Master Your Music in 4 Simple Steps (2020)

Mastering is the crucial final step in music production before release. It's a complex topic, but this guide simplifies the process for online streaming specifically.

Hiring a professional mastering engineer with experience in a balanced room is recommended for the best results. However, for those learning or with budget constraints, this guide provides a practical approach.

• Export mix as stereo WAV file into fresh, clean session • Route audio to master channel • Load reference tracks (mastered songs in same genre) • Saves CPU resources compared to mastering in production session

• EQ stage - correct issues and enhance tonal balance • Compression - glue together and add excitement • Sweetening - creative processing for extra enhancement • Limiter - ensure correct loudness matching commercial releases

• Listen on monitors and headphones for clicks, pops, and resonances • Ensure mix is exactly how you want it before mastering • Address any mix issues in the mixing stage, not mastering • Verify mix has at least 5dB headroom between peak and 0dB

Create automation clips on master channel for fade-in at start and fade-out at end. Ensure fade automation is after the limiter for clean click-free transitions.

• Create quick fade at beginning for smooth start • Set fade-out point at the natural end of song • Copy and paste automation values for precise control • Adjust fade length based on song's existing dynamics

Fades prevent clicks and pops at song boundaries and ensure professional-sounding transitions at the beginning and end of the final master.

• Listen to reference tracks at similar volume levels • Choose mastered songs in same or similar genre • Compare overall tonal balance against your mix • Use references to understand target frequency balance

Use iZotope Tonal Balance Control to visualize energy distribution across frequency ranges. This visual tool shows low, mid, and high frequency content to compare against commercial releases.

• Use linear phase parametric EQ for corrective work • Apply high-pass filter below 20Hz to remove inaudible content • Make subtle boosts and cuts for tonal balance • Avoid excessive tweaking in untreated rooms as reflections can mislead

Use analog-modeled EQ to add tone and character. Analog models impart different characteristics than digital EQs, adding warmth and weight without muddiness when applied to shelves.

Compression glues the mix together, reduces dynamics slightly, and imparts character and flavor. It does more than just regulate levels—it adds harmonic and tonal qualities.

• Start with a suitable preset as starting point • Adjust threshold until getting visible compression • Engage high-pass filter (around 100-150Hz) to prevent bass triggering • Avoid over-compression that crushes dynamics

Compression stabilizes the low-end, makes the top-end appear wider, and improves overall mix coherence. The effect extends beyond simple level regulation to impart sonic character.

Take regular breaks to refresh ears and prevent listener fatigue. Listen to reference tracks or other songs every 4-5 minutes to maintain objective perspective on the master.

Apply subtle creative processing to add an extra 1% enhancement to the overall sound. This stage is for experimentation with various tools to find unique sonic character.

• Console emulation for warmth and vintage character • Tape saturation for richness and harmonic enhancement • Sonic enhancers for brightness and clarity • Tube saturators for subtle distortion and presence

This is the time to experiment and develop personal mastering style. Don't be afraid to try different tools—if you don't like the result, simply turn it off and move on.

Don't push saturation or enhancement tools too hard. Subtle application enriches the song; excessive use can muddy or degrade the mix quality.

• Target integrated loudness of at least -14 LUFS for streaming platforms • Keep true peak maximum below -1dB to prevent clipping • Use professional loudness meter (recommend Youean Loudness Meter Pro) for accurate measurement • Match loudness specifications for intended distribution platform

• Enable true peak limiting on the limiter • Start with ceiling at -1dB and adjust threshold gradually • Set release time in middle range (around 2) to avoid crunching or pumping • Balance between preserving dynamics and achieving target loudness

Use transient emphasis tools sparingly to help snare and high-hats stand out in loud mixes. Pushing too far causes unwanted artifacts and loss of control.

• Enable dithering when exporting to 24-bit or lower • Use medium to high dithering modes • Dithering adds low-level noise that improves sound quality in lower bit depths • Essential for CD mastering and streaming distribution

• Select entire song region for export • Export as WAV file with 24-bit quality • Choose cut remainder option for exact fade endpoints • Verify all export settings before processing

Compare master against unmastered mix by matching perceived loudness levels. Adjust master volume so vocal levels feel equal between versions when switching back and forth.

• Check how punchy the kick sounds in both versions • Verify vocals sit correctly in the mix • Listen for signs of over-compression or crushing • Compare verse sections and chorus sections separately

Use loudness meter to verify integrated loudness and true peak measurements. Check dynamic range graph to ensure mix isn't overly compressed. Aim for green zone indicating healthy dynamics.

Perceived loudness can be deceiving. A louder version may initially sound better, but excessive compression crushes dynamics. Always compare versions at matched levels to hear true sonic differences.

• Less compressed version maintains superior depth and dimension • Pads and swells evolve naturally with proper dynamics • Kicks punch without crunch from over-limiting • Overall sound quality improves with restrained limiting

Analyze final master with loudness meter. Verify integrated loudness is appropriate for distribution platform, true peaks are under -1dB, and dynamic range graph shows healthy green zone.

Mastering involves preparation, EQ correction, compression for glue, creative enhancement, loudness control, and careful comparison. The goal is creating a professional-sounding master that translates well across playback systems and competes with commercial releases.