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 over-loud instruments, or blemishes such as clicks or pops. On rare occasions, these may be overpowering, and the engineer may request an updated stereo mix.

ii. Tonal Processing

The finished track should have a consistent average tonal balance, neither too muddy, boxy, or shrill. The mastering engineer adjusts any excessive frequencies to comfortable levels. Overly sharp peaks---often the momentary crash of a cymbal---are tamed, without affecting the high frequencies in vocals and other instruments.

iii. Dynamic Processing

Excessive peaks are tamed. In most cases, the true peak max target is typically no more than -1 dB.

Where necessary, the dynamic range of the track is adjusted so that the track can be enjoyed at a consistent volume level without turning it up/down. 

The loudness of the track is adjusted to match the genre of the music, and the intended method of distribution. For example, some streaming services assume that submitted tracks will average -14 LUFS. Meanwhile, 'loud' genres such as techno/EDM are often mastered as high as -6 LUFS or more. 

iv. Track co-ordination

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