Music recording: difference between mixing and mastering?!
Question: That answer above is pretty vague.
Mixing: taking all the recorded tracks (bass, guitar, drums, vocals, etc.) and arranging them in a way that fits the client's expectations. This also includes processing and effects such as reverb, delay, distortion, compression, equalization, etc. Mixing is done for each individual track.
Mastering: Takes all the songs to be on the Album and smooths the transitions between songs so that they vocals, guitars, bass all sound like are at the same level (volume) so that you do not have to adjust anything throughout the cd, it should sound coherent from beginning to end. This can also include the arrangement of the tracks so that you don't have a lopsided effect (ie all the fast tracks at the beginning or all the catchy tracks at the end, etc.) The mastering engineer usually is paid a lot more than the mixing engineer and their equipment is of much higher quality. They usually only use little equalitzation, little compression, and most of the differences are not noticable to the consumer ear. Mastering is by the total product.
Most masters are owned by the recording company that you are signed with. if you get the chance to own your master DO IT. This is where the money is. And you ultimately have total control over your product.
Answers: That answer above is pretty vague.
Mixing: taking all the recorded tracks (bass, guitar, drums, vocals, etc.) and arranging them in a way that fits the client's expectations. This also includes processing and effects such as reverb, delay, distortion, compression, equalization, etc. Mixing is done for each individual track.
Mastering: Takes all the songs to be on the Album and smooths the transitions between songs so that they vocals, guitars, bass all sound like are at the same level (volume) so that you do not have to adjust anything throughout the cd, it should sound coherent from beginning to end. This can also include the arrangement of the tracks so that you don't have a lopsided effect (ie all the fast tracks at the beginning or all the catchy tracks at the end, etc.) The mastering engineer usually is paid a lot more than the mixing engineer and their equipment is of much higher quality. They usually only use little equalitzation, little compression, and most of the differences are not noticable to the consumer ear. Mastering is by the total product.
Most masters are owned by the recording company that you are signed with. if you get the chance to own your master DO IT. This is where the money is. And you ultimately have total control over your product.
After all the mixing ( tracks for drums,guitar,vocals etc ) is done and satisfactory.....mastering is the final product. Copies can be made but original Master Disc should be kept in your possession.