In this week’s podcast, Julian is joined by mastering engineers Katie Tavini and Mike Thorne to discuss mastering. In a time when everyone has access to tools similar to those used by mastering engineers, what can a mastering engineer bring to a project?

Katie Tavini

Katie Tavini is a Mancunian mastering engineer, now based in Brighton, whose credits include Emeli Sandé, Arlo Parks and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Since starting in 2014, the growing range of Katie's discography is testament to her versatility as an engineer. She is at home with everything from the heaviest metal to the lushest orchestral works and everything in between.

Mike Thorne

Mike Thorne has been playing, recording and mixing music professionally for over 23 years. He works out of his studio, Rimshot, in the UK and is one third of production company Brik Hit House, Mike has worked as a mastering engineer for artists including The Brand New Heavies, KT Tunstall and Procol Harum.

Talking Points

• Rather than start with the inevitable “what is mastering” question. Let’s start by asking how can you as mastering engineers help your clients? What is it that your clients are paying for?

• Anyone producing music has access to similar tools to your’s. Why not master your own material?

• We’re going to need to talk about monitoring. Why can you trust your monitoring?

• What questions should someone ask a mastering engineer before working with them?

• Which would you prefer, an attended session or an unattended session with good comms with the client? Why?

• Do you have any experience of automated mastering services? Any comment?

• Has your approach changed to accommodate Loudness standards and streaming?

• Is there a particular learning resource you’d direct someone wanting to get into mastering to?

• Do you use hardware? Why?

Find Of The Week

• Julian - Having a pair of monitors behind you in your studio

• Katie - The Psychology Of Analogue

• Mike - Time Guru iOS?Android App