Any thoughts about Mastering.com

[tothemax]

I just used the "Fourth" discount code to get the Mastering Cheat Sheet binder for $19.95 + $9.95 shipping. Figured that having an easy access studio workflow notebook was worth $30. The purchase come with a 30 day access to the Mastering site and a couple of courses. There is considerable push to book a Zoom session for a re-mix, you had to sign up immediately for the 30 day access, that if you don't cancel becomes a $49 monthly fee. These are red flags in my book... I'm setting a 25 day reminder to cancel, just in case.

Just wondering if anyone has tried Mastering.com, and has any feedback on the product...

 

[Docduval]

Just cancel immediately. Don’t risk forgetting.

 

[silky smoove]

I've not used them but have been getting a lot of targeted ads for their cheat sheet binder. As a product I think it looks like a handy reference, particularly for folks just starting out. Even those of us that do this stuff all the time, professionally or otherwise, it can even be a thing where it makes you think about a process in a different way that can be very educating. I don't think I'd pursue the Zoom session, but I would try and hammer my way through the available courses that are of interest before the recurrent subscription kicks in.

 

[tothemax]

I've not used them but have been getting a lot of targeted ads for their cheat sheet binder. As a product I think it looks like a handy reference, particularly for folks just starting out. Even those of us that do this stuff all the time, professionally or otherwise, it can even be a thing where it makes you think about a process in a different way that can be very educating. I don't think I'd pursue the Zoom session, but I would try and hammer my way through the available courses that are of interest before the recurrent subscription kicks in.

Kind of what I was thinking... Thanks

 

[tothemax]

Well the Cheat Sheet booklet arrived and it looks pretty good, from a quick look over. I did access the 30 day trial area and have started the 101 level course material. At first with the number of emails I received after ordering the book I was beginning to think it was a cult. But after accessing the course and seeing the number of users online, it does look legit and is targeting professional studio training via their method.

The course content is lengthy, very detailed, and builds on basic concepts. The goal being to understand why mixes have problems and what is necessary to fix them, and how to record a good mix to begin with. Basically reminds me of my high school auto shop teacher's mantra, "you can't t-shoot an engine if you don't understand the components and how they work". Probably not my cup of tea, as I'm not looking to become an engineer. I'm good with recording basic tracks, creating simple mixes for myself (and the band). I have months where I rarely go into the studio other than to practice (much less fire up the DAW). I plan to complete the 101 course if can find the time... lots of good info there.

At $49 a month to have access to content, online group events, plus a one on one Zoom sessions with an engineer to review your mixes it's not a bad deal for someone looking to get serious about recording, mixing, and mastering. It does look like the online\instructor course paths have an additional cost as well.

Just thought I would follow up... Cheers

 

[MonetBass]

My book arrived earlier this week and I finally read through it. There is some good information in it, but the use cases are very specific to a traditional guitar-bass-drums-vocals recording. I would have preferred the info and tips were more general, but I get that they couldn't cover all of those bases. The EQ, compression and limiting sections are really well-explained, so I'll definitely use those.

All that said, some of what is in this book is stuff I figured out through trial and error on my own. Digital recording lends itself to being able to do that quickly. Take that how you want. And I didn't access the 30-day trial courses.