Mix Note 101 / Mastering New
Dither belongs at the final reduction
Repeated bit-depth changes make the delivery chain harder to control.
The move
If reducing fixed-point bit depth, apply suitable dither once at the final reduction stage.
Do this- Check the required fixed-point bit depth.
- Apply dither at the final reduction.
- Confirm another stage is not adding it.
Listen for this.
Verify the export bit depth and the mastering processor's dither setting.
Know when to back off.
Floating-point working files do not need dither at every plugin boundary.
Match loudness when you compare. If the original serves the song better, undo the change.
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Keep working.
102 / MasteringCheck the encoded versionA lossless master behaves differently after lossy conversion.103 / MasteringDon't master only the chorusA loud section sets the chain, but the verse pumps or turns brittle.104 / MasteringThe side channel can hide a problemA stereo master feels fine until mono playback loses a key instrument.
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