Guide to Perfecting an Album Using Mastering Software
In the world of music production, mastering plays a crucial role in ensuring that each track on an album sounds consistent and professional. This article will guide you through the process of mastering an album using iZotope's AI-powered mastering plugin, Ozone 12.
Preparation
To begin, start a new session in your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) and add each finished mix to the timeline. It's essential to arrange the tracks in order, considering album sequencing for the greatest listener impact.
Setting Up the Mastering Plugin
Add the Ozone 12 Mastering plugin to your master bus and select a louder section for the detection process. This will help the plugin understand the dynamics and volume of your music more accurately.
Adjusting EQ Settings
Mastering EQ settings can be adjusted to bring each track in line. If some mixes need more air and excitement or controlled low end, these settings can be tweaked accordingly.
Precise Sequencing
Precise sequencing can be challenging if not managed directly in the DAW during mastering. Linear fades can take care of most operations you'll need during album sequencing, but you may prefer another fade shape such as a curved or exponential fade.
Advanced Mastering Parameters
If further revisions are needed, you can adjust any advanced mastering parameters. This includes controlling volume, spectral shaping, imaging, and dynamics.
Repeating the Detection Process
If something isn't feeling right, you can repeat the detection process and start from a new custom master. This allows you to fine-tune the sound to your liking.
Creating Fades and Automation
Mastering plugins like Ozone 12 let you create fades and automation with mastering applied. When applying automation, it's best to automate the channel fader rather than the master bus where the Ozone 12 plugin is active.
Adjusting Loudness
Pay attention to the loudest segments to ensure they don't stick out too much compared to other material on the album. If the gap is too distracting, increase the loudness control to reduce the song's dynamic range overall.
Applying Automation and Exporting the Master
Use your DAW's nudge command to move tracks or automation by a small, consistent amount to get the positioning just right. Consolidate the entire region from first marker to last, print your fader automation to a new audio file inside your DAW, and export these timeline clips as files to finish the master.
Final Thoughts
Mastering an album requires more than just hitting targets for loudness and dynamic range. It's about ensuring that each track sounds its best within the context of the album as a whole. With iZotope's Ozone 12, you have complete control over the AI mastering tool for producing professional-sounding masters.
