In the evolving landscape of music production, the debate over the efficacy of online tools and the mastering plugins available to us versus traditional mastering engineers continues to captivate producers and sound engineers alike. Recently, a video by Ben Jordan sparked an intriguing discussion about this very topic. He conducted an experiment where he sent a single song to multiple mastering sources, including professional mastering engineers and online services. The results indicated that the professional engineer produced the best-sounding master, but what if we could bridge that gap with the right plugins? This blog and accompanying video delves into the potential of mastering plugins, particularly focusing on the Master Plan plugin by MusikHack, as we explore whether they can beat the online AI streaming services and rival the results of seasoned mastering professionals.
The Experiment: A Closer Look
To investigate this, we took three distinct songs and processed them through various mastering methods. The first song was mastered by Landr, an online mastering service known for its affordability. The second was handled by Warren Sokol, a mastering engineer I have often used for his sensitivty to organic instruments, and the third by Nicholas Dorel, a highly regarded, Multi Platinum and Grammy winning professional in the field. Each of these masters was compared against the results achieved using the Master Plan plugin, which I chose because it has garnered attention for its user-friendly interface and powerful capabilities and frankly two great friends of mine swear by it.
Understanding the Master Plan Plugin
The Master Plan plugin stands out among its peers due to its intuitive design and versatility. It offers various controls that allow users to tweak the loudness, low-end response, and overall character of their tracks. With a focus on achieving competitive loudness levels, it serves as a tool that can enhance the final output without the need for extensive mastering knowledge. The question remains: can it deliver results that are on par with or even surpass traditional methods?
Mastering: A Shift in Perception
In recent years, the definition of mastering has evolved significantly. Many producers now view it as an integral part of the mixing process rather than a separate final step. This shift has led to an increased reliance on plugins to correct mix issues that traditionally would have been resolved in the mixing stage itself. While this approach can be beneficial, it underscores the importance of solid mixing practices to minimize the need for corrective mastering.
Analysing the First Track: Little Empire’s “Stay New” Genre: EDM Remix
The first track I had under review is a remix by Produce Like A Pro Academy member Chris Ibbetson of “Stay New” by Little Empire. This dance track features a vibrant mix with substantial high-end presence. When processed through the Master Plan plugin, the initial adjustments focused on achieving a competitive loudness level associated with the EDM genre. The plugin’s loudness control was employed to enhance the track’s presence in a club setting.
Comparative Listening: Plug In vs Online Mastering
After applying the plugin, the results were compared to the mastering done by the popular and affordable online service Landr. The plugin managed to boost the track’s loudness while maintaining its clarity, a feat that the Landr version achieved in loudness but seemed to struggle with the high end, overly compensating for the high end, which may have on the original mix been a little bright however it was fitting for the modern EDM genre the song was competing in. The latter, online master, appeared subdued in comparison, lacking the excitement and energy expected from a dance track. With careful adjustments using the plugin, we achieved a more dynamic, but also apparently louder and engaging sound while maintaining the excitement of the mix.
LANDR Online Mastering
Examining the Second Track: Jonah Smith’s Live Recording
Moving on to the second track, a live recording by Jonah Smith, we encountered a different set of challenges. This track was very raw, captured directly from the console, using just Sunset Sounds own plate reverb and with no additional processing. The goal here was to bring out the natural ambiance while enhancing the overall loudness.
Tweaking for Clarity
Utilising the Master Plan plugin, we focused on applying the ‘smooth’ and ‘tape’ controls to add warmth to the vocals, smoothing out any apparently harsh, spiky transients, something we all recognise as being a welcoming attribute of Tape without sacrificing clarity. The key was to maintain the organic feel of the live recording while making it competitive with modern productions. The results indicated that the plugin effectively enhanced the vocal presence and overall mix without losing the essence of the live performance.
The Final Track: Alex Elliott’s Hip-Hop Piece
The last track we examined was a hip-hop piece by Alex Elliott, which presented a unique set of challenges due to its low-end emphasis. This genre demands a careful balance of loudness and clarity, particularly in the bass frequencies. The truth is, this is NOT my genre and if any of these songs were going to be a challenge for me to nail the appropriate feel this might be it!
Achieving Balance
After initial processing with the Master Plan plugin, we noted that the loudness levels were significantly improved. However, some of the high-frequency elements, particularly the hi-hats, needed attention. By adjusting the plugin’s controls, most notable a little amount of width, we were able to enhance the mix’s clarity while maintaining its punchy low-end. The final result was a track that felt vibrant and engaging, ready for competitive play alongside other contemporary releases.
Comparing To Nicolas de Porcel’s Master
I was happy with my master using Music Hack’s plug in, it was a balanced low end with loudness and excitement, certaonly comaprable to any Rock mix I was used to! However, Nic de Porcel is a world class and grammy winning mastering engineer who nails this genre and listening to his master showed that a much larger low end in particular was very important part of this genre that I failed to achieve with my master! Luckily I had this world class reference and with tweaking got very close.
Nicolas de Porcel is one of the world’s best mastering engineers
Here are some of Nicolas’ credits – most notably and recent “Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar and
- “Family Ties” [2021] by Baby Keem and Kendrick Lamar (Grammy Winner, Best Rap Performance)
- “Hrs & Hrs” [2022] by Muni Long (Grammy Winner, Best R&B Performance)
- “Michael” [2023] by Killer Mike (3x-Grammy Winner, Best Rap Album, Best Rap Song, Best Rap Performance)
Nicolas De Porcel
Insights Gained from the Experiment
Throughout this process, several key insights emerged regarding the use of the Master Plan Plugin. Firstly, the importance of critical listening cannot be overstated. While plugins can provide powerful tools for enhancing a track, the user’s ability to make informed decisions based on their listening experience is crucial. Secondly, the Master Plan plugin demonstrated that with the right controls and adjustments, it is possible to achieve results comparable to those of professional mastering engineers and surpass online AI mastering services.
The Role of Experience
One of the most significant factors in achieving a successful master is the user’s experience and familiarity with the tools at their disposal. While plugins can streamline the process, they cannot replace the nuanced understanding that comes from years of practice and critical listening. The best results often come from a combination of both: using advanced tools while honing one’s skills through practice and feedback.
Conclusion: The Future of Mastering
As we look to the future, it is clear that the landscape of music production and mastering is rapidly evolving. The integration of powerful plugins like Master Plan offers an accessible pathway for producers to achieve professional-quality results without the need for extensive resources. While traditional mastering engineers will always have a place in the industry, the democratisation of music production tools allows for greater creativity and innovation among independent artists.
Ultimately, the choice between using plugins or hiring a professional may come down to budget, personal preference and the specific needs of a project. For those willing to invest the time in learning their tools, mastering plugins can serve as a valuable asset in the quest for sonic excellence. As the industry continues to evolve, embracing these advancements will undoubtedly contribute to the growth and development of music production as a whole.
Master Plan
Master Plan pricing: $25 x 5 (rent to own) or one time fee of $122
