Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have recorded the project with Clark Media?
No. Remote post-production is one of our primary services. We regularly work with recordings made elsewhere.
What should I send?
If you're looking for mastering only, send the highest-resolution stereo mix available, preferably without limiting or other processing added solely for loudness.
For editing, restoration or mixing projects, contact us before uploading the complete session so we can discuss the best way to transfer and organize the files.
Can you fix audience noise and HVAC?
Often, yes.
The amount that can be removed without affecting the music depends upon the recording. We'll evaluate the material before recommending restoration.
Our priority is always preserving the performance.
Can you work from a two-track concert recording?
Absolutely.
A well-made stereo recording can often be substantially improved through restoration and mastering.
Can you master an entire album?
Yes.
Album mastering also allows us to address relationships between movements and pieces—including level, tonal continuity, pacing, fades and spacing—so the finished album works as a coherent whole.
Do you work with recording engineers?
Yes.
We welcome projects from engineers who would like to hand off editing, restoration or mastering while retaining their own client relationship.
How much does it cost?
Every classical project is different.
Straightforward mastering can often be estimated from the duration and number of movements. Editing, restoration and mixing depend more heavily upon the condition and complexity of the source material.
Send us a representative recording and we'll provide an estimate before work begins.
Mastering
Have a mix you're already happy with?
Send us the stereo files.
Classical mastering can include:
Tonal balancing
Subtle dynamics management
Stereo-image evaluation
Low-frequency and resonance control
Movement-to-movement level matching
Fades and transitions
Movement sequencing and spacing
Sample-rate and bit-depth conversion
Dither where appropriate
Streaming and digital-release preparation
High-resolution archival masters
Masters for video production
Every recording is approached individually.
There is no preset classical mastering chain.
Restoration for Live Recordings
A compelling performance doesn't always happen under perfect recording conditions.
Air-conditioning systems run. Audience members cough. Chairs move. Music stands get bumped. Electrical noise appears. A microphone may capture something no one noticed during the performance.
Many of these problems can be significantly reduced or repaired.
Clark Media Productions provides detailed audio restoration for concert, recital and archival recordings, including:
Broadband and HVAC noise reduction
Hum and electrical-noise removal
Click and transient repair
Audience-noise attenuation
Spectral repair
Stage and handling-noise reduction
Level and balance correction
Tonal restoration
Repair of problematic edits
Restoration and remastering of older recordings
The objective is never to sterilize the recording or remove the natural sound of the hall.
The goal is to remove distractions while leaving the performance intact.