FOR A NON-AGRESSIVE and RESPECTFUL AUDIO MASTERING! (End)
ALTERNATIVE EXPERIENCES
For the debate to be balanced, it is not enough to highlight the shortcomings of a "common" practice if comparative alternative solutions are not presented.
Two different approaches are studied:
- one via a "respectful" limitation (which does not "cut off" the signal),
- the other by a "respectful" compression (careful not to stifle the signal and restrict the stereo image).
RESPECTFUL" LIMITATION
While trying to stay within the +8 dB gain of the "standard" master, we have a totalmin-max difference of ≈ 12 dB. As no part of the signal has been truncated, we achieve a respect of the third part for audibility-air and lack of aggressiveness.
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RESPECTFUL" COMPRESSION
This time we obtain a gain ≈ +7 dB dB, with an average level of the beginning ≈ + 2 dB stronger and a total min-max difference of ≈7 dB. We are finally on a real gain of +5 dB between the Low and High average level (vs. no gain), which is the desired goal that the principles of limitation didn't achieved.
Similarly, no part of the signal having been truncated, the third part remains audible and without aggressiveness.
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IN SUMMARY
- Someone will have to explain to me scientifically the proven benefit in the removal of peaks ... in particular if they constitute ≈ 33% of a track (see more depending on the album).
Moreover, there is no reduction of amplitude between weak and strong moments ... except a distorted and confused sound on the treated parts ?
- It would therefore be much more logical and respectful to practice Mastering with a "respectful" compression (taking care not to soften transients and restrict the stereo image).
The examples provided below are a proposal in this direction.
click on the image to enlarge it
click on the image to enlarge it