PROFESSIONAL MASTERING vs. INSTANT MASTERING

[@ad7or]

I can only express my gratitude to both Wytse and George. I’m truly humbled by your kindness and support.
Sound engineering is an artform, both you and George showcased that in this video. The connection between the human mind and analog gear can produce wonderful results.
Especially when the engineer can trust their own ability to enrich the music.
“Don’t ever lose sight of your love of music”- Bruce Swedien
I would also like to thank everyone that will, have and continue to give “Funk Heven” a chance. Your support is very much appreciated.

[@adirsab]

very cool track

[@johnisrael5183]

Really good song, I just mastered my first pre master mix through Analog Rack with Studio One's Pipline Feature on Export....and then used Landr against it...mine blew it away, His friend the master engieneer did the same thing...LOL....online mastering just sucks all the life out of your song...bad Idea....spend $5000 to $8000 on your own studio....its worth it...even if your start with Dbx compressor, BBE maxizer, mackie mixer, SSL 2+ and good headphones.....thats about $1100 and you can start making your own masters with Pro Tools or Studio one....

[@joshsmith7812]

Never mind the analog gear, that’s just extra gravy ontop, it’s the engineers ear and knowledge before anything else is even considered

[@1disturbedjunglist]

Lovely 80's MJ vibe on this track.

[@davewestner]

Cool tune....thanks for letting us hear it

[@Kkidzz]

George's AIR/SPARKLE and PRESENCE is amaaaaaaaazing.

[@goseason2343]

This video was needed for the music community. Nothing can replace a human being mastering your music.

[@likenokevin]

George's master sounded so good. It is almost 3D!

[@Casur1N]

Instant Mastering services and Mastering Engineers are like buying a suit in the fashion area of a supermarket and in a tailor shop. Both may work for someone but when you compare them you can see which is specifically made at the right fit

[@listenfidi]

nice analogy!

[@Streaky_com]

yep

[@ts4gv]

sure, but it won’t be long before AI mastering becomes indistinguishable from the work of humans

[@oldschooljohnny]

100!

[@delmixedit]

One of the best analogies ever!!!!! ✊🏾

[@ephjaymusic]

And that is why we need human mastering engineers like George. This was a fantastic video and excellent comparison! Thank you so much!

[@serhii-ratz]

That's it :)

[@AGDugros]

Audio mastering is an art, I work in music production since 2002, and I can tell that the experience is one important factor. Thanks for this video.

[@nepntzerZer]

ok try doing mastering and mix engineering while living out of a tent.

[@-IFFTI-]

Automatic mastering systems usually do not understand "musicality", algorithms are not able to add breath and life. The human ear and brain are still the best tool for this. Therefore, it is good to find a mastering specialist who has his own approach to the music styles we are interested in. I have some material in my collection that has been mastered by people who don't understand certain nuances. The effects were disappointing.
George, a big thank you for the show of the possibilities and the excellent job ... and for fighting with the "sound botulism" ;).
Dear Wytse ... in my opinion, this is one of your the best episodes on YT. :) MORE! :D

[@NeverduskX]

I don't think I've ever fully appreciated mastering as much as it deserves to be before watching George work. Hearing all of those changes in real-time was magic.

[@annekedebruyn7797]

I like how George's mix was wider but in a very balanced way.
The other mastering services didn't really added much in the wideness.

[@ayeapprove]

So much this! Listening with my reference headphones I could tell just by the stereo image which one was done by George. It's a very different approach but sounds so much better.

[@storkontheroof]

The difference indeed is ENORMOUS!
What i would love to see/hear now, is George making a master with (hi-quality) plugins only and compare that to the analog version he did.
Any chance on that one???

[@LordTheeProducer]

I love this video!!! George is cool as hell and you guys have beautiful chemistry captured on this video

[@garrettjrussell]

This is definitely one of your best videos of all time. I know you did something like this about 3 years ago, but the they way George goes into major detail about the mastering process was beyond fascinating and informative. A huge thank you for the effort you put into this.

[@Makiguli]

That's not a suprise to me BUT George's work is BY FAR the best Mastering... no picture !

[@dwightdeon2421]

I've sat in on a lot of mastering sessions, had a lot of songs mastered (by some well known ME) and this was above and beyond anything i ever seen come out of a final master. He actually improved the mix far beyond just making it brighter and louder, which seems to be the norm these days. Very disappointing to have something mastered, and when it comes back it doesn't sound BETTER than the mix just different. George nailed it. Well done

[@mickeythompson9537]

"Very disappointing to have something mastered, and when it comes back it doesn't sound BETTER than the mix just different."
SO TRUE!!

[@LukeLjJames]

Hmm mastering done without askin you what ya aiming for , like the sound of . No 1st draft , 2 nd draft checks before the final result making sure your on board and happy ? Not sure what mastering places you been too but 100% go somewhere else lol ;p

[@muzk8887]

ive seen a lot of art but only some of it is good

[@LukeLjJames]

@@muzk8887 I saw a pelican try to eat a pigeon once 🤣🤣

[@LarryElectronica]

Mastering should not make your mix sound better, it should exaggerate all the strengths of your mix. And subsequently, it can highlight the weaknesses of your mix. As far as cosmetic 'treatments' go, that is a choice made by the engineer at the artist's discretion.

[@nanob0zo]

We need more Lennard and George guest appearances!!! Awesome video!

[@MarvelJAM]

Watching you two interact was a treat. Thank you

[@MrPerfectpizza]

Thoroughly enjoyed watching this video and hearing the differences in sound while marvelling at the gear! TH-cam needs more videos like this one. Big respect to you both for sharing this! Thank you.

[@johnisrael5183]

Really cool watching your friend master...it was mind blowing....in a good way...tell him...I learned alot from him....!!! and I really appreciate all your advice as well

[@davidbiangles7324]

Hi,
I just watched this and have to say that I learned more about mastering from your friend and you together than the hours of 'tutorials' over several years - I think I finally 'got it' (knobs, ears, gut!). Loved the track before - magic after. Many thanks.

[@ChrisTuttle]

To my ears, the audio mastering done and the dynamics adjusted is subtle yet orgasmic. What a joy to watch and listen to.

[@fortheoneswhocare]

Perfect way of demonstrating the differences between a mastering eng and instant services. Really enjoyed this video !!

[@LeoDaShaman]

The value in this video is THROUGH THE ROOF!!! thanks alot

[@elwoodroadsmusic9639]

Ja ja ja ja ja :) Loved this little glimpse into mastering with George. Thankyou!

[@tonychristopher1852]

I think doing your own mastering would even be better than the on line route. Then again it's always best to get an outside engineers ears (that you can trust), especially if you want to keep your sanity. Great video!

[@snubdawg1386]

but it's so hard to find one who you can trust....and afford

[@jhohanmusic]

* Hire a master engineer to keep your sanity 🎯

[@AlexReidStudios]

I don't care about the comparison, this is one of my go to guides on mastering mindset. George is a gift

[@tutunuitekanawa3940]

Respect too George for wearing a very sacred stone from Aotearoa New Zealand. A Pounamu Taonga. Very special! Awesome! Chur too the team for the education.

[@simonhestermann]

Hey everyone, this is Simon from Masterchannel.
First of all, thank you for reviewing our service! We are well aware and equally disappointed that our master fell behind in this comparison, and we are grateful for the feedback we have gotten through this video. A lot of updates have already been made since the recording of this video and your honest feedback is much appreciated. We'll continue improving our service to tailor it to your needs. For those interested, you can now try our service for free when you create an account.
If you have any further feedback, we're open ears and happy to hear from you :)

[@oldschooljohnny]

nice 1

[@marlondeagle]

Thanks for giving the community such opportunities! I really appreciate your work, keep it up guys - you're doing a phenomenal job.

[@gardvord]

I am speechless over what the mastering engineer was able to achieve. The track as well mixed before, still enormous difference. Impressed!

[@1erwayne]

Seemingly, pretty damn quick too. I totally take them at their word, no prep was done. Hardware settings that is.

[@connollytunes]

Great video!! You missed one factor though about the instant mastering (which I have never used) - George will usually be charging a little more than $19... But it really was an enjoyable video. George was so fun!

[@losangulos]

a bedroom producer going to a mastering process online will go to whaever sounds best to him with limited experience, and of course George knows whats best and whats happening in the entire balance of things, you are paying for that knowledge, and it shows, of course its going to be pricier, its really a no brainer.

[@pedroarechigamorfin1228]

I think this is the best video on this channel yet. Thank you so much!!!

[@mikepaynt4436]

It's night and day! Also - The gear in his studio is such a wonderful selection.

[@emlispbeatz3576]

My best mastering tutorial so far, so good
Thank u George for this tutorial.

[@ubercoolboy]

Bro just discovered you, your content is fire! Appreciate your work frfr!

[@ocularrecords]

From the moment that Neve turned on, @7:50 I knew it was over. Amazing video. Learned alot.

[@LaurenPassarelli]

Artists doing what they love…George is a gem.

[@subconscious.com_usa6691]

Fantastic track it very much has that 1980s Michael Jackson vibe to it
with perhaps a slightly modern twist. I could imagine the track on the
Bad Album for example. he even does those hee hee vocal noises as well.
Georges's master is head and shoulders above the others without a doubt
but the others are o.k for the money they cost.

[@purvue]

This video and George just taught me alot. like seriously. i have a good ear i just didnt know what the differences were called i could always just hear it. but George explained aspects of the audio and help me link it to my ears. I subscribed. please feature George on more uploads he is awesome. my kind of music man

[@toobvu]

Thank you for taking the time to create this informative video. I concur that George clearly has created the best master - smooth, open and spatial compared with all the others. LANDR sounds pretty good to my ear, and certainly better than the other mastering services you've tested.

[@therealdjap]

George is absolutely amazing. Best out of all by far. He is incredible. I can't wait to come out that way and check you both out.

[@timothy2204]

George is insane!! Super musical and tasteful, knowing precisely how to get the result he wants

[@StarfleetOnLsd]

That was a really nice and informative watch, thank you! Oh and the Michael Jackson vibes of that track are 🔥🔥🔥

[@adampeters9684]

This video does an incredible job of illustrating the value of mentorship in the audio community. No amount of TH-cam can replace the experience of taking your mix to a mastering engineer who knows what they’re doing with a pimped out setup. I always walk away with an enhanced perspective. Cheers to you both!

[@Barnsey87]

Just a beautiful insight for upcoming mastering engineers bless you.

[@MrClaywell]

Awesome vid. Can’t remember the last time I sat and watched a full 30-minute plus video straight through without stopping. Well done
George knows his stuff for sure!

[@gaboquintana3628]

I've seen a lot of videos where it says "let's talk about mastering" and that's exactly what they do they just talk about what mastering is, but fee videos show somebody actually doing it.
Thank you for your effort to produce this video it is very helpful.

[@Genolexis]

Aha! Got George dancing at 20mins! Mission Accomplished 🤣 Great video, truly enjoyed every minute. Entertaining and very informative. Thank you

[@klexen]

Impressive Results from the "manual" masterting. Would be interesting to see/hear how close to this he/you could get working only with plug ins.

[@myproductionadvice]

always 99% 😄 all this equipment exists as a plugin version, so it's only a choice of a master

[@DiscoTuna]

What an awesome video - to see a mastering engineer go through all the tweaks on their kit and then all the work on this comparison - thank you. Amazing stuff. Would be good to see a shoot out between analogue gear and in the box gear - though it would be hard to tease out the differences between the humans involved vs the gear on that one.

[@JayKaufman]

What I'd be really curious of hearing is how different mastering engineers treat the same track. A future video perhaps?

[@ImpostorModanica]

Fantastic idea

[@NurseWalker]

Let me know when you find this kind of shootout!

[@Gilwtt]

Oh Men!!! I listened to the mastering studio session in my homeStudio and I'm lterally blown out by what I heard even in youtube. This is a huge demonstration of mastering process... Really!

[@pdamasco]

Watching George was a lot of fun! It reminded me of being in rehearsals at University for our performances. You can tell how intricately he knows each piece of equipment in that mastering chain. He dials thins in very quickly and you can instantly hear the improvements in dynamics and overall width of the track. It has more impact and sustains the "mood" of the music because of how he dialed in the roll-off of each punchy and dynamic instrument in the mix. I really can't get over how effective he is in such a short period of time. It's very impressive!!

[@radiovalkyrierecords5102]

Well done. And not surprising. But nice that you found out the same things I've casually found out for myself a few times.
Thanks for taking the time and spending the money to do so!

[@assshakerstudios549]

FINALLY! A mastering engineer with good gear! Maselec and Masenburg are"The Go To" EQs for mastering (imo)!

[@eternity..]

THIS IS AMAZING. GREAT VIDEO, FOR THE TIME CAPSULE. THANK YOU. 👑 👑 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@adamslawson]

Amazing job making this video, this might be the best mastering video I've ever seen. Being able to hear the mastering process while you're both talking and the camera work and being honest with your process. You're helping the industry for other future high-level engineers to also grow to this level. Love seeing and hearing your mastering chain. Thank you for sharing! Lots to learn here.

[@johnellers]

I'm following you for some years now and this is one of your best videos. It is for me more clear than it already was, nothing beat a real human regarding to mixing and mastering! Yank you so much for this video and greetings from Rotterdam.

[@tdr1438]

Amazing video, George should feature more often

[@Whiteseastudio]

Working on it!

[@DKH712]

Wow I didn't expect the difference to be so huge. The high end is so nice on the real master.

[@Mansardian]

I think George got some new customers by now. He owes you another coffee😂
I seriously consider sending my songs to him. He's fantastic!

[@jaybird3636]

but the last and most important question is: how much does it cost to let george master this song 😁😁

[@doubler4433]

One of the most interesting videos about Matering I´ve seen, great content

[@pabloriverafernandez7799]

Wytse thanks for make this happen. It helped me to go with George as mastering engineer, and what a pleasant surprise! He was great player and delivered on timely manner. Regarding the quality of the product, there are no words to express how the song sounded after his magic touch.

[@DigiMixAudio]

Wytse, George rules on this comparison! Thanks for another great video, and keep George busy!

[@Eline_official]

As a mix and mastering engineer I have only one answer to this. There is nothing better than personal touch.

[@soulflower8687]

The online mastering services simply crush the life out of any track. Online mastering = crushing.

[@pirateradioFPV]

Brightness is not the word you're looking for. It's clarity.

[@MabawaVocal]

Ive been whatching from africa and I come to realise that the best producers have alot of years in music ,shows how music can never be fully figured out

[@chrisharrison809]

This channel is great. I really appreciate this.

[@Gilwtt]

This one is the most expensive but favourite vid you gave us actually ;-) Hats off!!!

[@AnthonyDunstan]

FANTASTIC video thank you so much.

[@suckmybenissddd1201]

mastering is beautiful and incredibly important. It was really moving when he started applying the pull techs to the high mid - highs. you can really hear and feel the outstanding professionalism and passion from this man. what a guy

[@myproductionadvice]

"all we do is analog and... attention - here comes the Distressor!" 😅 George is not only a super mastering engineer, but first he is a very nice person. Great journey, Wytse! Thanks, thanks. thanks...

[@jongreenhalgh]

I have to say it shouldn't be surprising that human choices from experienced yet fresh ears will always win

[@ulrichhermes1315]

thx for sharing this, nice to see inside a professional workflow.

[@travislrogers]

Now that’s entertainment! What a great video! George is a brilliant musician / engineer. Such a pleasure to watch the process and get to see the difference that such skilled ears can bring to the final product. More session videos please! 🕺

[@jcleivaamoros]

Very eye opening video, not only when comes about comparing the services of mastering, but also we had a sneak peak at how a true master engineer works, something that we can apply in our home studios when mastering our own tracks.Thank you very much.

[@dontlooklistenmodular4742]

I really enjoyed this video, keep up the great work

[@bohdanmus333]

Thank you! Very useful and instructive video!

[@jellemeeuwsen9842]

Haha the switch between SC and George literally made me giggle. As if my speakers got instantly upgraded majorly. Great vid Wytse! Keep up the good work!

[@motofreak525]

Thank you for demonstrating the value of hiring an experienced mastering engineer. I know the online services have their place for those without the budget to hire someone, but the difference in results is night and day. I've worked as a mastering engineer in a Los Angeles mastering house for almost ten years now and often times potential clients really aren't aware of the potential difference in the result. Just because something has been "Mastered" doesn't mean it has been done well. This video does a great job of highlighting all of the care, time, and gear that goes into the traditional mastering process, and clearly shows the human care yields superior results. Thanks again for taking the time to show people what we do!

[@ShadowsandEchoesMusic]

I master my tracks on my own with ozone and ssl plugins because i can not afford a mastering engineer 🙂. This guy in the video did a great job !

[@stephenmcculloch3025]

Fantastic video! Thank you!

[@thelockdownbroject1032]

Excellent comparison, thanks!

[@sodiumlights]

truly fantastic video. Would love to see more of George in the future, so enjoyable watching you two cool dudes. Thank You!

[@robertjason6885]

George is a quality engineer. Gear only takes you so far. What you do with it..or not is one key...the other is having very good ears. In a stereo mix, George managed to lock the bass drum and synth bass together. Impressive. The word you may have been looking for is "presence" as regards the vocal. A bit more "in the room."

[@mando3022]

P A S S I O N - that is what kept me making music for over 30 years. It's something that can't be replicated/imitated (yet) by machines. Love the studio vibes and thank you both for sharing them with us!

[@smattc]

Thank you for posting this. it just proves what I and many other have said over and over, that it's people that make the difference. Real people mixing and mastering with their human ears, and emotion. Which could be carried even further by using real live musicians making the music rather than drum machines and synths, though I agree that that could still be considered a genre itself. Still once again it's nice to see man winning over machine.

[@teqnotic]

Thanks for providing this comparison!

[@MaraldBes]

so helpful thx ! Finally mastering explained well and step by step. The enthusiasm on both your faces is instant as you see master chain..
big ups on production too, best content yet Wietse & crew!

[@VForsaken]

Bless you Man, this is priceless review

[@67Rec]

Charming fellow, and your friendship made for a fun watch.

[@mehmetali5728]

I think George also applies live mastering to his voice when he speaks. It's not normal human voice, it sunds perfectly tuned:))

[@KelbyThwaits]

Great comparison video. I loved hearing the mastering services next to each other and especially George’s work (which was excellent).

[@gooshie3]

Thanks for this Wytse, and George. Very insightful.

[@driesketels805]

Great video. He touched the track on the right places. I noticed especially the highs. So much better. Thank you!

[@joergenlang]

Intentionally listening to the session through the speaker of my mac mini. The difference between premaster and master is still clearly audible (real engineer). Amazing.

[@mantis834]

George's mix hands down the winner here.
More open, more depth, the low end was tighter, the highs had a nice air to them, everything sounds smooth, creamy, punchy.
Human ears, human touch and human heart are the three best plugins we can use.

[@Gongtopia]

This is perhaps your best and most important video to date. Thanks to you and George for going through the actual mastering process. It was very interesting to get a look/listen to what happens. In the end, all I can say is that the online masters all sounded 'good' to some degree, but George's master had so much more life and presence! It comes down to the human touch.

[@MartinvonBargen]

That saucy part off the limiter was like going from the cheapest fleapit cinema to a full on IMAX, but back in 1986 or so. The track reminds me of the type of song you'd hear on a film like Beverly Hills Cop.
Great to watch a mastering engineer enjoy himself and creating something new.

[@DThompson55]

Stunning how 1db or 2db applied correctly makes such a big difference.