ABSTRACT
The Digital to analog (DA) converter after each DAW is connected to a monitor position on the monitor controller. This allows for quickly monitoring the flat audio from the PBDAW, or switching to the mastered audio from the RDAW DA converter. The input and output gain controls of the mastering console provide strategic gain positions that can be used to adjust gain structure through the mastering system, drive a compressor harder, balance the left/right image, or drive the Analog to Digital converter. Tubes, transistors, resistors, capacitors, and op-amps in analog equipment circuits can add desirable qualities to the audio such as detail, frequency enhancements, or warmth. The first sign of subpar mastering is a master that is carelessly slammed through a peak-limiter with little attention to frequency balances or macro-dynamics.
