Mastering Techniques
Basic mastering refines audio by adjusting sound waves through normalization, trimming, equalization, and loudness maximization. Explore how these techniques enhance audio quality for a polished final track.
- Master for a Reason
- Preparation Matters
- Master Equalization Technique
- Loudness Maximization
- Know when to Stop!
Master with Purpose
Master each track thoughtfully—don’t just follow routine steps. Over-processing can ruin a mix, so treat every song as unique and bring out its best qualities with targeted adjustments.
Preparation Matters
A song that is clipping/distorting can never be fixed in the mastering process.
Effective mastering starts with good preparation. Key components for mastering success include:
- Monitor Speakers: Use quality monitors, positioned for optimal sound.
- Consistent Output Level: Set and maintain an appropriate monitoring level.
- Reference Track: Use a reference track to keep your sound aligned with your target quality.
- Acoustic Environment: Mastering in an acoustically treated room is ideal.
- Essential Tools: Equalizers, compressors/limiters, exciters, and other tools can elevate your track.
Master Equalization Technique
Proper equalization can turn a good track into a great one. Use broad, gentle adjustments to enhance dynamics without making the track sound “equalized.” Steps for effective equalization:
- Identify Problem Frequencies: Scan with a narrow bandwidth and reduce any problematic frequencies.
- Gain Balancing: Adjust gain after EQ changes to ensure accurate A/B comparisons
When equalizing, be sure to change the output of the gain to balance the loudness when A/B-ing its effect on the audio. If you don’t, your ear’s bias towards the louder version which will impair your judgment on the EQ curve you have applied.
Remember that not all issues can be solved in mastering; focus on enhancing what’s possible without overreaching.
Loudness Maximization
To increase a track's perceived volume, use compression and limiting to raise the average loudness (RMS power) rather than just peak levels. Considerations for maximizing loudness:
- Multi-Band Compression: Apply compression by frequency band (bass, mid-range, treble) for a, louder, balanced sound.
- Threshold and Output Ceiling: Lower the threshold to increase volume, but keep the output ceiling at or just below 0dB to avoid distortion.
Not all music needs loudness maximization.
There are many plugins and software packages that allow you to maximize the loudness using a couple of simple controls. Usually, there is a threshold and output ceiling.
While the threshold is lowered the volume of the song will increase. The output ceiling is usually set to 0dB or just under. If the threshold position is lowered too much, distortion will become apparent. It's all about finding the sweet spot; a decent increase in loudness without distortion.
Know when to Stop
How loud to go is of much debate between both amateur and professional producers alike. Use your instincts, listen to other similar-sounding songs, and, whatever you do, don't squeeze the life out of it by over-processing your master.