques used for Dance music, for example, differ from the techniques used for Rock music. Specifically, information in the bass range of the audio spectrum will be more heavily compressed and maximized for Dance music and will be less compressed for Rock Music.

The next step is enhancing the quality of the recording as necessary. Enhancing can include equalizing to balance the frequency levels; using state of the art filters to bring out the treble frequencies; removing any unwanted noise (i.e. tape hiss); and/or adding analog warmth to smooth out the sound. Check out our samples page for examples of projects we've worked on.

Why Mastering is Important

When making tracks in your home studio, you'll find that your final mixes sound a little flat compared to professional, store-bought CDs. Our professional engineers will make sure your tracks sound as loud and as crisp as your store-bought CDs. Cyclotron Records uses high-end audio plug-ins and analog equipment to ensure your tracks stack up to any commercial disc. Even if you're only going to create MP3s for distribution over the Internet, you still need to master your tracks prior to data compression. With proper mastering, your MP3s will sound louder and fuller and will help give you a professional edge.

Our Philosophy

Simply making a track as loud as it can be does not constitute proper mastering. It is important to give the music room to breath. Over-compressing or over-limiting can create ear fatigue in just a matter of minutes. There are several software packages that will allow you to make your tracks louder, but most inexpensive packages do so at the cost of audio loss. When your audio is clipped (that is, deleted due to over-modulation) you're losing your precious music. Sure it may sound loud, but you'll be missing subtle dynamics that make a track more engaging.

Even the most experienced recording studios rely on mastering engineers to put the finishing touches on their products. The reason for this is twofold. First of all, mastering engineers only focus on mastering. Therefore, they are able to dedicate their time to making the final mix sound as good as it can and are not concerned with mixing each individual recorded element. Secondly—and perhaps more importantly—it is absolutely imperative that someone other than the artist do the mastering because they aren't as close to the project as the artist and/or recording engineer. The mastering engineer will be able to listen to your track with a fresh set of ears and will be able to process your track objectively, making sure your finished product is competitive with other commercial releases.

Start with a Good Mix

Although the mastering process can definitely make a track sound much better, it cannot compensate for poor mixing techniques. For this reason, it is important to start with a well mixed final version. Additionally, minimal (but preferably no) final mix compression and processing should be used before mastering. Final mix compression should only be done at the mastering stage and left to a professional.