Mastering Demystified
Introduction
I will provide you with a step by step process to follow to Master your song to make it sound professional and ready for releasing to any platforms for the world to hear!
Mastering Steps (Technical)
Create a new project and import your references. Using reference tracks will make a huge difference in the quality of your master.
Listen for the first time (and take notes). You’ll hear 80% of the problems in this first listen.
Make a full analysis. Listen to your references, then listen to the mix again. Check your mix in several different spaces. Write down what you hear.
Control the dynamics. Use a compressor to lightly compress the mix. 1–2 dBs of gain reduction is fine.
Fix the tone. Use an EQ and multiband compressor to match the tone of your references.
Enhance the mix. Use tools like saturation and stereo widening to color the mix. This is optional.
Limit the mix. Use a limiter to increase the loudness of your mix. Shoot for 2–4 dBs of gain reduction at the loudest points.
Make your final checks. Use a meter like LUFS or Dynameter to make sure your dynamic range is adequate.
Bounce it. Export your mix at 16 bits and 44.1 kHz. Don’t forget to dither!