SERVICES
Recording
The process of recording, or tracking, involves capturing the various instruments that are used during a performance. Usually, a song is recorded one track at a time and with each new track, another layer is added to the overall depth of the sound. The tracking process provides editing options for correcting mistakes during a performance but there is a limit to what can be done and still maintain a natural sound. Over editing leads to "choppy" results lacking feeling. If it sounds good don't change it. Use the editing stage to move around parts that aren’t in time, adjust pitches that aren’t quite there, or polish tracks so they come in and out smoothly.
Mixing
After all of the individual tracks of a song have been recorded, a project is ready for mixing. The mixing process starts with labeling, organizing and grouping the tracks. The purpose of mixing is to balance the tracks and develop the recording to bring out your unique sound. Compression, reverb, delay, and other effect processes can be added to each track to get the desired sound. The focus of mixing is creating the product that listeners want to hear. Mixed tracks are then ready for mastering.
Mastering
The mastering process begins with the stereo track (or tracks), notes and reference songs from the artists. This helps by setting a baseline for understanding of the sound desired, and so that the mix isn’t altered in areas that were created to sound unique. Mastering involves making adjustments primarily to the EQ, compression, limiting, and stereo space. The goal of a mastered album is to create a cohesive flow from track to track through level and blend. Audio mastering engineers often offer sequencing services for albums to put the songs in the desired order, label track names, as well as encode the tracks with ISRC. Spacing, fades and order are set during this stage. Typically, the Red Book standard of 2 seconds is added in between songs unless otherwise specified. The result is a product of high fidelity, high clarity, professional sound that translates on any source. You could have a great mix without a great master, or vice versa, and still be unable to achieve a professional sound quality expected of today’s music. Mixing and mastering should never be combined. The two steps differ in approach, and combining them can prevent the project from reaching its full potential. We follow the "Certified Mastered for iTunes" guidelines, to deliver high resolution iTunes masters to our clients when needed.
Other Services
In addition to providing complete audio services, 460 Sound Studio is ready to accommodate other projects including video, film/TV production, composition and scoring.
We are also happy to provide Rehearsal and Filming space upon request.