You’ve probably seen the term “remastered” used on music that you’ve bought or streamed before. But do you know what the term means? Does remastered necessarily mean “better?” And, what’s more: Is remastering something you should consider for your older releases?
The term “remastered” is commonly seen in the music industry, particularly on older tracks that have been re-released. This summary explores what remastering involves and its significance in bringing a fresh sonic quality to classic tracks.
This article will delve into how remastering differs from mastering, the circumstances under which remastering is considered, and the benefits it can bring to musicians and their audiences.
Key Points:
- Original Mastering Process: Mastering is the final production stage where the track is polished for public release. It ensures the recording sounds optimal across various playback formats. For instance, a song may be mastered differently for vinyl, CDs, and digital downloads due to their unique audio playback qualities.
- Understanding Remastering: Remastering is the process of improving the audio quality of previously mastered tracks using modern technology. It revitalizes older recordings, making them sound clearer and more engaging by enhancing the original mix rather than redoing it.
- Comparison of Mastering and Remastering: While mastering prepares a recording for its first release, remastering is used to update or enhance these recordings for modern listeners. It often involves revisiting the original recordings to extract better sound quality and detail.
- Ideal Scenarios for Remastering:
- For inclusion in a compilation to ensure sonic consistency across tracks.
- For release in a new media format to exploit its better dynamic range and capabilities.
- To refresh the sound quality of tracks using advanced audio technology.
- Benefits of Remastering:
- Improves the overall sound quality and dynamics of music.
- Helps reach new audiences and introduce classic tracks to a new generation.
- Revitalizes and monetizes back catalogs for artists and record labels.
- Cost and Accessibility: Remastering can be expensive, but services like Disc Makers offer affordable options for independent artists at around $49 per song.
Key Takeaway: Remastering is a powerful tool for artists to extend the life and reach of their music. It not only enhances the listening experience by utilizing modern audio technology to improve sound quality but also offers an opportunity to introduce timeless music to new audiences and formats.
Whether you are a seasoned artist or an independent musician, considering remastering could be beneficial in reviving and monetizing older tracks.
