'Mastering' Research

Mastering for Radio is very important, But then, We know what mastering is but is that its correct term when referring to Radio programs?

According to the BBC, IPS and other sources, No.

The BBC refer to this as "Balancing for Radio" whereas other simply call it "Mixing for Radio"

Since it is the BBC Technical Specifications we are aiming towards for-filling, we shall go by the term "Balancing".

Whilst there is not much information on how programs should be balanced there are a few things to take into consideration before putting forward your pilot program to the BBC.

The BBC has different requirements for each of its Radio stations. We are making sure we meet the criteria for BBC Radio 4. Here are the Basics of what we need to meet Technical Standard wise:

1. File Format must be 44.1 KHz, 16 bit Linear .Wav File
2. Can be delivered as a .wav OR .flac file to the BBC Radio FTP (Since we are working using independent facilities)(Also theoretically speaking, Not Applicable to us)
3. We are not required to have a Back Up Medium
4. We are not required to provide a Broadcast or Reference tone.

Additionally the following should also be noted and included:

• Any Unusual or Technical quality issues must be noted down on a Recording Report and included in the presentation details (If Applicable)
• Pictures, Photo's and images must be included for online, interactive and publicity (If Agreed)
• Any paperwork that is applicable (Stated on the Delivery Requirements Document 2008)

The document can be found at this Link.

In terms of Audio Levels, the program must not peak over 6PPM. This is equivalent to -10dBFS.

For audio quality this has been left as the producers responsibility. Consistence in levels and quality is essential and as stated in the BBC technical guidelines the importance of this "cannot be over-stressed". Any distortion, noise or other unwanted sound must not be audible on the production. The reference to this information can be found Here.

During my research, I also came across some old Balancing documents from the BBC.
Although now outdated, I feel they are relevant to show how the BBC wanted audio then, and now.
These documents are not lengthy, they provide a clear guideline as to what they wanted in a clear and sensible fashion without any Jargon or Over-Professionalism in writing and make things like listening environments and levels clear.

BBC Balance General Guidelines

BBC R4 Balance Guidelines

So how about the way we Balance the program? Should we compress this like we would for a CD?

Simple answer? No, There is no need and can give an undesired effect on the Audio.
Some subtle Multi-band compression could help with the sound.

The problem is many people try to master it to sound "Radio Ready". Surely if that's what we wanted we'd just throw an EQ on it and remove the low and top end? No, Of course not!

The best way of getting your desired sound is mixing it and compressing it to how you like it, Don't over limit it or attempt to enter the loudness war.

Here's a quote from Bob Katz book 'Mastering Audio' which i believe sums things up perfectly.

"What these radio mixes should not have is fast digital Limiting and clipping. Leave the short-term envelopes unsquashed. Let the broadcast processor do its work. The result will be just as loud on-air as hypercompressed material, but will have far much punch, clarity, and life"

This research has certainly opened my mind on how to 'Balance' our radio program.

Now to put the theory to practice.

Campbell Logan.