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Mastering a song

Mastering a song is the final step in audio production, where you polish a mix to ensure it sounds professional on all playback systems. Here’s a step-by-step guide to mastering a song:

1. Prepare Your Mix

  • Finalize Your Mix: Make sure the mix is balanced and clean with no distortion, and all elements (instruments, vocals, etc.) are clear.
  • Check Levels: Aim for a peak level of around -6dB to -3dB to leave headroom for mastering.
  • Export the Mix: Export your mix in the highest quality possible (usually WAV, 24-bit, 44.1kHz or higher).

2. Set Up Your Mastering Session

  • Import the Mix: Load the stereo file into your digital audio workstation (DAW).
  • Monitor Setup: Use reference-quality headphones or monitors in a treated room, if possible, to ensure an accurate listening environment.

3. Apply EQ (Equalization)

  • Balance Frequencies: Use an EQ to balance out frequencies (e.g., boost the low-end slightly for warmth, cut any harsh high-mids).
  • Remove Problematic Frequencies: Use a narrow Q to cut any resonant frequencies that cause muddiness or harshness.

4. Compression

  • Control Dynamics: Apply gentle compression to smooth out the dynamics and glue the mix together. Aim for around 1-3dB of gain reduction with a ratio of 1.5:1 to 2:1.
  • Multiband Compression (Optional): If needed, use multiband compression to target specific frequency ranges (e.g., control low-end without affecting the highs).

5. Stereo Widening (Optional)

  • Widen the Stereo Field: Subtle stereo widening can help your mix feel more spacious. Avoid over-widening as it can cause phase issues.
  • Keep Bass Centered: Ensure that low frequencies (below ~100Hz) stay centered for solid bass response.

6. Saturation (Optional)

  • Add Warmth and Character: Light saturation or tape emulation can add harmonic richness and warmth to the overall mix.

7. Limiter

  • Set Final Loudness: Use a limiter as the final plugin to control the peaks and bring up the overall loudness.
  • Target Loudness: Aim for an Integrated LUFS of around -14 for streaming platforms, or -9 to -7 LUFS for louder, commercial tracks. Make sure not to over-limit, as this can cause distortion and fatigue.

8. Reference Other Tracks

  • Compare to Reference Tracks: Always reference your song against professionally mastered tracks in a similar genre to ensure your track is competitive in terms of loudness, tonal balance, and clarity.

9. Check on Multiple Systems

  • Test the Master: Play your master on different systems (headphones, car speakers, laptop, etc.) to ensure it translates well across various platforms.

10. Export the Master

  • Export in High Quality: Export your master in WAV format (24-bit, 44.1kHz or higher). For distribution, you might also create MP3 or AAC versions.
  • Double-Check Before Distribution: Listen again to ensure there are no issues before releasing the final version.