Some basic things about the master recording

 

The recording process is no longer new to James Haidak. In fact, he was (and still is) a music producer before becoming a DJ upon discovering techno when he moved to Amsterdam. In this article, he would like to discuss one of the key elements in recording - the master recording. And here’s what we need to know.

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The master recording is, basically, the official and original recording of a song, or a musical performance. It is the final output that becomes the source to create copies of CDs, cassettes, LPs, and those that gets streamed online. A master recording can be stored on tapes, discs, or even hard drives.

Before the 1940s, the master recording process would involve the transfer of acoustic energy from “the diaphragm of an acoustic horn to the mastering lathe.” The emergence of magnetic tape, in the late 1940s, would revolutionize recording as it allows separate sessions with the master disc, apart from the actual recording process. Despite improvements in the sound quality and a few basic constraints, this electro-mechanical process would remain as the standard for years in recording, until the arrival of digital technology.

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Now that we know its meaning and its history, mastering is, however, not an entirely electro-mechanical process. Mastering still, and very strictly at that, requires “careful listening” from those in the studio - the artists, the music producer, and the sound engineer. They should be knowledgeable in sound translation, equalization, and digital compression tools on the playback systems. The studio should be noise-proof and well-equipped with good monitors to enhance the clarity of the audio in order to achieve good results.

James Haidak is DJ and music producer greatly influenced by late ‘90s techno, house, & electronica. James actively participates online by sharing insights on the music industry. For more info about James, please visit this website.