Mastering Question

[esspro]

When I finish a beat I always send it to Ozone or T-Racks and master it. I then sell the beat to a 3rd party who is responsible for all recording mixing etc...

However when I am recording tracks at my studio should I mix vocals then master them both (vocals and instrumental) as one file, do I master the beat before mixing vocals then master vocals separately then mix together. What is the professional process? I know you will probably tell me it is all down to personal preference but in general wont a single master give a track better tonal consistency right throughout??

[Mystile]

you want to have a full mix of vocals and instruments before you even think about mastering anything

[esspro]

But what if my vocals don't stand out in the mix

[CubaseRox]

If I were you I would just track and mix it. You cant only master vocals within the multi-track and not the rest of the tracks.

Mastering isnt exactly mixing, it is the final touches of a completly mixed song. It doesnt fix things it only enhances them. So mastering would only help bring blemishes out in the mix and will not correct them. You still have to get a good tight mix in the first place.

But what if my vocals don't stand out in the mix?

Try using a little EQ (highs) to crispen it up a bit and make it sound more airy.

Listen to the soundclick below to get an idea of how you can make vocals have that hot airy sound to them.

hope this helps