A question from Bonny in Austin:

Hi John,
I have been relentlessly asking everyone I come in contact
with this question as I finish CD#2, recorded with the magic of Pro Tools and a gaggle of big talent from here in Austin (at Jumping Dog Studio w/Ron Flynt).

The question I have: how important is it to spend $175 dollars an hour to master, compared to, say, $250? I realize you can't actually answer that question but would
like your opinion on the merits of a well-known and
obviously talented master-er as opposed to a less-famous
and/or experienced one. It seems with the whole new "music is free" and internet downloading vs. vinyl and discs, what level of perfection is actually appreciated/necessary in the end? I'm also wondering if as technology is making mastering capability more available perhaps the price might be coming down. I'm not a cheapskate or unwilling to spend money on my art, but just trying to get the facts.

I am not exactly professional, I write and play locally
because I love to, and it keeps me (sort of) sane and
hopefully someday someone with a wonderful voice will cover one of my songs. Or rip me off and get me some publicity. Thanks for your response, and I loved the Austin show! I feel very honored to have shaken your talented hand.

Bonny
myspace.com/bonnyholmes

WWJDD?
Dear Bonny,

First, don't let anyone rip you off! ! ! Hopefully someone will cover one of your songs & you'll be rich, famous & satisfied.

There's no doubt that mastering can make a good record, great & a mediocre record, really sing, so don't under estimate it's value. On the most basic level it puts you record through the best bass, treble, mid-range EQ you can imagine, and save that marriage. You can make a record better w/ good mastering, you can't save a badly recorded or conceived record. Regarding mastering choices, you simply should match the cost of mastering w/ the cost of the project. Most mastering labs have mastered more than a few records. Listen to them & make you choice based on the sound & how it relates to your record. You wouldn't master a hip-hop record @ a place that usually does country records, simple eh?

If you recorded on pro tools, I would recommend using the pro tools mastering program w/ the engineer who recorded it and save you self the significant cost of mastering. I've found the program is reliable & does a pretty decent job. If it's still doesn't make the record sound as you thought it could, then take it to a mastering lab that masters records similar to yours.

best of luck
and as always, thanks for writing,
JD

If you have questions for John Doe about music, the music business or life feel free to email them to wwjdd@knowthemusicbiz.com.