This completely updated edition of the bestselling Mastering Engineers Handbook provides a thorough exploration of the mastering process for virtually any kind of audio program, utilizing insights from the worlds top mastering engineers. The book is a treasure-trove of knowledge, with an overview of the history, tools, and philosophy behind mastering as well as complete reference information for all audio delivery formats in use today. Peek inside a top-flight mastering house and see how their methods can now be yours. Explore the secrets of making hot masters, the rules of compression and frequency balancing, and how to mix with mastering in mind. Investigate how optical discs, such as CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray, HD-DVD, and beyond, work and how theyre made. Discover the trick to making great-sounding MP3s and streaming audio. Examine multichannel surround mastering for film and television. Youll even relive mastering history with a separate chapter about mastering for vinyl and how records are pressed. Throughout the book, legendary mastering engineers share experiences, tips, and tricks with you through every step of the process.
The final section of the book features interviews with mastering giants such as Bernie Grundman, Bob Ludwig, Glenn Meadows, Doug Sax, and more.
Introduction PART I: THE MECHANICS OF MASTERING Chapter 1 What Exactly Is Mastering? Chapter 2 Some Digital Audio Basics Chapter 3 Tools for Mastering Chapter 4 The Mechanics of Mastering Chapter 5 Preparation for Mastering Chapter 6 Mastering for CD Chapter 7 Mastering for Vinyl Chapter 8 Mastering for Internet Distribution Chapter 9 Mastering in Surround Chapter 10 Surrond Tools Chapter 11 Mastering for Film and Television PART II: AUDIO DELIVERY FORMATS Chapter 12 Internet Delivery Formats Chapter 13 Optical Discs: CDs Chapter 14 Optical Discs: Multichannel Delivery Chapter 15 Optical Discs: The High-Resolution Discs PART III: THE INTERVIEWS Chapter 16 About the Interviews Chapter 17 Interview: Greg Calbi Chapter 18 Interview: David Cheppa Chapter 19 Interview: Dave Collins Chapter 20 Interview: Bernie Grundman Chapter 21 Interview: Bob Katz Chapter 22 Interview: Bob Ludwig Chapter 23 Interview: Glenn Meadows Chapter 24 Interview: Bob Olhsson Chapter 25 Interview: Doug Sax Chapter 26 Interview: Eddy Schreyer Glossary Index