| Do not think of
Separations as remixing
- however... |
|
•
If the record
company
wants
some last minute edits or level adjustments, you're ready to go.
•
If you've
mixed for
months
and you still feel the blend can be better, refinements can be made.
•
If you can't
sort out
certain balance issues or low-end problems, more precise
control
is here.
• Communication
lets us
know your preferences and
references makes the difference!
|
If time
doesn't allow
for making Separations on your project right now , still consider...
|
|
This
method of mastering is more involved than traditional mastering,
therefore we are very comfortable with finding more options even for
2-track stereo masters. We are very aware of how "out of
the box" ideas work for traditional 2-Track
mastering. Try
us for your
stereo mixes - your CD
will sound amazing because we've worked to achieve sound that's beyond
normal mastering methods.
|
Separations
are different than "stems." Read why
|
The
simplest form of Separations is just to make
(1) The Stereo Mix
(2) An all-instruments mix
with effects and verbs
(3) An all-vocals mix with
effects and verbs
The 2nd easiest form of Separations is
(1) The Stereo Mix
(2) Separated drums mix - in
stereo with effects
(3) All other instruments mix
in stereo with verbs or effects
(4) All vocalsmix in stereo
with reverbs, effects
Bonus: Now you've archived an
instrumental mix for later.
|
Separation Mastering projects exhibit a
more
open and "airy" sound. The small number
of Separation tracks gives better width and depth than large numbers of
tracks being mixed and summed digitally. We find that digital summing
"in the box" seems to represses the transients and collapses the
openness of the sound. If nothing is changed and we're simply
using Separations as your source for mastering, you have already
achieved an improvement - sometimes as much as reclocking with a
precision low-jitter clock.
About the cost: The mastering
cost factor can be the same as traditional mastering when pro's bring
in commercially competitive mixes. Example:
If the lead vocal needs de-essing, it's easier for us to de-ess the
Separation than it is to de-ess the whole blended 2-track mix in the
traditional fashion. It's better to de-ess the vocal Separation because
we don't have to think about compromises when a de-esser can dull the
cymbals, snare or other instruments in a locked-down 2-track mix. Example: If we
need to roll low end off
the kick drum, it's just as easy to apply a high-pass filter to the
drum Separation as it is to do it to the whole mix, and the tone of the
bass (if separated) and rhythm instruments won't be altered. We won't
be spending time with compromises that can occur when you only have a
2-track source.
What if you want some
optimizing of the
mix balance?
As a part of
our service,
we can rebalance the mix for another level of
improvement if the client requests it. This can be as simple as a
few tweaks, or it can be very creative and powerful - which can take
time and can add to the cost. Note that if you are in the
beginning phases of your engineering career, a 20-to-30 year
engineering veteran in the mastering room can work wonders on your
project. But
we don't recommend that you mix with the intention of having us add
your reverbs. We prefer that you get your mixes the way
you want them -- but yes, we can add high quality reverb (or even
delays) or make creative edits if you request it.
Interesting: Some
engineers, once they start making
Separations, hear things they didn't hear previously while
mixing. It's tempting to tweak more when you hear the tracks
separated from the others, but it's a mistake to change anything unless
you go back and re-printing the Full Mix. Example: Doing
additional gating of drums or changing the levels or processing on the
tracks upon hearing them separated! Remember, every aspect of
your mix must be there in the Separations.
Key: If you
change anything in your Separations, go back and remake your 2-track
stereo mix. Your stereo mix must be exactly the same.
Double-check!
More on cost: When
we are asked to get into deeper sonic crafting, the cost is
proportionate to the work. Volume
draws to create a more consistent vocal blend can take time.
Fine-tuning drums with eq and level correction can take time.
Edits and defect removal can take time. But considering the time
it takes to book more mixing time, A-List mixing engineer expenditures,
scheduling, transportation and coordination issues.... Separations can
leverage a proportionately short amount of time into a very large sonic
advantage for you. Just remember, your budget plan should match your
product goals --
given the level of mixing experience and acoustic accuracy of your
facility.
Even more advantages
Separations
give you insurance
against mix burnout as well. As Quincy Jones said (paraphrased), "We
never finish our projects. We simply abandon them." Now when you're
finished, you can rest easier knowing that the mastering session can
resolve any final debates. Separations replace the need for cumbersome
alternate mixes. It's a total package that gives a secure guideline for
anyone who want A-List sound but doesn't have the time for
trial-and-error projects.
New
development:
A response that
we get more and more is that clients tell us "Now that I know what you
can do in the mastering room, I'll mix my next project
differently. It will be easier because I don't have to be so
obsessive over details that are better addressed in mastering."
This is cool because
what they
are saying is that they can do "less" in their mix and get "more" in
the mastering room. We've all heard the engineering phrase, "Less
is more." which really means that "less" of one thing will leave space
for "more" of something else (kinda like the teeter-totter
principle). Less pressure at mix time (due to Separations) can
mean less of a tendency to over-process. Just remember to use your best
judgment because you should love your mix when it leaves the recording
studio and comes here. Separations are re-defining and expanding
the role of mastering -- as well as the results you can expect to
achieve.
|
