Westwind Multimedia
Multimedia Project Studios
New Lower Rates For Audio Mastering Projects
At this project stage the audio project material is processed using equalization, compression, limiting, noise reduction and other processes. Subsequently, it is generally rendered to a medium such as CD's or DVD's. This mastered source material is also put in the projects proper order at this stage. This is commonly called "the assembly" or "track sequencing". More tasks such as editing, pre-gapping, leveling, fading in and out, noise reduction and other signal restoration and enhancement processes can be applied as part of this mastering stage.
The specific medium varies, depending on the intended release format of the final project. For digital audio releases, there is more than one possible mastered medium, chosen based on replication factory requirements or record label security concerns.
A mastering engineer may be required to take other steps as well, such as the creation of a PMCD (Pre-Mastered Compact Disc), where this cohesive material needs to be transferred to a master disc for mass replication. A good architecture of the PMCD is crucial for a successful transfer to a glass master that will generate stampers for reproduction.
The process of audio mastering varies depending on the specific needs of the audio project to be processed. Steps of the process typically include but are not limited to the following:
1. Transferring the recorded audio tracks into the Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) (optional).
2. Sequence the separate songs or tracks (the spaces in between) as they will appear on the final product (for example, an audio CD).
3. Process or "sweeten" audio to maximize the sound quality for its particular medium.
4. Transfer the audio to the final master format (i.e., Red Book-compatible audio CD or a CD-ROM data, Reel tape, DVD Media, etc.).
Examples of possible actions taken during mastering:
1. Edit minor flaws.
2. Apply noise reduction to eliminate hum and hiss.
3. Adjust stereo width.
4. Add ambience.
5. Equalize audio between tracks.
6. Adjust volumes.
7. Dynamic expansion.
8. Dynamic compression.
9. Peak limit the tracks.
These guidelines above are mainly descriptive of the mastering process and not considered specific instructions applicable in a given situation. Our mastering engineers need to examine the types of input media, the expectations of the source client or recipient, the limitations of the chossen end medium and process the project accordingly. General rules of thumb can rarely be applied.
Do you wish to open an audio mastering project of your own? fill out CD Mastering Project Request Form and mail us a copy along with your deposit and we'll open a CD Mastering Project for you! see details click here
Easy Steps to Making Music On Your Home Computer
Any
computer purchased in the last few years has the basic hardware for
making music. Computers with a hard drive smaller than 2Gb and/or a CPU
slower than 100 MHz are going to limit you to a few tracks, at best.
The bigger and faster your home computer, the more powerful your
recording capabilities. Besides your computer, all you need is a
microphone and software, and you're ready to record.
Multi-track recording software is relatively easy to use. You don't need a science degree to figure them out. Many programs are designed specifically for regular musicians, and most offer a minimum of 8-track recording. Some programs come equipped with full MIDI capabilities, virtual drum features, and multi-effects.
Actually, recording is as easy as loading your software into your computer, plugging your mic into the sound card, and playing. Soloists can record one rhythm track, then record another lead track while your previous track plays back into your headphones, then add vocals on a third track. You can keep adding as many tracks as your computer or software can handle.
Most software lets you add effects on each track. A word to the wise: even the fastest computers start bogging down with too many simultaneous effects in real time. Usually these 'bogs' will sound fine when you mixdown, when the processor can handle extra effects because it isn't fixed to real time.
Computer noise can be a pain when recording. The easiest thing to do is to put your computer under your desk. Better yet, buy extra long cords for all you peripherals and stick your computer in the next room.
Of course you'll want to pick up a few cool extras. Perhaps a better sound card, superior mic, a mic mixer and preamp, and maybe a MIDI keyboard. And then you'll need to burn your own CDs....
Westwind Multimedia
Services & Information
Basic Hourly Rates
Video Recording..............50.00
Audio Recording..............45.00
Graphic Design................35.00
Website Production...........40.00
Website Updating.............20.00
Drafting & Design.............55.00
Property Management........65.00
Basic fees & Deposits
Project Deposit..............200.00Mileage Per Mile...............0.85
Project Storage ..............30.00
Service Pages
Service Information
Video Mastering
The Digital Versatile Disc or DVD is the new format for carrying digital information. That information can be a movie, a computer program, a game or multi media content. Westwind Multimedia is specialized in authoring for DVD Video discs, which contain high quality video for home entertainment.
Audio Recording
There are many options to consider when you are in the market for recording studio services. First, what kind of sound quality is needed? Are you making recordings for friends or do you intend to submit the recordings to the music industry? Other options to consider are the number of tracks you may need: does your final project need to be in mono, stereo, 5.1 sound or more? The number of "simultaneous" recording tracks and equipment required for recording are also important concerns.
