Dubstep Music Mastering - Part 4

Attack / Release.

Using slow attack and release setting on the compressor will result in a smoother dubstep mix that allows the finer details to breathe with out getting any obvious 'pumping' effects.

Use the low ratios.

Unlike using hard hitting compression on individual instrument tracks, when using compression in a dubstep mastering situation go steady and use the low ratios to massage the track in to place, start at 1:5:1 through to just 2:1.

Pump up the the volume.

When trying to create hard hitting dubstep music, the release setting on the compressor can be key. You will need to find the release time that fits the tempo of your music so that as the mix is pulled down by the strong kick drums it swells up again until the next kick drum. The gives the effect the track is pumping in time with the music.

Learn about decibels.

You should aim to refine your perception of how much you are actually affecting the dubstep audio signal, an unexperienced producer might happily aim for 6db of gain reduction but that will technically half the signal level, you should accurately aware of every 0.5db change you make, and should understand exactly why you have made that change. Not just do it because you spend a load of cash on some nice plug ins and feel you have to use them.

Are you using the right compressor for dubstep?

All the compressors on the market have different attributes and sounds because they are based on different statures of hardware versions, none is the best or worst but each has its own characteristics and they can be drawn upon to credit your track with there best features.

Control the peaks.

If you come to master and you have any abnormal peaks, go back and try to edit these out in your sequencer before applying dubstep limiting and mastering features. You could use automation or a soft quantize to eliminate that extra loud part. This will make a big difference when limiting because the limiter will not have to act so hard on the rogue peak.

Keep it simple.

For maximum loudness keep the arrangements simple, creating multiple layers of sounds will detract from there loudness. Think about your top 10 dubstep tracks, they are most likely very simple but highly effective and powerful.

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