Case study: mastering the NCR 1 Dub Compilation
6 artists, 6 different mixes, 1 cohesive compilation. A look back at mastering the NCR 1 Dub Compilation for No Chief Records.
The NCR 1 Dub Compilation by No Chief Records brings together 6 artists on a single project: Stepper Sons, Dawood Sound System, qYoh, Le Lab, Raw Powa Studio and Ankarah. 6 tracks, 6 mixes from different studios and different engineers. The challenge: make all of it sound like one project.
The real challenge: 6 very different mixes
When all the files came in, the reality was obvious: each mix had its own sonic identity. Some were really well mixed, others less so. Wildly different tonal balances, loudness levels going all over the place, incompatible dynamics. But that's exactly mastering's job — adapting and making the most of what you receive.
What I received:
- —Very different loudness levels across the 6 tracks
- —Varied tonal balances — some tracks heavy on bass, others much thinner
- —Incompatible dynamics — from heavily compressed to very open
- —Each artist with their own sonic direction to respect
The result after mastering
After processing, the signal is denser, better balanced spectrally, with consistent loudness across every track.
Before / After
The difference is subtle to the eye but obvious to the ear. The master brings density, clarity and — above all — a coherence across the 6 tracks that lets you listen to the compilation in one go without the volume or timbre jumping.
Tip
Working on a compilation or a multi-artist project? The Album rate kicks in from 7 tracks (from €11/track). Hear the result in the Portfolio section.
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