Have a professional master your songs, do it yourself?

[Tarekith]

I think retaining objectivity is something that anyone involved with mastering learns VERY quickly. I know I certainly get some tracks that personally don't do anything for me (some are almost painful to listen to), but it's not that hard to still get myself into the mindset of the song and do my best for it, regardless of what I really think.

In fact, that's one question people ask me all the time that I refuse to answer, "What did you think of my song?". I'll give them my thoughts from a technical level, but I don't like commenting on what I like or don't like, as it largely doesn't matter in order for me to do my job.

Of course the flip side is also true, I get tracks from some artists that I absolutely love the work they do. Those are the days I'm really glad I do what I do for a living. Though I still have to approach it with some measure of objectionability.

[anybody human]

i don't mean any disrespect, not knowing your work, but as it has been mentioned a few times that this is an advertisement thread in a way

Maybe, I thought that of that for a second also but it's still a good question. Besides, most people have links to their music in their signature. Is that an advertisement signature? Technically I suppose it is.

When to have stuff mastered? I'd say the same as someone else mentioned, when you're sending it to anyone other than friends. Unless you know the label well and if they like it they'll have it mastered etc.

[evon]

Can you guys both take this elsewhere, PM's or something? Would be nice to have one thread that didn't dissolve into this kind of thing.

OK Tone its a new year and lots of more serious issues at hand.
Sorry Tarekith, I agree, this is too good a post to spoil (although I didnt actually start the fuss).

Honestly though, just reading the posts by you people who are actually making money in the industry is so very informative and encouraging.
I pledge that from here on I will just read and listen and probably ask a few questions if the need arises.

[evon]

40 dollars per track for demo mastering is a very competitive rate and most of the bigger studios with better reputations charge around 99 per 4 minute song (around 120 for a 6 minute track) and may offer a discount of around 10% if you send more than 8 tracks etc, this is usually performed by a capable engineer but not the likes of Bob Ludwig, Doug Sax, Ted Jensen, Bob Katz etc, their reputations means they cost 3-4 times that amount plus they often work on a 'time' basis only, meaning that the cost can often run to 6 or 7 times this amount. Then, it's quite possible you may not enjoy where they took the mix - which is why it's important that you know in advance that they will do a free sample for you and allow at least 1 or 2 modifications if you don't like their work.

A lot of what you see advertised in music magazines at $400 or less for mastering is pretty much a very quick software only mastering, and a certain ratio of this are cowboys who are just going to do a lo-cut filter, boost the air and throw a limiter preset on to it to boost the level - minimal input for maximum gain in some cases.

I don't believe Tarekith is fishing for compliments or business here. I think his reputation is already well enough established on this forum and he has the testimonials to back up his work. I was also interested and surprised a little in the results in the poll. Mastering is something I find very interesting and I have done courses myself, for any one out there who has a bit of knowledge on mixing and engineering, I highly recommend you read Bob Katz's book 'Mastering Audio : The Art and The Science' (2nd edition) Focal Press 2008. This is a complex but really interesting read into the whole process and even if you always plan on using a mastering engineer and never approaching this yourself, it's really educational and you will learn a lot.

+1
See what I mean, so informative.

And about Bob Katz's Book, I ended up getting two issues from Amazon because of a delay in the delivery date for which I had to complain to them about. I am willing to part with the second issue for a small fee. Anybody interested can PM me. The only problem is that I am located on the Rock in Jamrock, and I feel that shipping cost might be an issue for those interested.

[Tarekith]

It's a great book, and one I think too many people ignore as they think it's only about mastering. To me, the title refers to all aspects of audio, digitial audio basics, to gain staging, monitoring, effects use, you name it. Certainly it covers mastering as a process, but I think that's a small part of the actual book, It's definitely something I think all electronic musicians should pick up.