What are MS techniques used in mastering for?

Mid/side processing is a versatile mixing and mastering technique that allows you to process the center and side signals of a stereo track separately. When used correctly, mid/side processing has the power to make your tracks sound wider, deeper, and more focused.

What is m/s in EQ?

M/S mode is a really handy mixing feature available in Ableton Live 10 on the EQ Eight and Utility modules. M/S is a different way of affecting and mixing a stereo signal that splits the audio into middle and sides, rather than just left and right.

How do you properly mastering?

Here’s a summary of the steps you’ll need to take when you master your mix:

1. Optimize your listening space.
2. Finish your mix (to sound mastered).
3. Check the levels.
4. Bounce down your stereo track.
5. Take a break (of at least a day).
6. Create a new project and import your references.
7. Listen for the first time (and take notes).

How do you decode MS?

Decoding. MS decoding requires what is called a “sum-and-difference matrix”. To get the sum you add one side signal to the mid signal, and to get the difference you subtract the other side signal from the mid signal by shifting its polarity 180º. It’s easier to do than it sounds.

What is MS compression?

Mid/side compression is a technique used by many pro engineers for increased flexibility when processing stereo material. By encoding a stereo signal from L/R to M/S, it’s possible to compress the mono (mid) and stereo (side) elements of the signal independently.

Is Mid Side EQ necessary?

Not making use of a simple EQ in Mid/Side mode They make for great sound design tools, but for subtle work, I would turn to a Mid/Side EQ. Mid/Side EQ can be a wonderful tool for enhancing the stereophonic quality of instruments because they allow you to work surgically.

What is an MS mic?

The M/S technique gives you more control over the width of the stereo spread than other microphone recording techniques, and allows you to make adjustments at any time after the recording is finished.

Why are m / s recording techniques favoured by engineers?

M/S Mastery. Mid/Sides (or M/S) recording techniques are favoured by many engineers for a number of reasons during the recording, mixing and mastering stages, and it’s the last that we’ll look at here. With some very simple maths, it’s possible to encode standard left/right stereo mixes to M/S.

When to use eQ in m / s Mastering?

EQ is typically applied during the mastering stage to emphasise certain details of instruments and to remove troublesome frequencies elsewhere in the range, and the M/S approach offers far greater control than L/R in a number of applications.

Which is the most important part of mastering?

Another important part of mastering is stereo expansion. This pushes the stereo field further to the left and right, making the song sound wider. A lot of amateur songs sound narrow when compared to professional ones. Obviously a great mix will help with that.

Why do you use a m / s mixing technique?

A tried and tested mixing technique is to compare work being mixed to a ‘benchmark’ reference track of a similar genre that exhibits admirable production qualities. Using M/S techniques to separate Mid and Sides elements, these production qualities are more readily revealed to the listener.