Mastering in the Box Explained®
Chapter 1 : Basics
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3:43 Introduction
Get a quick holistic look at the mastering process and some of what you'll be covering with Michael in this series.
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12:20 What Happens & Why
Michael discusses his thought processes that underly the art of mastering.
Chapter 2 : EQ, Dynamics and Dither
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10:15 EQ
Join Michael for a discussion about the mastering approach to using and applying EQ.
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17:24 Compression
Learn about single band bus compression, its purposes and examples of three popular models.
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14:59 Limiting
Discover the function of the peak limiter in mastering, for tone and protection.
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5:03 Dithering
Explore the subtle but integral part of delivering your final master.
Chapter 3 : Fixing the Mix
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8:32 The Harsh Mix
See how fixing a harsh element in the mix with something other than EQ might be a better choice.
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9:23 The Thumpy Mix
Learn how a dynamic EQ can tame an overly thumpy kick drum while retaining more of the warmth in the track.
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7:45 The Loud Hi-Hat
See how to tame a specific overly loud instrument in the mix to hopefully blend it in better with the rest of the track.
Chapter 4 : Mid Side Processing and Phase
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6:00 MS Intro
Michael introduces the concept of MS processing, showing some plug-ins that exploit it and pave the way for the tutorials that follow.
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6:38 MS Fix Imbalance
Learn how to rebalance the left and right of your lopsided mix without adversely affecting the center.
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14:22 MS Widening
Explore making a mix wider, first by using widening plug-ins, and then by manually tweaking your own MS processor.
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9:29 Phase
Learn about the issues faced when an element in a mix has phase issues.
Chapter 5 : More Mix Fixes
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7:35 Vinyl Considerations
Discover the things you need to keep in mind if your intended medium is vinyl.
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12:55 The Flat Mix #1
Watch Michael deal with a problem mix that lacks punch and excitement.
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19:45 The Flat Mix #2
The second of our flat mixes is a bigger challenge - an old bedroom mix that is too boomy and too bright while still lacking depth and impact.
Chapter 6 : Stems and Mastering
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11:08 Stem Mastering Pt. 1
See Michael introduce the concept of mastering with stems, explaining some of the many advantages as well as showing two different ways of creating the stems.
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14:24 Stem Mastering Pt. 2
Now watch Michael process the stems individually to create a better final master.
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25:29 Mastering Session
See Michael put together many of the things already learned and run a fictitious compilation mastering session to get numerous disparate tracks to gel.
Product Overview
This new series from studio wiz Michael Costa shows you the basics of mastering in your computer using typical plug-ins, and how to address many common issues found in recordings, as well as as more advanced techniques to solve other trickier problems, and get your songs and productions sounding their best!
Michael starts off with an introduction to mixing "in the box" as well as a video on what happens during mastering and why. He then dives in and shows you the basics plug-ins used for mastering and how to apply them and when. Michael then reveals ways to solve common problems with your mixes, such as harshness, thumpyness, and the all invasive loud hi-hat mix.
Next you’ll explore Mid Side Processing and how to apply it to your masters, and more common problems with mixes and how to fix them. Wrapping it all up Michael reveals how to create Stems and how they can make for better masters, and how to setup and execute a compilation mastering session.
If you’re new to mastering in your computer, this series is an absolute must see. Take your songs and productions up a notch with high quality mastering today… Watch “Mastering in the Box Explained®” now!
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Reviews
Submitted 5 months ago
Truly about the best I’ve looked at on Mastering
I really enjoyed the examples not only showing how and what needed addressing but also why. Then a solution not only how and why but also options for what could be done. A truly excellent explanation albeit having been done some time ago. Loved it.
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 1 year ago
Very helpful
learned a lot of new tracks for mastering
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 1 year ago
Excelent
Great video series, full of all the information for mastering.
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 1 year ago
Great Video!
This is a wonderful start to mastering in the box! The teacher is great and his videos are very purposed and focused. Further, there is some added benefit here from his use of differing plug-ins. The only reason that it isn't five stars is that it is getting a little long in the tooth (totally not the instructor's fault) but, Ozone 8 is 10x more powerful than Ozone 5 five was, with a few more tricks.... (as an example) Also, I feel that there are two things that would help if they ever re-visit this series - 1. Getting different media in the box can cause problems (i.e. you're mastering a 10 track album, but some are digital, some are two inch and there is a DAT thrown in there kinda thing... 2. At the very least, audio restoration tools needs to be addressed or glossed over - most mastering engineers I know get most of their money re-mastering. Which often times means restoring an archived track/lost demo etc, then mastering....
I am a: Semi-Pro, Musician, Audio Engineer, Acid, Logic Pro
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 1 year ago
Well above average and worthwhile study.
I love the clear explanations and theories. Exploration of alternative methods and various relatively common plug ins. The author builds a good foundation and expands from there. I also like the "open minded" explanation of different needs and methods for our times. IE: single releases and considerations for streaming vs. old school album mastering etc. Good stuff, thanks!
I am a: Hobbyist, Musician, Producer, Mixcraft
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 2 years ago
Want to understand the fundamentals of mastering?
This course is still relevant, even though the plugins are a bit dated. After all, mastering is not about the plugins. Overall, a well-paced and informative course.
I am a: Studio One
Submitted 2 years ago
Very good!
Excellent tutorial! Michael really know what he is doing. A great profesional as well as instructor!
I am a: Professional, Musician, Producer, Audio Engineer, Sound Designer, Logic Pro
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 2 years ago
Beyond the call of duty
Knowing the process from studio to the market place is so important. The sum total helps me plan my recordings on another level. Thanks for sharing this very important information.
I am a: Professional, Musician, Producer, Logic Pro, Pro Tools
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 2 years ago
Excellent tutorial.
A good starting point for beginners and intermediates. But there's always something new to be learned.
I am a: Professional, Musician, Producer, Audio Engineer, Logic Pro
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 2 years ago
Aesthetically Dated But Timelessly Relevant
The plugins and software used might seem a bit 'dated', but the principles in this course are relevant to every genre and iteration of the software mastering process. Recommended, no matter your DAW or plugins, for the foundation information included in the course.
I am a: Hobbyist, Semi-Pro, Musician, Producer, Beat Maker, Audio Engineer, Sound Designer, Ableton Live, Logic Pro
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Reviews
Submitted 5 months ago
Truly about the best I’ve looked at on Mastering
I really enjoyed the examples not only showing how and what needed addressing but also why. Then a solution not only how and why but also options for what could be done. A truly excellent explanation albeit having been done some time ago. Loved it.
Submitted 1 year ago
Very helpful
learned a lot of new tracks for mastering
Submitted 1 year ago
Excelent
Great video series, full of all the information for mastering.
Submitted 1 year ago
Great Video!
This is a wonderful start to mastering in the box! The teacher is great and his videos are very purposed and focused. Further, there is some added benefit here from his use of differing plug-ins. The only reason that it isn't five stars is that it is getting a little long in the tooth (totally not the instructor's fault) but, Ozone 8 is 10x more powerful than Ozone 5 five was, with a few more tricks.... (as an example) Also, I feel that there are two things that would help if they ever re-visit this series - 1. Getting different media in the box can cause problems (i.e. you're mastering a 10 track album, but some are digital, some are two inch and there is a DAT thrown in there kinda thing... 2. At the very least, audio restoration tools needs to be addressed or glossed over - most mastering engineers I know get most of their money re-mastering. Which often times means restoring an archived track/lost demo etc, then mastering....
I am a: Semi-Pro, Musician, Audio Engineer, Acid, Logic Pro
Submitted 1 year ago
Well above average and worthwhile study.
I love the clear explanations and theories. Exploration of alternative methods and various relatively common plug ins. The author builds a good foundation and expands from there. I also like the "open minded" explanation of different needs and methods for our times. IE: single releases and considerations for streaming vs. old school album mastering etc. Good stuff, thanks!
I am a: Hobbyist, Musician, Producer, Mixcraft
Submitted 2 years ago
Want to understand the fundamentals of mastering?
This course is still relevant, even though the plugins are a bit dated. After all, mastering is not about the plugins. Overall, a well-paced and informative course.
I am a: Studio One
Submitted 2 years ago
Very good!
Excellent tutorial! Michael really know what he is doing. A great profesional as well as instructor!
I am a: Professional, Musician, Producer, Audio Engineer, Sound Designer, Logic Pro
Submitted 2 years ago
Beyond the call of duty
Knowing the process from studio to the market place is so important. The sum total helps me plan my recordings on another level. Thanks for sharing this very important information.
I am a: Professional, Musician, Producer, Logic Pro, Pro Tools
Submitted 2 years ago
Excellent tutorial.
A good starting point for beginners and intermediates. But there's always something new to be learned.
I am a: Professional, Musician, Producer, Audio Engineer, Logic Pro
Submitted 2 years ago
Aesthetically Dated But Timelessly Relevant
The plugins and software used might seem a bit 'dated', but the principles in this course are relevant to every genre and iteration of the software mastering process. Recommended, no matter your DAW or plugins, for the foundation information included in the course.
I am a: Hobbyist, Semi-Pro, Musician, Producer, Beat Maker, Audio Engineer, Sound Designer, Ableton Live, Logic Pro
1. When did you start dabbling in music?
I was classically trained in piano from the age of 7 and had a strong obsession with popular music right throughout my youth. I played keyboards in various rock bands in the mid 80's but found a pronounced leaning towards the technology and computer side of music as samplers and computers became more attainable in the late 80's.
2. What training have you had?
In 1989 I completed my Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Music Technology from La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia. Much of my tech knowledge in those pre-internet days came from devouring issues of Keyboard, Mix and EM - monthly, without fail.
3. When did you get into recording?
I started getting into recording in 1984 with a Tascam 244 4-track cassette system. In 1989 I moved to a Digidesign Sound Tools II system - a true random access 2 track editor - and that was the beginning of a long association with Digidesign products. I married this hardware up to Opcode's Studio Vision for many years as well as getting in at the ground floor with Pro Tools v1 in 1991. I've been a Pro Tools user since then right up to the current day.
4. People you have worked with/for?
I've been lucky enough to work with a huge cross section of talent within the Australian music scene. Names like: INXS, Little River Band, John Farnham, Kasey Chambers and Richard Clapton. Plus music editing on breakout movies like Shine and Strictly Ballroom with Oscar nominated composer, David Hirschfelder.
5. Why are you so good at training people?
I think I'm good at training because I really love this stuff - I genuinely want to show people how cool these tools are. Even as a fully grown adult, I still find myself getting excited like a little kid about the magic we can do with our systems these days and wondering how far it can go in the years to come. I hope that enthusiasm is contagious!
Products by Michael
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tutorial videoAuto-Tune 7 Explained
Officially authorized by the makers of Auto-Tune, Antares Audio Technologies, this collection of video tutorials will leave no Auto-Tune 7 question unanswered. Shot with Auto-Tune 7, the series contains in-depth video tutorials running over 2 1/2 hours in length.
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tutorial videoBuilding a DAW Mix Template
Studio wiz Michael Costa brings you in-depth video tutorials focused on building an awesome mixing template for your DAW. See how professionals get a mix done with this time-saving practice that allows you to concentrate on the mix!
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tutorial videoDSP Quattro Explained
DSP Quattro offers a unique way to process and edit audio and build CDs. In this comprehensive video tutorial series, studio expert Michael Costa unlocks the secrets of DSP Quattro and gets you running with this powerful studio tool.
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tutorial videoKush Plug-Ins Explained
Do you use Kush Audio plug-ins? Well, DAW guru Michael Costa is back and this time he is taking on Kush Audio's UBK-1 motion generating compressor and the Clariphonic dual channel parallel EQ. Michael breaks down the interfaces and how these two amazing, analog sounding plug-ins can be used on several different types of instruments.
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tutorial videoMastering in the Box Explained
This new series from studio wiz Michael Costa shows you the basics of mastering in your computer using typical plug-ins, and how to address many common issues found in recordings, as well as as more advanced techniques to solve other trickier problems, and get your songs and productions sounding their best!
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