ABSTRACT

Major Label Mastering: Professional Mastering Process distills 25 years of mastering experience at Capitol Records into practical understandings and reliable systems. Containing unparalleled insights, this book reveals the mastering tricks and techniques used by Evren Göknar at one of the world’s most notable record labels.

Beginning with the requisite competencies every Mastering Engineer must develop, Major Label Mastering delves into the particulars of the mastering studio, as well as fundamental mastering tools. Included among these tools is The Five Step Mastering Process, a rigorously tested system that equips the practitioner to successfully and confidently master a project to exacting standards of audio fidelity. Covering all bases, the book discusses both macro and micro considerations: from mindset approach and connecting with clients down to detailed guidelines for processing audio, advanced methods, and audio restoration. Each chapter ends with exercises intended to deepen understanding and skill, or to supplement course study.

Suitable for all levels, this is a unique resource for students, artists, and recording and Mastering Engineers alike. Major Label Mastering is supplemented by digital resources including audio examples and video tutorials.

part I|29 pages

The Key Competencies and Understandings of a Mastering Engineer

chapter Chapter 1|21 pages

The Mastering Engineer

chapter Chapter 2|5 pages

Listening Experience

The Mastering Engineer’s Primary Concern

part II|40 pages

The Mastering Studio and Fundamental Mastering Tools

chapter Chapter 3|15 pages

The Mastering Studio

part III|32 pages

Professional Mastering Process

chapter Chapter 5|8 pages

Step I

Objective Assessment

chapter Chapter 6|3 pages

Step II

Subjective Assessment

chapter Chapter 7|8 pages

Step III

The Mastering Game Plan

chapter Chapter 8|4 pages

Step IV

Assembly—Links in a Chain

chapter Chapter 9|6 pages

Step V

Delivery—Generate the Master

part IV|12 pages

Professional Mastering Process—Macro Considerations

chapter Chapter 10|2 pages

Before the Mastering Session

chapter Chapter 11|4 pages

The Inner Game

Mindset Approaches

chapter Chapter 12|4 pages

Session-Saving Mastering Tips

part V|45 pages

Professional Mastering Process—Micro Considerations

chapter Chapter 13|7 pages

Detailed Guidelines for Processing Audio

chapter Chapter 14|12 pages

Advanced Mastering Chain Tools and Techniques

chapter Chapter 15|11 pages

Mid-Side (M/S)

An Elixir of Mastering Hope

chapter Chapter 16|4 pages

In-the-Box Considerations

chapter Chapter 17|5 pages

De-Noising/Audio Restoration (Out, Damned Spot!)

chapter Chapter 18|1 pages

Conclusion and Summary