Stem Mastering Part 3: Stem Mastering Applied | Mike Wells

Experience ‘Stem Mastering’ in a new way, in this 3-part video series by top LA mastering engineer Mike Wells. Get an insider’s look at a controversial yet powerful way to master music. Mike explains the crucial elements to success and demonstrates how Stem Mastering delivers the maximum sonic impact while retaining the original mix engineer’s intention and the artist’s vision for the music.

Using a real-world example, Mike shows how the effects of hypercompression across a stereo mix can create undesirable artifacts like mid-range frequency buildup, loss of mix detail and uncontrolled emphasis on certain instruments or vocals. With Mike’s Stem Mastering techniques, he teaches you how to avoid these sonic stumbling blocks.

In Part 1 of the video series Wells gives an overview of what 'Stem Mastering' is and why you would use it. Part 2 details the process of getting files from the mix engineer and preparing them for Stem Mastering - you'll also get Wells' own stereo-file mastering tips and techniques. In part 3 he shows you a step-by-step example of Stem Mastering in action so you can hear how the stereo image is enhanced while the overall level increases dramatically showing off the songs' inner strengths. In his Stem Mastering demo, Mike uses several Dangerous Music products: the 2-BUS+ analog summing mixer, BAX EQ, COMPRESSOR and CONVERT-8 DACs to achieve a superior master for the rock band "Hard Youth".

"A popular saying in the stereo mastering world is that you've got to give something to get something," says Mike. “Those tradeoffs are loss of transient detail, loss of punch, shifting instrument positions, and frequency buildup—what do you get for losing all that? Loudness. With stem mastering we are presented with an opportunity to add EQ, limiting and compression without those tradeoffs.”

Mike Wells began mastering in the late 90's, opening Mike Wells Mastering in San Francisco, CA in early 2001. After a decade of service in the Bay Area, Mike Wells Mastering relocated to the epicenter of the music industry, Los Angeles - CA. His Recording Artist roster includes Green Day, Prince, Tony Sly, Tommy Guerrero, along with Production Music companies Google, Apple, Megatrax Production Music, and Angry Mob Music.

Mike has served on the Board of Governors for the NARAS (Grammy) association, President of the Los Angeles Audio Engineering Society (AES) chapter, and Chairman of many AES Convention divisions.

With a studio hosting an array of boutique, modified, and self-designed equipment, Mike Wells Mastering offers Music, Production, and Stem Mastering services to the Indie, Professional, and Production music markets.

Visit: http://www.mikewellsmastering.com

Video series directed & edited by Lucas Fackler.

More from Dangerous Music: http://dangerousmusic.com

Listen to the before and after Stem Mastering examples, download here: https://www.yousendit.com/download/dD...