PDF Major Label Mastering: Professional Mastering Process 2020 1st Edition

Praise for Major Label Mastering

“Absolutely essential for anyone seriously considering any aspect of mastering as their passion or career choice [...] this is an under-the- hood approach which anyone involved in mastering can use to understand the entire process.”
—Greg Calbi, Sterling Sound

“One of the first songs that Evren mastered for me was a very open, old-school sounding, Ray Charles-esque type of song. He suggested using one of the classic Capitol Records echo chambers on the mix. My first thought was, ‘thats insane!’, but my second thought was, ‘thats cool!, let’s do it!’ I realized very quickly that I was working with a very creative, open-minded Mastering Guru, who was going to take my mixes to a new level of creativity. Since then, Evren has mastered well over 800 songs for me. In addition to the great sounding final master, what I value about Evren is that he understands the importance of building the relationship between the Mixer and Mastering Engineer. Over the years my mixes have evolved and improved based on what I’ve learned from Evren and his creative approach, techniques and ideas that he has added to my mixes. It’s as if we’re on the same football team and I pass him the ball around the 30 yard line so to speak, and Evren runs it in the rest of the way for the goal! Now he has put his techniques and creative approach to Mastering in writing. This book is a must-have for any aspiring student or professional alike seeking a better understanding of the fine art of Mastering!”

—Bill Appleberry, Producer, Mixer (The Voice, The Wallflowers, Operator, Puddle of Mudd, Stone Temple Pilots)



Major Label Mastering

Major Label Mastering: Professional Mastering Process distills 25 years of mastering experience at Capitol Records into practical understandings and reliable systems. Containing unparalleled insights, this book reveals the mastering tricks and techniques used by Evren Göknar at one of the world’s most notable record labels.

Beginning with the requisite competencies every Mastering Engineer must develop, Major Label Mastering delves into the particulars of the mastering studio, as well as fundamental mastering tools. Included among these tools is The Five Step Mastering Process, a rigorously tested system that equips the practitioner to successfully and confidently master a project to exacting standards of audio fidelity. Covering all bases, the book discusses both macro and micro considerations: from mindset approach and connecting with clients down to detailed guidelines for processing audio, advanced methods, and audio restoration. Each chapter ends with exercises intended to deepen understanding and skill, or to supplement course study.

Suitable for all levels, this is a unique resource for students, artists, and recording and Mastering Engineers alike. Major Label Mastering is supplemented by digital resources including audio examples and video tutorials.

Evren Göknar is a Grammy® Award-winning Mastering Engineer who has been employed at Capitol Studios in Hollywood for 25 years. His work is sought after worldwide, with his mastering credits including legendary recordings and artists ranging from Mariah Carey to KISS, along with hit television shows The Voice and Songland.