Here are some examples of what we've done.
Hollydrift
The samples at aprox 1m50sec, simply because the music is great! Treat yourself and listen to the tracks on a proper sound system to feel the low end.
Telor
Check out the before and after samples, each file is 1.8 MB in size.
Oceana Company
Check out the unmastered and mastered versions of the song, each are 1.9 MB.
The main focus for this project was a get a big phat low end that works excellent
in clubs and has an overall sound which blends well with other trance tracks. The
unmastered track was already very loud. As a reference his previous released
material was used.
The 1MB sample features the unmastered and mastered version:
Their record (due for release in 2007) was mastered here. The recordings sounded
great but they really wanted to add lots of vintage/analog character to their
material. In fact they wanted it to sound very loud, aggressive and with an
extreme amount of true tube distortion!
There a two 2.5MB examples: the original unmastered mix and the song after mastering.
Hollydrift - Coastal
The layered audio by Hollydrift interested me very much. The original tracks
sounded nice, but the lower frequencies were very safe. Overall the songs didn't have the wall-of-sound Hollydrift was looking for.
A creative approach was needed to get a larger then life low end: the result is fabulous! The growl of the bass drone adds an element of strength to not
only the sound but also the mood. The low end is now thick and strong which
really makes that section hold it's own despite all.
Last but not least the wall-of-sound is definitely there without the loss of clarity
or definition, thanks to the combination of a great composition and complimenting mastering.
unmastered sample
mastered sample
Reaction from the client:
Great job! I'm really impressed with your creativity and especially your understanding of my unique music. My overall impression is that I started these songs and you finished them. They sound amazing!
You took the songs from a piece of pine and turned them into a brick. Everything
is glued together, the dynamics are fine, the frequency spectrum is great, and the coloring is effective. Brilliant!
This has been a great learning experience for me, Maarten. I appreciate that. This ep will be released by BFW Recording out of Manchester, UK.
Telor - and then the colour fades
Telor is a singer/songwriter/musician/DIYproducer who brought out a great E.P. Although
the recording was made with the bare minimum of consumer equipment, the sonic result is
very interesting.
The session drummer was recorded with just one mic, the basslines were produced by a
synthesizer and guitars where recorded without a mic. There for during the mastering
stage attention was needed to the low end and the recording lacked some sparkling.
unmastered sample
mastered sample
Reaction from the client:
Thanks a lot for the great work. The album really shines!
Oceana Company - Wayfarer's Travel
One of the great things of being a mastering engineer is hearing new talent. In my
opinion Oceana Company recorded the best "rock" album of 2007 and it was a joy to work
with them. Both the promotion EP as the full length album were mastered by us.
The low end on the original mix was overpowering and could use some clean-up.
Also they wanted the songs to be pretty loud and punchy.
unmastered sample
mastered sample
Reaction from the client:
Tubefreak did a tersoundfic job mastering our promo CD and
full length album. One song was mastered by another engineer for a compilation album,
but by far didn't sound as great!
Re-Ward
Estiva vs Re-Ward - Miami Vice (Original Mix)
Re-Ward is a producer/DJ from The Netherlands who makes excellent Trance music.
His records are released o.a. on the famous Trance label Black Hole Recordings
and are played by dj’s like Tiësto and Armin van Buuren.
unmastered: 0 sec - 6 sec
mastered: 6 sec - 13 sec
unmastered 13 sec - 20 sec
mastered: 20 sec - 27 sec
Re-Ward sample
Reaction from the client:
Wow, that sounds big. Love the full and pumping low
end!! I really like it.
Flying Fortress
Flying Fortress - Everlasting Blues
Dutch rock band Flying Fortress are on the verge of their breakthrough, thanks to
their great writing and gigs. They were the support act for Dinosaur Jr. in 2007
for very good reason!
They attended the mastering session, which was great. Because decisions, on how
much distortion was preferred, could be made on the spot. The result won't be
liked by people who prefer pristine clean recordings, but that's exactly what
they didn't want!
unmastered sample
mastered sample
Reaction from the client:
The distortion is great. The whole band and
producer love it. Also the volume is perfect. We're very happy with the result!
YEAH! And the record is going to be released on both CD and vinyl.