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Ian Shepherd

@ianshepherd.bsky.social

2.4K followers 340 following 660 posts

Audio, video but mostly music. Mastering engineer, http://LoudnessPenalty.com, Perception AB & Dynameter plugins. Podcast http://themasteringshow.com

LoudnessPenalty.com,

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Ian Shepherd @ianshepherd.bsky.social · Dec 14

Updated all the #audioproduction Starter Packs with new people I’ve found.

Please check them out and suggest anyone I’ve missed !

More info: www.productionadvice.co.uk/BlueSky/

#musicproduction #audiosky #mixingandmastering #musiciansky

BlueSky for Musicians and Audio Nerds - a Quickstart Guide - Production Advice

Suddenly this week everyone is talking about BlueSky, for some reason.

www.productionadvice.co.uk

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Ian Shepherd @ianshepherd.bsky.social · 1d

This is the way 👍

Ian Shepherd @ianshepherd.bsky.social · 1d

Trust me, dither has no effect on POW 😛

mrcompaneros.bsky.social @mrcompaneros.bsky.social · 1d

Ha. Yeah. Think I went POW2 for louder and POW3 for quieter. Maybe needed 3 for louder as “more POW!” 🤣

Ian Shepherd @ianshepherd.bsky.social · 1d

…provided you’re at -14 or higher.

Having said that, the process of achieving a higher LUFS sometimes influences the sound in a way that lower levels don’t.

Not enough words, hopefully that blog post will help !

Ian Shepherd @ianshepherd.bsky.social · 1d

Thanks, hopefully that post will help. To be clear, I don’t suggest aiming for -14 LUFS (or any other integrated value)

But also, just because loads of mainstream releases are much louder, doesn’t mean you have to match them. Almost everything else has more influence on the sound than the LUFS…

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Ian Shepherd @ianshepherd.bsky.social · 1d

For 24-bit the choice of dither doesn’t matter - just simple triangular is fine.

For 16-bit it still doesn’t matter very much, there are so many exotic varieties at this point you may as well just choose one you like the name of 😛

Most DAWs have plenty of options & lots of people like Good Dither

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Ian Shepherd @ianshepherd.bsky.social · 1d

That approach is to decide what LUFS you want to master to, and set the reference to that level. Then you’ll be matching the sound but not the LUFS (which are a red herring)

More details here: www.productionadvice.co.uk/how-loud

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Ian Shepherd @ianshepherd.bsky.social · 1d

Great question - it depends if your goal is to match the loudness of the reference.

If it is, I wouldn’t touch the level, I’d just set the limiter at -1, and still match the loudness (peaks tell us nothing about loudness)

I’d suggest a different approach though - details in the next reply !

mrcompaneros.bsky.social @mrcompaneros.bsky.social · 1d

Hi Ian. Great listen on my way home. A quick one about references. Mine are ripped from CDs so close to 0 True Peak. If I’m trying to peak at -1 as I think you recommended, is it as simple as turning the reference down a bit and setting my limiter at -1 to balance from there? Thanks in advance.

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Ian Shepherd @ianshepherd.bsky.social · 1d

New episode - What IS 'translation' in mastering, and how do you achieve it ?

The Mastering Show #102 - What IS 'translation' in mastering ?

Quickly and easily listen to The Mastering Show for free!

player.captivate.fm

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Ian Shepherd @ianshepherd.bsky.social · 17d

Fingers crossed, and it’s a welcome move but the Calm act on TV didn’t stop them, so…🤷‍♂️

Ian Shepherd @ianshepherd.bsky.social · 23d

Thanks Charlie !

Ian Shepherd @ianshepherd.bsky.social · 27d

This is why I love Endlesss

SoundsLikeJoe @thewavlab.com · 27d

Really wise insights and positive thinking by MylarMelodies.

youtu.be/NvQF4YIvxwE?...

Perhaps releasing music doesn't matter?

YouTube video by mylarmelodies

youtu.be

Ian Shepherd @ianshepherd.bsky.social · 27d

Great advice from Steve as always

Dr SoloBassSteve @solobasssteve.bsky.social · 27d

Friends in Music Education, I wrote this 'tips for music students' post for the beginning of term 7 years ago. I reshare it and use it with my students every year. Feel free to share if it's helpful.

www.stevelawson.net/2018/09/tips...

Tips for Music Students

Serious about studying music? Here's some tips. Take or leave them as you find them useful. Your college years are both very limited and very expensive.

www.stevelawson.net

Ian Shepherd @ianshepherd.bsky.social · 28d

Last time EVER at this price...

Heads-up - the current early-bird discount on my mastering course ends today, and then goes away forever!

If you've ever thought of giving it a try, NOW is the perfect time.

Use coupon code HMMINTRO - maybe I'll see you in there 👍

www.homemastering.com/hmm-open

The Home Mastering Masterclass

Get mastering results you're proud of, using professional techniques that really work - even in your home studio. Gain the skills, understanding and confidence you need, using the tools you already ow...

www.homemastering.com

Ian Shepherd @ianshepherd.bsky.social · 28d

OK this could be legitimately life-changing

Laura Kidd 💌 Penfriend @penfriendrocks.bsky.social · 28d

What’s an unusual skill you’re proud of having?

I have two:

1. Wiggling my eyebrows independently of one another.

2. This ->
youtu.be/skH36Frh-rI

How to fold a t-shirt like a pro - in 8 seconds or less!

YouTube video by Penfriend

youtu.be

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Ian Shepherd @ianshepherd.bsky.social · 28d

Also tried different USB ports and an external hub

Ian Shepherd @ianshepherd.bsky.social · 28d

I've seen reports of conflicts with Logitech GHub, and have completely uninstalled it, but nothing changed...

Ian Shepherd @ianshepherd.bsky.social · 28d

Any OpenCore ninjas on here ?

For some reason my Blue Yeti mic isn't being recognised under Monterey, even though it's visible in System Profiler. It still works normally booting back into Mojave though.

(This is a 5,1 using Martin Lo)

Thanks for any ideas !

Ian Shepherd @ianshepherd.bsky.social · Sep 20

😂

Ian Shepherd @ianshepherd.bsky.social · Sep 19

Finally succeeded in upgrading my ancient cheese-grater to Monterey this week, but it was even more painful than anticipated - and there were 2 sets of cables in this box that made it possible ! Never throw anything away…😂

Cardboard box full of old cables with text “My #boxofoldcrap saved me again this week, twice ! #upgradinganoldmac”

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Ian Shepherd @ianshepherd.bsky.social · Aug 29

Pleasure !

Ian Shepherd @ianshepherd.bsky.social · Aug 12

This is so cool !!! ❤️🐉

Andy Shepherd @andyshepherdwriter.bsky.social · Aug 12

COVER REVEAL!

I feel like this cover needs the mightiest dragon roar drum roll ever

Please welcome Tomas and Lolli in

The Boy Who Grew Dragons - A Christmas Delivery

Written by me & illustrated by amazing SARAH WARBURTON !!!

Out Oct 9th with the fabulous team at @templarbooks.bsky.social

Ian Shepherd @ianshepherd.bsky.social · Aug 11

Great to hear ! Is there a link where we can listen ?

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Ian Shepherd @ianshepherd.bsky.social · Aug 11

To get the upgrade offer or 40% introductory discount, click here and use the code DYNA2INTRO:

👉 www.meterplugs.com/dynameter

Valid until Friday 15th !

Dynameter: Dynamics metering for AAX, AU and VST

www.meterplugs.com

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Ian Shepherd @ianshepherd.bsky.social · Aug 11

Very excited about the launch of Version 2 of my Dynameter plugin, which we announced last week !

I’ve had lots of questions about the new features, so here’s a short video showing you how they work 👍

Explainer vid: www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhQP...

Dynameter 2 Explainer

YouTube video by MeterPlugs

www.youtube.com

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Ian Shepherd @ianshepherd.bsky.social · Jul 24

Discover the density and dynamics of your music – and why they matter !

I’m running a free livestream on Friday 25th showing you several different ways to increase the density of your music, why you might want to, and how to know exactly how much you need:

www.homemastering.com/register

Join the Livestream !