I am probably wrong in asking this, but why only 2 choices? Are you only considering the Sound/Power aspect of the Mastering process and therefore opting only for either leaving the mixed dynamics alone OR maxing the mix to full power? If so, I have to agree that it is a matter of personal taste AND the genre of music.
For myself, the Mixed project I turn over for Mastering is as close to the "finished product ideal" as possible, leaving maximum headroom for the Mastering processes of Compression, EQ, Stereo/3D Field Imaging and the full scale of Frequency and Harmonics separation and placement for maximum clarity and dynamics.
Posts: 19 | Location: Sunny Southwest USA | Registered: June 21, 2005
In reply to David's post, I tried to keep it simple. I am not a Mastering Engineer, but I've worked with a few, and as far as I know, one of the "un-said" tasks is always to maximize the volume of a project. But it seems that most projects are "maximized" or "smashed" to the extreme today, taking away some, if not most of the dynamic range of the original mix, just for the purpose of more volume.
quote:
For myself, the Mixed project I turn over for Mastering is as close to the "finished product ideal" as possible, leaving maximum headroom for the Mastering processes of Compression, EQ, Stereo/3D Field Imaging and the full scale of Frequency and Harmonics separation and placement for maximum clarity and dynamics.
I would agree that this is exactly how to approach a project.
You just finished and mixed all of the tracks for your new CD, and your getting ready to master it.
A good sound engineer will make the volume a good level for when someone first hears the CD, they aren't overpowered, no matter what the genre. We don't prefer loud, we prefer good.
