Overview

Status: Available | Released: Jul 9th, 2009

Given the deep-insider Mastering concepts and secrets revealed in this title, this tutorial is suitable for people working with any DAW, from Pro Tools, to Logic, Live, and beyond.

"Pro Tools 401: Mastering in Pro Tools" begins with an actual mix. Phil begins the tutorial by cleaning-up a mix and preparing it for the mastering process. Along the way you'll learn valuable skills like how to prepare and bounce stem files, and even how to properly calibrate your monitors so you know you're hearing the sound the way you should be!

Next, Phil takes you through a few of the indispensable tools he uses in his Mastering workflow. From there you'll move on to explore Peak limiting, dithering and Noise Shaping in full detail.

You've heard that compression is the center-peice of all audio mastering, but you've probably spent a lot of time wondering why. Wonder no longer, because Phil next takes you on a tour de force through the process of properly compressing the dynamic range of your master. You'll learn how to use standard and multiband compression, how to us Mid/Side compression, and a few other valuable tips like using de-essers and Dynamic EQ.

Towards the end of the program, Phil gets into the nitty-gritty of using Filters and EQ, analyzing signal flow and plugin chains, simulating the analog sound of tape, and then burning your final master disc.

This is a comprehensive tutorial, but you don't need to watch the entire show. Use the detailed menus and keyword search functions to quickly find topics of interest. For a full list of this tutorials topics, see the Table of Contents.

Outline

Section 1: Section 1: Before Mastering

Section 2: Section 2: Setting Up to Master

Section 3: Section 3: EQ

Section 4: Section 4: Compression

Section 5: Section 5: Peak Limiting

Section 6: Section 6: Mulitband Compression

Section 7: Section 7: Mid/Side Compression

Section 8: Section 8: Putting it Together

Section 9: Section 9: Mastering

Section 10: Section 10: Comparing Masters

Section 11: Section 11: Creating a CD

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Reviews

Ren wrote on December 4, 2014

Phil Magnotti is definitely my go to person when Im seeking advice on mastering, his tutorials are a store house of knowledge that I'll return to time and again.
(104)
Carlos Eduardo wrote on October 22, 2014

Its very good for those who needs to initiate in mastering. You can use it in any newer version of Pro Tools (even the 11). For sure it opened my horizons to achieve new levels! Thanks!
(1)
T2C Scott wrote on May 19, 2013

Great Tutorial!! you'll be able to master like the pro;s after seeing this tutorial. The Video's on the order to set up your plugins and how to adjust them are very helpful.
(69)
Charles wrote on June 2, 2011

I can't say enough about this tutorial. Phil is a great at explaining. The tools used in mastering and EQ and Compression. By far one of the best tutorials.
(4)
Luis Aly wrote on February 21, 2011

Great tutorial about mastering. Specially MS techniques which opened a new world of sonic possibilities. Thanks Phil!!
(3)
Mack Goudy Jr. wrote on November 9, 2010

Although I won't be mastering any tracks I got this tutorial to better understand the process so I can prepare my tracks better for the mastering studio. I've also learned how to ease back on compression and how to use my EQ's better. Thanks!!!
(4)
Sal wrote on May 2, 2010

Fantastic tutorial, very usefull to understand basic features about mastering. Thank you to Macprovideo and Phil Magnotti
(1)
Clement wrote on April 30, 2010

I have read many articles and watched a few videos about mastering but they did not give me much more than a grasp of the basic concepts. I have read the classic 'Mastering Audio' by Bob Katz which is a great on theory but sketchy on the practicalities. 'Mastering in Pro Tools' is an amazing opportunity to watch an expert at work, to understand how he evaluates the mix and to learn how he applies eq and compression to address problem areas. I have not seen this depth of knowledge revealed anywhere else. The principles and techniques are applicable to all platforms. Essential viewing to anyone interested in mastering.
(1)
Peter Arrowsmith wrote on April 28, 2010

what a fantastic tutorial, well worth the money. I have been recording audio for the last 30 years and there was so much information that I had forgotten, especially the EQ and dynamics it is worth more than the price which is little more than a new set of guitar strings. Thank you
(1)
Kirk Battick wrote on March 21, 2010

I have not seen such coverage anywhere. Beyond the ordinary! This is a taker. The concepts can be applied to any good music software out there. Thanks Phil, I will be applying these steps one by one. Looking forward for more training from you. Simply the best!
(2)