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Looking for info on the "remastering process" some use to improve recordings

130 views 3 replies 3 participants last post by  grbage  
#1 ·
I don't know anything about the "remastering process" (for my lack of a better term) some people do to increase the audio quality of recordings. Any advice on finding out info about this?
 
#2 ·
Auntie Google tells us:

Several powerful software options can be used for stereo remastering, ranging from professional-grade digital audio workstations (DAWs) to specialized plugins and free, open-source programs
. The best choice depends on your budget, experience level, and specific remastering goals.

Full-featured DAWs for advanced remastering

For the most comprehensive control, a dedicated audio editing program or mastering DAW offers the deepest set of tools.

  • Acon Digital Acoustica Premium: This software features a comprehensive suite of tools for audio editing, restoration, and mastering, including multi-track editing, spectral editing, and support for high-quality audio formats up to 384 kHz.
  • Magix Sequoia: Considered an industry-standard mastering DAW, Sequoia offers a top-tier feature set for audio production, broadcasting, and mastering. Its workflow is prized by many professional engineers.
  • Steinberg WaveLab Pro: A popular choice for high-fidelity mastering, WaveLab features a 64-bit audio engine that supports very high sample rates. It also offers extensive analysis tools and advanced spectral editing with inpainting technology.
  • Presonus Studio One Pro: A versatile DAW with a dedicated "Project Page" for mastering. It allows you to import and sequence tracks, and apply effects and metadata to create a cohesive project.
Specialized mastering plugins

To enhance a stereo master within your existing DAW, a suite of dedicated plugins is an excellent option.

  • iZotope Ozone: Ozone is one of the most popular mastering plugin suites available. The Advanced version offers a complete collection of modules for EQ, dynamics, stereo imaging, and limiting, along with AI-assisted mastering features.
  • iZotope RX: While not a mastering tool, RX is the industry standard for audio repair and restoration. You would use RX to clean up noise, clicks, or hum before moving on to the mastering stage in a different program.
Free and budget-friendly options

For those on a tight budget, there are still powerful tools available for remastering projects.

  • Audacity: This free, open-source audio editor is a powerful option for remastering tasks. It includes tools for noise reduction, equalization, compression, and stereo widening to improve the quality of your recordings.
  • Reaper: An inexpensive, but extremely capable DAW that comes with a full list of features for both tracking and mastering. It includes plugins like ReaComp and ReaEQ and supports third-party plugins.
  • BandLab: This online service offers free, AI-powered mastering. You can quickly upload your track and have it mastered instantly.
AI-assisted online services

If you want to simplify the process, AI-powered online services can provide high-quality results with a minimal learning curve.

  • ReMasterMedia: This online tool uses AI to optimize and clean up audio and video files. It offers different enhancement profiles and noise cancellation options for professional-sounding results.
  • LANDR: A popular online mastering service trusted by many professionals. It offers quick, high-quality, AI-powered mastering and is used by artists and labels.
  • Remasterify: An AI-powered service that offers quick, professional mastering. It also optimizes tracks to sound consistent across different platforms like Spotify and TikTok.
Good luck... :)
 
#3 ·
Auntie Google tells us:

Several powerful software options can be used for stereo remastering, ranging from professional-grade digital audio workstations (DAWs) to specialized plugins and free, open-source programs
. The best choice depends on your budget, experience level, and specific remastering goals.

Full-featured DAWs for advanced remastering

For the most comprehensive control, a dedicated audio editing program or mastering DAW offers the deepest set of tools.

  • Acon Digital Acoustica Premium: This software features a comprehensive suite of tools for audio editing, restoration, and mastering, including multi-track editing, spectral editing, and support for high-quality audio formats up to 384 kHz.
  • Magix Sequoia: Considered an industry-standard mastering DAW, Sequoia offers a top-tier feature set for audio production, broadcasting, and mastering. Its workflow is prized by many professional engineers.
  • Steinberg WaveLab Pro: A popular choice for high-fidelity mastering, WaveLab features a 64-bit audio engine that supports very high sample rates. It also offers extensive analysis tools and advanced spectral editing with inpainting technology.
  • Presonus Studio One Pro: A versatile DAW with a dedicated "Project Page" for mastering. It allows you to import and sequence tracks, and apply effects and metadata to create a cohesive project.
Specialized mastering plugins

To enhance a stereo master within your existing DAW, a suite of dedicated plugins is an excellent option.

  • iZotope Ozone: Ozone is one of the most popular mastering plugin suites available. The Advanced version offers a complete collection of modules for EQ, dynamics, stereo imaging, and limiting, along with AI-assisted mastering features.
  • iZotope RX: While not a mastering tool, RX is the industry standard for audio repair and restoration. You would use RX to clean up noise, clicks, or hum before moving on to the mastering stage in a different program.
Free and budget-friendly options

For those on a tight budget, there are still powerful tools available for remastering projects.

  • Audacity: This free, open-source audio editor is a powerful option for remastering tasks. It includes tools for noise reduction, equalization, compression, and stereo widening to improve the quality of your recordings.
  • Reaper: An inexpensive, but extremely capable DAW that comes with a full list of features for both tracking and mastering. It includes plugins like ReaComp and ReaEQ and supports third-party plugins.
  • BandLab: This online service offers free, AI-powered mastering. You can quickly upload your track and have it mastered instantly.
AI-assisted online services

If you want to simplify the process, AI-powered online services can provide high-quality results with a minimal learning curve.

  • ReMasterMedia: This online tool uses AI to optimize and clean up audio and video files. It offers different enhancement profiles and noise cancellation options for professional-sounding results.
  • LANDR: A popular online mastering service trusted by many professionals. It offers quick, high-quality, AI-powered mastering and is used by artists and labels.
  • Remasterify: An AI-powered service that offers quick, professional mastering. It also optimizes tracks to sound consistent across different platforms like Spotify and TikTok.
Good luck... :)
Thank you for all the info. I should have checked Google first. Thank you for the trouble you went thru.
 
#4 ·
the "remastering process" is in some ways similar to the "dental betterment process" (for my lack of a better term) some people do to increase the quality of teeth. It requires a number of years of study and practice to get even barely acceptable results