Mastering Questions
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Popular Mastering Questions

Expert answers to the most common dance music mastering questions

Phase Analysis 3 days ago

Group delay compensation in linear phase multiband processing

Working on a 2-step garage track and noticing significant group delay when using linear phase crossovers in my multiband setup. The transient alignment between kick and snare is getting destroyed. Should I be using minimum phase crossovers instead?

11 replies • Asked by joeeppyy
Harmonic Content 1 week ago

THD+N measurements showing asymmetrical distortion in kick processing

Analyzing my UK techno masters and seeing odd-order harmonic content that's not present in reference tracks. Using Plugin Doctor to measure THD+N and getting 0.8% with heavy asymmetrical distortion. Is this from improper gain staging through analog emulations?

9 replies • Asked by mikeyboi23
Psychoacoustics 1 week ago

Fletcher-Munson curve compensation in mastering chain frequency response

Measuring my mastering chain with REW and noticing a 2dB boost around 3kHz that correlates with equal-loudness contours. Is this intentional compensation for psychoacoustic perception, or should I be targeting a flat response? Using Sonarworks Reference 4...

7 replies • Asked by randomdude99
Nonlinear Processing 2 weeks ago

Hysteresis modeling accuracy in tape emulation algorithms

Comparing UAD Ampex ATR-102 vs Slate VTM using spectral analysis and seeing different hysteresis behavior in the low frequencies. The ATR shows more realistic flux density saturation curves. Are these algorithmic differences audible in blind tests?

5 replies • Asked by benji_87
Spatial Audio 2 weeks ago

Binaural correlation coefficient analysis in M/S matrix operations

Using Nugen VisLM to analyze correlation and getting negative values when processing stereo content through M/S matrix. The side channel shows decorrelation artifacts above 8kHz. Is this from improper sum/difference encoding or phase alignment issues?

13 replies • Asked by callumxo
Digital Signal Processing 3 weeks ago

Oversampling factor impact on aliasing in nonlinear saturation plugins

Testing various saturation plugins with PluginDoctor and measuring aliasing artifacts. FabFilter Saturn shows -60dB suppression at 4x oversampling vs -40dB at 2x. Is the CPU overhead of 8x oversampling justified for mastering applications?

8 replies • Asked by tommo_uk

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LUFS & Streaming Standards

Loudness normalization, ISP limiting, and platform-specific mastering for Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.

34 questions

Mid/Side Processing

Stereo imaging, M/S EQ techniques, mono compatibility, and advanced stereo field manipulation.

28 questions

Multiband Dynamics

Multiband compression, crossover frequencies, attack/release ratios, and frequency-specific processing.

41 questions

Analog Modeling & Saturation

Tape saturation, tube harmonics, transformer coloration, and choosing the right analog emulations.

25 questions

Linear Phase vs Minimum Phase

Phase coherence, pre-ringing artifacts, and when to use linear vs minimum phase EQs in mastering.

19 questions

Metering & Analysis

Spectrum analysis, correlation meters, dynamic range measurement, and professional metering tools.

22 questions

Recent Activity

Latest questions and expert answers from the community

dannyb_uk answered: "Linear phase EQ causing pre-ringing artifacts?"

2 hours ago

mattjones94 asked: "Crossover frequency affecting phase coherence in multiband?"

4 hours ago

alexsmith answered: "Harmonic distortion measurements in analog emulations"

8 hours ago

lewis_99 asked: "Correlation meter showing negative values in M/S processing"

1 day ago

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