What is Mastering?

Music Mastering Explained

All commercially released music goes through some form of mastering, bringing a fresh pair of ears to the project, giving the mixes that final polish and prepare them technically for manufacture or distribution online.

Much like the use of compression, EQ and other effects at the mixing stage - to even out levels and get the right tonal balance - during mastering these processes are applied across an entire mix to help tracks sound loud & full with a solid bass, sparkling top and punchy mid-range. By using dedicated high-end processors and specialist mastering techniques these changes can be achieved as transparently as possible. The mastering stage is also a good opportunity to inject some analogue warmth and smoothness into all-digital productions bringing a new sonic character to a mix . . .