Mastering

The Mastering Process

Mastering is the final review that prepares a track for distribution. Mastering starts with the final stereo mix. It adjusts dynamics and tone to make the track fit in with existing tracks of the same genre. 

Mastering involves several components.

i. Quality Control

The mastering engineer reviews the stereo mix and makes note of any inconsistencies or artifacts. These may include unintended noises such as clicks or pops, or instruments with a problematic tone or loudness. On rare occasions, such a problem may be difficult to fix, and it may be faster and easier to fix in the mix.

ii. Tonal Processing

Finished tracks should have a consistent average tonal balance, neither too muddy, boxy, or shrill. The mastering engineer adjusts any excessive frequencies to comfortable levels. Momentarily bright instruments---often cymbals and sibilant voices---are tamed, without affecting the high frequencies in other instruments.

iii. Dynamic Processing

Excessive peaks are tamed. In most cases, the true peak max (TPM) target is typically around -1 dB.

The dynamic range of the track is typically adjusted so that the track can be enjoyed at a consistent volume level without the listener having to turn parts of it up or down. 

The loudness of the track is adjusted to match the genre of the music, so as to sound good alongside similar songs in a playlist. For example, classical and jazz music averages around -15 LUFS, whereas 'loud' genres such as techno/EDM are often mastered as loud as -6 LUFS or more. 

iv. Track co-ordination

If several tracks will be released together as an EP/LP, they are typically mastered to the same loudness level, to flow together naturally when played back-to-back.