Tech question on remastering CDs. (1 Viewer)

[Andrew s wells]

Please excuse the ignorance of this question.:b I was just wondering exactly what it is. Is re-mastering simply making the CD louder? I would think if it had anything to do with individually making instruments or vocals louder or softer in the mix it would be re-mixing. so, anyone got the scoop for this? Thanks in advance.. and thanks for not making fun.

 

[Vince Maskeeper]

Mastering is usually the term for adjustments made to the recording AFTER the mixing stage (work done on the 2 channel stereo mixdowns).

Often remastering is a mixed bag of what is actually done. The process is often very simple adjustment of level (using compression, limiting, and even multi band compression)-- and often the reworking will require extensive re-eq, and other little tricks.

Remember, often older recordings were "mastered" with specific formats (like Vinyl or Cassette) in mind, and certain things were done to freq and dynamics to be represent the intent on those media. So, when digital rereleases happen- often it is necessary to tweak the material even further for the chracteristics of CD or higher resolution formats.

-Vince