Mastering Bedroom Tracks: The Art Of Diy Audio Production

Bedroom producers are taking the music world by storm, with artists like Billie Eilish producing entire albums from their bedrooms. The rise of bedroom producers can be attributed to advancements in music technology, which have made it possible for anyone with a computer and some basic equipment to create music. While this has led to a lack of quality control, it has also resulted in a surge of creative inspiration, as producers defy traditional paths and create unique sounds. Bedroom producers often take on multiple roles, from writing to mastering, and their work is not limited by high-end equipment or formal music education. They embrace limitations and create music with basic plugins and DAWs, such as Pro Tools and Logic Pro X.

Mastering is the final step in music production before distribution, and it involves enhancing audio signals and finalizing the track for public release. It is a highly technical process that requires following specific guidelines and using various tools and plugins. While some bedroom producers choose to master their tracks themselves, others opt for professional mastering services or utilize online platforms that offer mastering as part of their services.

Mastering basics: EQ and compression

Mastering is the final step in music production before distribution. It is a highly technical process that requires a good understanding of EQ and compression.

EQ, or equalization, allows you to accentuate or remove frequencies of your choice. This can be done with a wide or narrow Q (the range of frequencies you are affecting). A higher Q value means a smaller range and vice versa. EQ is crucial in audio production as it can help glue your mix together and make room for certain instruments.

Compression, on the other hand, affects the dynamic range of an audio signal. By reducing the volume of a signal, a compressor can even out a mix and be used creatively to add warmth, colour, and saturation. Compression will react to the most prominent frequency that is fed into it. For example, a kick drum will trigger the compressor due to its strong fundamental frequency, and the compressor will affect the surrounding frequencies as well.

There is no right or wrong way to approach the order of EQ and compression in your signal chain. It depends on your desired results and the sound you are going for. Generally, using EQ before compression produces a warmer, rounder tone, while using EQ after compression produces a cleaner, clearer sound.

When mastering, it is important to use natural EQ curves. Use narrow bandwidth (Q) when attenuating and broad bandwidth (Q) when boosting. It is also crucial to follow loudness guidelines to avoid audible playback issues. Additionally, it is recommended to use metering tools to understand the average loudness of music in your genre and process your music accordingly.

Mastering can be challenging, and it is easy to fall into the trap of over-processing your signal. Remember that mastering is about finalizing your music, not initiating new sonic characteristics. If you encounter issues, it is often best to go back to the mix stage and make adjustments there.

Mastering your own music

Understand the Basics of Mastering

Mastering is the final step in music production before distribution. It involves using equalization (EQ) and compression to alter the tonality and dynamic range of your records. The most common mastering chain is EQ > Compressor > Limiter. By adjusting the EQ, you can enhance and attenuate the tones of your music, while a compressor helps to rebalance frequencies. To maximize loudness, compression is necessary, and a limiter at the end of the chain will compress the loudness peaks. It is important to adjust the loudness to suit each song rather than setting a standard level for all your music.

Invest in High-Quality Gear

While you don't need the most expensive equipment, investing in good gear will improve your mastering capabilities. A laptop with a dual-core CPU, 2 GB of RAM, and 120 GB of hard drive space is a good starting point. Choose a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) such as GarageBand or Logic Pro X for Mac, or Reaper or Pro Tools for Windows. An audio interface, such as the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, will also enhance your setup. For microphones, consider a condenser microphone like the Shure SM57 or Audio-Technica AT2035, and a dynamic microphone like the Shure SM58. Don't forget accessories like an XLR cable, mic stand, pop filter, and closed-back headphones for better sound isolation.

Treat Your Bedroom Studio

Acoustic treatment is crucial for accurate recordings and mixes. Use acoustic panels, bass traps, clouds, and a rug to absorb and diffuse sound waves. Place panels behind and around your monitors, at the end of the room, and at ear level on either side of you. Put bass traps in the top corners and hang clouds from the ceiling between your ears and the monitors. Your furniture and decorations can also help break up sound waves.

Learn Basic Mixing Techniques

Mixing is a separate process from producing and requires understanding some fundamental techniques. Organize your tracks by instruments and frequency spectrum, balance the volume with a fader, use an EQ to shape the tone, apply compression to even out the volume, and utilize panning, reverb, and delay to create space in your track. Additionally, pay attention to volume automation to ensure specific words or instruments aren't overpowering.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Use Recommended Plugins

Plugins can enhance your mastering process. Try metering tools like ADPTR A/B by Plugin Alliances to guide you in mastering at appropriate levels. For EQ, the bx_Digital v3 by Brainworx is a great option, allowing independent processing of mid-side channels and adjustments to the stereo field. Other recommended plugins include Weiss Maximizer MM-1, Sir Audio Tools Standard Audio Clip, FabFilter Pro L 2, and Universal Audio Neve 33609.

Acoustic treatment

There are a few key things to keep in mind when treating your bedroom studio for acoustics:

• Soundproofing vs. Acoustic Treatment: Soundproofing blocks sound from travelling in and out of the room, while acoustic treatment controls reflections within the room to make better-sounding recordings. Both are valuable, but they serve different purposes.
• Direct Sound vs. Reflected Sound: Direct sound travels in a straight line from the source to the microphone, while reflected sound bounces randomly between the surfaces of the room before reaching the microphone. Reflected sound is highly affected by the size of the room, the angles, and the reflective/absorbent surfaces within it.
• Absorption and Diffusion: Absorption removes unflattering reverb, recording only the direct dry sound of the instrument. Diffusion scatters the remaining reflections so that the ambience sounds neutral and pleasing to the ear. A combination of both absorption and diffusion can transform the acoustics of any room.
• Bass Traps: These are used to absorb mainly the lowest frequencies but can absorb all frequencies. They are particularly important in small rooms where bass frequencies can be problematic.
• Acoustic Panels: These absorb mainly the mid/high frequencies. They are used to fill in the dihedral corners of the room and are placed on the walls in a checkered pattern to avoid sound waves reflecting back and forth between parallel walls.
• Diffusers: These scatter the remaining frequencies and are typically used in larger rooms. They are quite expensive, so many home studios skip them altogether.

There are a number of companies that offer acoustic treatment solutions, including Primacoustic, Sweetwater, and Auralex. These companies offer a range of products such as bass traps, acoustic panels, diffusers, and complete room packages.

Basic mixing techniques

Mixing is the process of layering and processing multiple audio tracks to create a well-balanced song. It involves adjusting the volume levels and characteristics of individual tracks, applying effects, and solving problems. Here are some basic mixing techniques to help you get started:

• Equalization (EQ): EQ is used to enhance and attenuate tones in your music, reducing excessive frequencies and emphasising important ones. A narrow cut is generally preferred over a narrow boost to avoid a thin mix.
• Compression: Compression reduces the dynamic range of a signal, making the recording smoother. Be careful not to over-compress, as it can make the mix flat and lifeless.
• Reverb: Reverb adds a sense of dimension and depth to your music. However, too much reverb can interfere with vocal and instrument sounds, so use it wisely.
• Panning: Panning adjusts the "position" of a sound between the left and right speakers, helping to create balanced mixes.
• Stereo Effects: Effects like chorus and reverb can give your music a sense of space, but be mindful of clarity in your mix.
• Dynamics: Compression and limiting help shape the dynamic differences between loud and quiet elements. Use them to create fullness without excessive loudness.
• Mastering Chain: The most common mastering chain is EQ > Compressor > Limiter. Adjust the loudness to suit the song, rather than setting a standard level for all your music.
• Metering Tools: Use metering tools to understand the audio characteristics of your records, such as loudness, dynamic range, and stereo compatibility.
• High-Pass Filter: Applying a high-pass filter to non-bass instruments can help clean up your low end and create a sharp, crisp mix.
• A/B Comparison: Regularly compare your processed sound with the unprocessed original to ensure you're making the right adjustments.
• Breaks: Take regular breaks to prevent ear fatigue and give your ears a rest. This will help you make better mixing decisions and avoid over-processing your sound.

Mastering loudness

Understanding Loudness:

Loudness in mastering isn't just about making a track sound loud; it's about how sound is received by the human ear and brain. It's a subjective perception of how music hits our ears and the emotional response it evokes. This perception of loudness is influenced by factors such as timbre, dynamic contrast, and the crest factor.

Measurement Tools and Units:

To effectively manage loudness, you need to familiarise yourself with measurement tools and units. Metering tools like Tonal Balance Control provide valuable insights into the overall sound of your masters, including frequency response, tonal balance, stereo imaging, and loudness. Additionally, the unit LUFS (Loudness Units Full Scale) is commonly used to measure loudness over time, taking into account how the human ear perceives different frequencies.

Genre and Medium Considerations:

The desired loudness level will vary depending on the genre of your music. For example, pop music is typically mastered louder (around -8 LUFS), while jazz and classical music are mastered quieter (around -16 LUFS) to retain more dynamics. The medium you're mastering for also matters; a master for vinyl will be quieter than one for a CD or digital release to avoid distortion during playback.

Loudness Normalisation and Streaming:

With the rise of streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, loudness normalisation has become a significant factor in mastering. Streaming services use algorithms to adjust the volume of tracks to a preset loudness level, ensuring a consistent listening experience. Understanding these normalisation settings is crucial when mastering for streaming.

Artistic and Practical Choices:

Technical Guidelines and Best Practices:

When mastering, it's essential to follow technical guidelines and best practices. Avoid over-processing your master, and don't rely solely on mastering to fix issues. Make sure to address any problems during the mixing stage. Use compression and limiting strategically to maximise loudness without sacrificing dynamics and sonic quality.

Monitoring and Metering:

Accurate monitoring and metering are fundamental to successful mastering. Calibrate your monitoring environment to a fixed, singular level to maintain a consistent reference point. Utilise metering tools to make informed decisions about loudness, ensuring your music translates effectively to listeners' ears and playback devices.

Dynamic Range and Transients:

Pay attention to dynamic range and transients in your masters. While compression can help tighten dynamics, excessive compression can diminish the emotional impact of your music. Preserve dynamic contrasts and transients where possible to enhance the listening experience and artistic expression.

Gain Staging and Headroom:

Proper gain staging is crucial. Avoid creating a "creeping" mix by managing the gain of primary elements throughout the mixing process. Leave sufficient headroom in your mixes (around -16 LUFS) to give the mastering engineer room to work without causing issues or reducing sonic quality.

Platform-Specific Considerations:

Different streaming platforms have varying loudness normalisation settings. For example, Spotify's 'Normal' setting is -14 LUFS, while Apple Music aims for -16 LUFS. Understand the normalisation settings of your target platforms to ensure your masters translate well and don't get turned down or distorted during playback.

Continuous Learning and Adaptation:

Stay informed about evolving playback technologies, normalisation standards, and industry best practices. The landscape of music playback is constantly changing, and staying adaptable ensures your masters remain competitive and optimised for the latest platforms and devices.

Frequently asked questions