Ardent Audio Productions

Services l Mission l Staff l FAQ's l Rates
The Recording Process l Studio Musicians

FAQ's

This section is designed to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the studio and the recording process in general.

1. Automation
2. Master
3. Mastering
4. Mastering House
5. Master CD
6. Outboard Gear
7. Producer

Automation

Automation is the ability to set (record) mute and fader moves into a computer, so that the moves are done automatically at mixdown. This ability allows the muting of unwanted material at certain points within the song, and for fine tuning faders to add just the right touch of boost or cut when needed. The major advantage of this feature is to allow us to make mix moves, and then sit back and listen to the whole mix - the way it will be recorded to your master mix tape. Studios that lack Automation must make moves in real time, while recording it to the master, never allowing for the same move to be made the same way twice (it's just not humanly possible!). If you have ever seen, or been a part of a non-automated mix before, you know the horror it can cause.

Master

The 'Master' refers to the tape (Bounced ProTools session or digital DAT) that the final stereo mix is recorded onto. After the mixing is completed and the automation is set, either the ProTools "bounced to a stereo master or the tapes roll and the mix goes down to the Master. That Master is then flown into the computer for mastering. If mastering is being done somewhere outside of Ardent, then this master mix of tape is given to that studio. We recommend making a back-up copy of the Master, just in case.

Mastering

Mastering is something that every project needs, yet very few people understand it's purpose. The Mastering process is a fine art, a job for only the most critical ears. In this process, the master is transferred into a computer, and then the final tweaks of compression and equalization are applied. Keep in mind that this is done to a stereo master, not individual tracks. This is not the time to turn the guitar up in the mix. The changes done during the Mastering process are finite and minimal - yet they offer the music an impact and a punch that is not always achieved during mixing. Have you ever noticed how some songs on the radio or on your favorite CDs sound louder and more "in your face"than others? That's what Mastering will do for you.

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Mastering House (or studio)

A Mastering House is a studio that specializes in one thing. They do MASTERING! The equipment is outrageously expensive, and specialized for just mastering. The engineers who work at these places do one thing all day, and that is prepare your music for radio, distribution and duplication. Ardent offers mastering facilities that are great for the average project. The cost of our mastering is far less than that of a Mastering House. If you are looking to have your project mastered outside, let us know, we have a good relationship with several, and can often get you a special discount.

Master CD

The Master CD is the final product from your sessions. It contains all the songs, in the desired order, with special indexes and codes thrown in for good measure. This is the master that is sent to duplication companies to press your discs. You may have heard people refer to this as the 'glass master,' which is actually done at the duplication facility. This is it! Don't scratch it. Clients are always given a safety Master CD just in case.

Outboard Gear

Outboard Gear is the generic name for all the compression, gates and equalizers that are NOT contained within the console. The reason for having all this extra equipment is because each piece has a different and unique sound. Having a large array of Outboard Gear enables different sounds to be manipulated in different and specific ways - allowing each project to exceed it's potential.

Producer

A Producer is someone with recording experience, who is hired by an artist or band, to help bring the project together. The subtle differences that a Producer can make, and the fresh approach to the music that is offered, often raises the project to a level that cannot be obtained otherwise. It is like having a friend, musician and engineer in your corner, every step of the way, right through to the end of the sessions.

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