There are many recording and mixing tricks used in the industry that make top notch recordings. CD Mastering is one of the best kept secrets of top studios today. Since most everything is recorded in the digital realm, highend mixing engineers will do something called layback mastering. This is where the digital version is converted back to an analog signal in order to be mastered through analog processors, though in many instances it is also recorded to an analog two-track system in order to get the warmth that analog tape gives to the sound. It also takes the harshness away from digital recordings, and can round out the bottom end giving the bottom frequencies that nice analog sound.
The pros far out weigh the cons. Layback CD mastering will often cost a bit more than traditional digital mastering, as it takes additional time and there are additional costs for the analog tape, but for serious projects, it can be the end step in getting the best quality for the album. Since digital recordings can feel harsh to many listeners because regardless of how loud the sound gets, digital always gives you accurate yet flat reproduction. Analog tape, however, softens as the volume increases in level, so peaks are rounded rather than clipped, which translates as a warm, rich feel as the harmonic series is excited. To the audience, this is more pleasing. Also, a hotter input song will create a larger difference. As the highs saturate first, this means that as the signal becomes louder, the highs naturally soften up, creating a less brittle, nicer sound.
There are many mastering studios around the United States that have the equipment to do analog mastering, however, it also requires you have an engineer with the background to get optimal end product possible with the studio gear. I’ve tried out a few mastering studios and one of best quality is www.stevethomasmastering.com. He is a top analog mastering engineer, yet he also has done 1000’s of albums as a recording engineer as well. In addition, his quality rivals some of the most pricey mastering studios in the world. If you already have someone you’re working with that’s great. But, I would certainly to give him a call.
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