Audio Mastering Guide
Complete guide to professional audio mastering techniques. Learn mastering software, workflows, and best practices for music, podcasts, and content creation.
Quick Start for Mastering
Step-by-Step: Professional Mastering
Prepare Your Mix for Mastering
Ensure your mix is properly balanced, has headroom, and is ready for the mastering process.
Choose Your Mastering Software
Select the right mastering software based on your needs, budget, and experience level.
Apply EQ and Compression
Use EQ to balance frequencies and compression to control dynamics and achieve consistent levels.
Add Limiting and Final Processing
Apply limiting to achieve target loudness levels and add final processing for polish.
Export and Validate Your Master
Export your mastered audio at the correct format and validate it meets platform requirements.
Best Mastering Software
iZotope Ozone
$249
Professional
Professional mastering, Music production
Pros
- Industry standard
- Comprehensive tools
- AI assistance
- Excellent presets
Cons
- •Expensive
- •Complex interface
- •Steep learning curve
Waves L3 Multimaximizer
$99
Professional
Loudness maximization, Final limiting
Pros
- Excellent limiting
- Good value
- Easy to use
- Professional results
Cons
- •Limited features
- •Basic interface
- •Not comprehensive
FabFilter Pro-L 2
$179
Professional
Precision limiting, Professional mastering
Pros
- Excellent limiting
- Precise control
- Great visualization
- Professional quality
Cons
- •Expensive
- •Limited features
- •Not comprehensive
Audacity (Free)
Free
Beginner
Learning, Basic mastering
Pros
- Free
- Easy to use
- Good for learning
- Cross-platform
Cons
- •Limited features
- •Basic quality
- •Not professional grade
Mastering Techniques
EQ Mastering
Balancing frequencies for optimal sound
Tips
- Use broad, gentle EQ curves
- Focus on overall balance, not individual instruments
- Use high-pass filters to remove unnecessary low frequencies
- Be subtle with EQ changes
Tools
- • Parametric EQ
- • Graphic EQ
- • Linear Phase EQ
Compression Mastering
Controlling dynamics and achieving consistency
Tips
- Use gentle compression ratios (1.5:1 to 3:1)
- Set attack and release times carefully
- Use multiband compression for complex material
- Monitor for over-compression
Tools
- • Stereo Compressor
- • Multiband Compressor
- • Parallel Compression
Limiting Mastering
Achieving target loudness without clipping
Tips
- Set true peak limit to -1 dBTP
- Use lookahead for better limiting
- Monitor for distortion
- Balance loudness with dynamics
Tools
- • Brickwall Limiter
- • Soft Limiter
- • Multiband Limiter
Stereo Imaging
Optimizing stereo width and balance
Tips
- Check mono compatibility
- Use stereo imaging tools carefully
- Avoid over-widening
- Maintain center focus
Tools
- • Stereo Imager
- • Mid/Side EQ
- • Stereo Width Control
Professional Mastering Workflow
1. Preparation. Prepare your mix for mastering
- Ensure mix has proper headroom (3-6 dB)
- Check for any clipping or distortion
- Export at high resolution (24-bit, 48kHz+)
- Create backup of original mix
2. Analysis. Analyze your mix and reference tracks
- Use spectrum analyzer to identify issues
- Compare with reference tracks
- Identify frequency imbalances
- Note dynamic range issues
3. Processing. Apply mastering processing
- Start with EQ for frequency balance
- Apply compression for dynamics control
- Use stereo imaging if needed
- Apply limiting for loudness
4. Validation. Check and validate your master
- Check loudness levels and true peak
- Test on different playback systems
- Compare with reference tracks
- Export at correct format
Platform-Specific Mastering Standards
| Platform | LUFS | True Peak | Format | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spotify | -14 LUFS | -1 dBTP | WAV, FLAC | Spotify normalizes audio, but proper levels prevent over-compression |
| Apple Music | -16 LUFS | -1 dBTP | WAV, FLAC | Apple Music uses different normalization than Spotify |
| YouTube | -14 LUFS | -1 dBTP | WAV, MP3 | YouTube normalizes audio for consistent playback |
| CD | -9 to -6 LUFS | -0.3 dBTP | 16-bit, 44.1kHz | CD mastering allows for higher loudness levels |
Common Mastering Problems
Over-Compression
Audio sounds squashed and lifeless
- • Use gentler compression ratios
- • Increase attack and release times
- • Use parallel compression
- • Monitor for over-compression
Frequency Imbalance
Audio sounds muddy or harsh
- • Use spectrum analyzer to identify issues
- • Apply gentle EQ corrections
- • Use reference tracks for comparison
- • Test on different playback systems
Loudness Issues
Audio is too quiet or too loud
- • Check platform-specific requirements
- • Use LUFS meter for accurate measurement
- • Balance loudness with dynamics
- • Test on different platforms
Stereo Issues
Audio sounds narrow or too wide
- • Check mono compatibility
- • Use stereo imaging tools carefully
- • Avoid over-widening
- • Maintain center focus
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between mixing and mastering?
Mixing involves balancing individual tracks and elements within a song, while mastering is the final step that optimizes the overall sound for distribution. Mastering focuses on overall balance, loudness, and format preparation.
What software should I use for mastering?
For beginners, try free options like Audacity or paid software like iZotope Ozone. Professional options include Pro Tools, Logic Pro, or dedicated mastering software like Wavelab or Sequoia.
What are the target loudness levels for mastering?
For streaming platforms, aim for -14 LUFS integrated loudness with true peak below -1 dBTP. For CD mastering, aim for -9 to -6 LUFS. Always check platform-specific requirements.
How much headroom should I leave for mastering?
Leave 3-6 dB of headroom in your mix for mastering. This gives the mastering engineer room to work and prevents clipping during the mastering process.
Can I master my own music?
Yes, but it's challenging to be objective about your own work. Consider using reference tracks, taking breaks, and getting feedback from others. Professional mastering engineers bring fresh ears and specialized equipment.
What's the best mastering chain?
A typical mastering chain includes EQ, compression, stereo imaging, harmonic enhancement, and limiting. The exact order and tools depend on the material and desired outcome.
Need Professional Mastering?
Our audio experts can help you achieve professional-quality mastering. From music to podcasts, we'll get your audio sounding amazing.