
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 7 months ago
Fantastic tutorial, just one problem.
Really great stuff, worth watching multiple times. The only frustrating thing is that Michael talks a lot over the audio examples, making it hard to hear the subtle changes he's talking about. It would be better to do all the explaining first, than just let the music play to hear the diffences.
I am a: Semi-Pro, Musician, Producer, Cubase
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 8 months ago
Extremely Helpful
Great for me since I don't have access to all the great hardware available to achieve a great sounding master. Highly recommended! Thanks Guys!
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 1 year ago
Very useful!
I felt that this series clearly and concisely went over the many different elements that go into mastering, and then put them together with reasonably real world examples. It kept a great balance between the forest and the trees, going into detail where necessary but not losing the conceptual essences of the overall process(es).
I am a: Semi-Pro, Professional, Musician, Audio Engineer, Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Pro Tools
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 1 year ago
New to mastering but this is bringing together many concepts
Some words you hear floating around like MS and phase. Great explanation and examples of mastering mentality.
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 1 year ago
Very good
im so happy
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 2 years 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 3 years ago
Very helpful
learned a lot of new tracks for mastering
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 3 years 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 3 years 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 3 years 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
Reviews
Submitted 7 months ago
Fantastic tutorial, just one problem.
Really great stuff, worth watching multiple times. The only frustrating thing is that Michael talks a lot over the audio examples, making it hard to hear the subtle changes he's talking about. It would be better to do all the explaining first, than just let the music play to hear the diffences.
I am a: Semi-Pro, Musician, Producer, Cubase
Submitted 8 months ago
Extremely Helpful
Great for me since I don't have access to all the great hardware available to achieve a great sounding master. Highly recommended! Thanks Guys!
Submitted 1 year ago
Very useful!
I felt that this series clearly and concisely went over the many different elements that go into mastering, and then put them together with reasonably real world examples. It kept a great balance between the forest and the trees, going into detail where necessary but not losing the conceptual essences of the overall process(es).
I am a: Semi-Pro, Professional, Musician, Audio Engineer, Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Pro Tools
Submitted 1 year ago
New to mastering but this is bringing together many concepts
Some words you hear floating around like MS and phase. Great explanation and examples of mastering mentality.
Submitted 1 year ago
Very good
im so happy
Submitted 2 years 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 3 years ago
Very helpful
learned a lot of new tracks for mastering
Submitted 3 years ago
Excelent
Great video series, full of all the information for mastering.
Submitted 3 years 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 3 years 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