Arts >> Music >> Recording Music

How to Master a Mix Tape

When editing and mastering a mix tape, you must add certain audio effects to complete the process. You'll need a music creation program such as Sonar, Pro Tools or Florida Studio to aid you in mastering the audio. Songs must be edited and mastered one at a time instead of all at once to ensure quality. Digital audio effects such as limiter, compression, delay and EQ balance are very important for obtaining the right sound.

Things You'll Need

  • Audio songs
  • Music creation program
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Open the music creation software and import the song you wish to work on by selecting "File" from the top menu and then the "Import" function. Press the "Play" button to preview the song. Pay close attention to the parts of the song you wish to edit.

    • 2

      Place the "Time Clicker," which is indicated by a red arrow at the top of the timeline, at the beginning of the song and then select "Effects" from the top menu, followed by "EQ." Tune the "Bass" and "Treble" options to your liking, and press the "Play" button to hear the song with the effect. Select the "Cancel" button to redo the effect if you're unsatisfied. Press "OK" at the bottom of the "Effects" window if you're satisfied with the effect.

    • 3

      Play the song and select any parts where sound drops out. Highlight the selected area and select "Effects" from the top menu, and then "Limiter." Adjust the parameters to your liking and press the "Play" button to preview the song. Reset the parameters if you're unsatisfied; press "OK" to keep the effect.

    • 4

      Highlight the song to select it, then select "Effects" from the top menu, followed by "Compression." Set the "Compression Gain" parameters between 3.0 and 4.5, and then press the "OK" button. Set the "Time Clicker" to the beginning of the song and press "Play" to listen to the song.

    • 5

      Save the song when you're finished editing by selecting "File" from the top menu, and then "Save." Follow the above steps for each song you wish to master.

Recording Music

Related Categories