The Yamaha AN1x Synthesizer mailing list

From: "Phil" <accession@...>

> A "Finalizer" (isn't that a registered trademark???), is really just a
> multi-FX procesor that only contains the necessary processing tools
> considered useful for the 'final' production of your track. So, it would
> include your compressing features, some EQ facilities and maybe some other
> things. They're certainly not items that couldn't be found in other pieces
> of gear. One could assume that it is just a way to market a new product -
> that we all *must* have in our studio!

A/the finalizer is a mastering tool. You can divide the process of creating
an album roughly into three parts: composing/producing, mixing, and
mastering. All of these require quite different skills. Coming up with a
tune is one thing, but putting it all together into a well-balanced mix is
something else. I'm not saying that these are mutually exclusive, merely
that it's different.

After you've mixed a couple of songs together, they'd better be mastered.
This means swapping the order of songs, levelling the overal volumes,
applying EQ and dynamics. Mastering takes place over the stereo mix, not
individual tracks. In the professional world, it's done by highly qualified
people (meaning: not people like us) who won't worry about questions like
"should I spend $1000 more on monitors?". They also use equipment that is
way too expensive for mere mortals like us, and we'll have to do with a
Finalizer - a fine product nevertheless, but not the top-end.

I've been told, though, that having your tracks mastered by a professional
is really worth the end result, if you're any serious about your music - in
other words, if you intend to make money with it.

- Peter