Mastering is typically the last step before release when you have composed, written, and produced your track. When you are completely satisfied, you are ready for the final step, which is mastering. But what exactly is mastering?
There are many ways to master a track, and each mastering engineer has their own methods, but I prefer to divide the mastering process into three steps.
Step 1 - solve problems
The first step in mastering is to identify and solve problems. Here, we can use equalizers, dynamic tools like compressors, and expanders. We can also use saturation to bring more life and information into any "gaps" in the frequency spectrum.
Example 1 You can use an equalizer to reduce powerful sub frequencies. If the sub frequencies are too powerful, it can have a negative effect on our mastering compression.
Example 2 The dynamics in the track may be affected by compression in the mix, whereby the track can benefit from expansion that brings back some of the possibly lost dynamics.
Example 3 It might be that the track has too little compression in the mix, and therefore you would want to add a mastering compressor that brings out some of the sustain that is too distant in the sound image.
Step 2 - add your own sound
Step two is mainly about adding your own sound to the track. Here, there are far fewer rules, and you can do whatever you want, as long as it does not have a negative effect on the sound quality. If you have a favorite equalizer, you can use it to emphasize some frequencies, or if you have a saturator that brings the sound together and gives the track some warmth, this is, for example, where you use it.
It's often the small adjustments that make a difference. For example, I use an equalizer, Diamond 3 from Acoustica Audio, where I activate its pre-amp mode and nothing else. It adds a bit of warmth and treble to the track. At the same time, I also like to use their channel strip Lift 3, where I also only use a few settings.
Step 3 - Loudness
After having resolved any problems and given the track the sound you like, we are ready to maximize loudness (LUFS) and make the track as loud as possible. I like to use an EQ and compressor, followed by three plug-ins: clipper, pro-L2, and Ozone 11 Maximizer or TDR.
The combination of these steps gives me a clean, punchy, and cohesive sound image that is very loud and can compare with the music you hear on the radio.
If you want to learn how you can master yourself, you can book mastering lessons with us here.