The Dark Art of Mastering

Mastering is the last step in the audio production process. It involves a number essential tasks best performed by an experienced engineer in a tuned and extremely accurate environment. Nowadays, there are hundreds of "mastering studios."  You can literally pay as little or as much as you like, and as in life, you get what you pay for. Here is some info about why you should go to a pro. 

Why Gravity Mastering?

REASONS TO SEND YOUR MIXES TO A PRO

Perspective

• Receive objective, expert listening
• Approach your work from a fresh angle
• Utilize the best gear & techniques

accuracy: HEAR THE BRUTAL TRUTH

You can't solve a problem if you don't know it's there. One of the indicators that a mastering engineer is "legit" is that he works in a room designed for spectral accuracy - that is, a room built specifically for mastering. All rooms create different challenges in the way of modes and echo that suck away certain frequencies.  A purpose built mastering room will sound flat and neutral, thereby allowing the mastering engineer to hear "the brutal truth."

It’s also essential to have full range flat response monitors. Ultimately, the room and monitors create a “window” for the mastering engineer to make critical decisions to improve your music.         

AVOID THEse COMMON Pre-Conceived Notions

"I can use a plugin to make it louder." 
"I can master in the same room I mixed it"
"I can save cash by doing it myself"