Something called Analog mastering is one of the best secrets of top producers now. Since most everything is mixed in the digital realm, top producers will do something called analog mastering. This is where the digital version is changed back to an analog signal so it can be mastered through original analog processors, though in many instances it is also recorded to an analog two-track machine in order to get the warmth that analog tape gives to the sound. It also takes the harshness away from purely digital recordings, and can even out the bottom end giving the bass frequencies that nice analog sound.

Though Analog mastering will often cost a bit more than traditional all digital mastering, since it takes additional time and there are additional costs for the analog tape, but for serious projects, it can be the final step in accomplishing the top quality for the album. The reason for this is digital recordings can feel harsh to a lot of listeners because no matter how loud the signal gets, digital gives you purely digital reproduction. Analog tape, however, saturates as the signal increases in level, so heigh end peaks are smoothed over instead of clipping, which becomes a warm, rich signal as the harmonics are balanced out. To the listener, this sound is much more pleasing. Also, an increased input sound will result in a larger difference. Since the highs saturate first, this means that as the signal becomes louder, the highs will naturally smooth out, creating a less cold, nicer sound. This is the beauty of layback mastering.

There are several mastering studios around the United States that have the equipment to do layback mastering, however, it also requires you have an engineer with the background to get optimal results possible with the gear. I have sampled a few recording studios and one of top industry is www.stevethomasmastering.com. He is a top analog CD mastering engineer, yet he also has done thousands of albums as a mixing engineer as well. On top of that, his expertise is similar to some of the most expensive mastering houses in the world. If you already have someone you are using there’s nothing wrong with that. But, I would really encourage you to give him a call. Seriously!