Mastering ears? (for FUNK)

[JonathanE]

Hey everyone,

I'm still totally a noob when it comes to mastering, although I'm learning.

I would love to get some critical feedback of my very noob mastering job here: https://s.disco.ac/oankefjojycj

I had actually had this forwarded before, but had gotten feedback to work on the mastering...

Thanks for any help you can give!
-Jonathan

[cosmicdolphin]

I think your biggest issue is a lack of low end in the track - I can barely hear the kick for example ( which might be a mix issue rather than mastering )

Best advice is to A/B it with a good reference track using a proper plugin like Metric A/B ..then listen carefully to each element as you go between your track and the reference...you should very quickly spot any major differences

[XrashGates]

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[Paulie]

Fun track, but a few issues here for me. From a mastering perspective I think the track needs some leveling/compression overall, in various sections certain instruments jump out volume wise, to hot in the mix. I think the horns are too hot in general, and I'm a horn player.

From a sync music perspective, the intro is a little weak, I'd go with a simple snare hit or something more definitive. The staccato flute pecking around the minute mark is a little distracting, I would remove it. If you want to keep it bring it down in the mix and add some reverb, also check the pitch on the long flute note.

[Paulie]

Fun track, but a few issues here for me. From a mastering perspective I think the track needs some leveling/compression overall, in various sections certain instruments jump out volume wise, to hot in the mix. I think the horns are too hot in general, and I'm a horn player.

From a sync music perspective, the intro is a little weak, I'd go with a simple snare hit or something more definitive. The staccato flute pecking around the minute mark is a little distracting, I would remove it. If you want to keep it bring it down in the mix and add some reverb, also check the pitch on the long flute note.

[JonathanE]

Fun track, but a few issues here for me. From a mastering perspective I think the track needs some leveling/compression overall, in various sections certain instruments jump out volume wise, to hot in the mix. I think the horns are too hot in general, and I'm a horn player.

From a sync music perspective, the intro is a little weak, I'd go with a simple snare hit or something more definitive. The staccato flute pecking around the minute mark is a little distracting, I would remove it. If you want to keep it bring it down in the mix and add some reverb, also check the pitch on the long flute note.

Fantastic. Addressing that now, thanks a lot!

[JonathanE]

I think your biggest issue is a lack of low end in the track - I can barely hear the kick for example ( which might be a mix issue rather than mastering )

Best advice is to A/B it with a good reference track using a proper plugin like Metric A/B ..then listen carefully to each element as you go between your track and the reference...you should very quickly spot any major differences

Listening again, I totally agree, thank you! Addressing that now.

[JonathanE]

Fun track, but a few issues here for me. From a mastering perspective I think the track needs some leveling/compression overall, in various sections certain instruments jump out volume wise, to hot in the mix. I think the horns are too hot in general, and I'm a horn player.

From a sync music perspective, the intro is a little weak, I'd go with a simple snare hit or something more definitive. The staccato flute pecking around the minute mark is a little distracting, I would remove it. If you want to keep it bring it down in the mix and add some reverb, also check the pitch on the long flute note.

Yo Paulie!

Thanks again for listening. I haven't gotten around yet to fixing the musical elements yet (except lowering the hot horns), but would you say this mastering is a general improvement? https://s.disco.ac/lmiyqnerrfnp As a horns player, it's great to have your ears. And btw, was great to meet you at the rally! Your knowledge and expertise are remarkable.

-Jonathan

[JonathanE]

I think your biggest issue is a lack of low end in the track - I can barely hear the kick for example ( which might be a mix issue rather than mastering )

Best advice is to A/B it with a good reference track using a proper plugin like Metric A/B ..then listen carefully to each element as you go between your track and the reference...you should very quickly spot any major differences

Do you think the low end issue is better now? Thanks a lot for your help https://s.disco.ac/lmiyqnerrfnp

[cosmicdolphin]

I think your biggest issue is a lack of low end in the track - I can barely hear the kick for example ( which might be a mix issue rather than mastering )

Best advice is to A/B it with a good reference track using a proper plugin like Metric A/B ..then listen carefully to each element as you go between your track and the reference...you should very quickly spot any major differences

Do you think the low end issue is better now? Thanks a lot for your help https://s.disco.ac/lmiyqnerrfnp

Yes low end is coming across much better now. Other things are still jumping out of the mix though as Paulie mentions horns etc. Try listening to the mix in Mono on crappy speaker if you can..they will jump out even more and you can adjust