The Future of Mixing and Mastering
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are becoming increasingly prevalent across industries. The field of audio production is no exception. Advances in AI technology are poised to revolutionize the way we mix and master tracks, offering novel solutions to age-old challenges.
AI in Music Production: A Revolution in Sound
AI is already making waves in music production, helping producers and engineers create more sophisticated and polished tracks.
In the realm of audio production, tools like LANDR, iZotope’s Ozone 9 and Neutron, and Soundtheory’s Gullfoss are leading the way, offering automated mastering and mixing services that exploit AI to process and augment sound. These tools are fostering a DIY ethos, making the process more accessible for amateur musicians and producers who might not have the resources to engage professional mastering engineers.
LANDR, for instance, employs machine learning to examine and master tracks, equating the input to a database of professionally mastered songs. It offers near-instantaneous mastering service at a nominal cost.
In the same vein, iZotope’s Ozone and Neutron utilise AI technology to provide mix suggestions, pinpointing and rectifying issues before they escalate into problems.
Soundtheory’s Gullfoss is an ‘intelligent’ equaliser that adjusts its frequency response over a hundred times per second to harmonise the elements of your mix.
Automating the Mastering Process with AI
Traditionally, mastering a track required the skilled ear of an experienced engineer. However, AI technology is proving it can handle a significant portion of the process. AI-driven tools analyze tracks, adjusting equalization, compression, stereo enhancement, and limiting to create balanced, industry-standard results. While the technology is not meant to replace human engineers, it offers invaluable support by handling time-consuming tasks, allowing engineers to focus on the creative aspects of the mix.
However, this rapid advancement towards automation raises several significant questions:
- Are we compromising the craft of audio production for the sake of convenience?
- Can AI and machine learning genuinely replicate the skills and nuanced comprehension that a human mastering engineer contributes?
The Human Factor.
There’s a rising sentiment in the audio industry that automated tools are missing the ‘human touch’ that’s integral to the production process. The argument is that no matter how advanced, AI cannot fully appreciate the intricacies and subtleties of music, which frequently require an experienced professional’s perspective to perfect. At ESM, we agree that AI and machine learning tools have their place in the industry, but they should not and cannot substitute the human element in its entirety. The expertise, subjective judgement, and contextual understanding that a human engineer brings are irreplaceable.
Whilst AI can analyse a mix based on algorithms and vast music databases, it cannot interpret the emotional intent behind a piece or comprehend the artistic context. In some instances, what an algorithm might perceive as a ‘mistake’ could be an intentional creative choice by the artist. Such elements of subjectivity and creative interpretation are, for the moment, beyond the grasp of AI.
Despite this, it’s undeniable that AI and machine learning have opened up captivating possibilities. The technology serves as an excellent springboard for novices and those working on a tight budget. It can also be a valuable tool for professionals, providing a new perspective on a mix or suggesting solutions to issues that might have been overlooked.
Closing Comments
Whilst AI and machine learning are transformative tools shaping the future of audio production, they are not replacements for the sharp ear, expertise, and intuitive comprehension of a professional audio engineer. Instead, we should perceive them as tools in our toolkit, aiding us to navigate the complex landscape of audio production with greater ease and efficiency. We advocate embracing the new whilst honouring the irreplaceable skill that human mastery brings to the process of mixing and mastering.
As professionals in this evolving industry, let’s harness the best of both worlds to create impeccable sound that withstands the test of time. Explore our mixing and mastering to delve deeper into the art and science of audio production.
