Mastering for Vinyl: Tips for Digital Mastering Engineers
Since the resurgence of vinyl in the mid-2000s, vinyl sales have shown no signs of slowing down. But with its return comes a new set of challenges for...
Audio mastering
Audio mastering is the last stage of music production where you add the finishing touches to your overall mix. Check out our resources below to learn the tools and techniques involved in preparing your mix for publishing.
What is tonal balance in mixing and mastering?
“Tonal balance” is one of those terms that gets thrown around a lot by mixing and mastering engineers as if they’re talking about something as...
Headroom: How to Set Your Levels in Mixing and Mastering
The concept of headroom is one of those foundational elements of any audio engineering discipline that gets glossed over all too often. If the term...
Multiband Compression Basics
There are no two ways about it: without some good guidance, multiband compression is tricky! As a young, intrepid engineer, I remember asking one of the...
How to Use Dynamic EQ in Mastering
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Hold on, should I be using dynamic EQ or multiband compression here? And actually, when should I...
Mastering Music: 10 Hidden Features in iZotope Ozone
iZotope Ozone is one of the most popular and powerful mastering plug-ins in the world. It’s been around for almost 20 years, but whether...
Signal chain: order of operations
The way you sequence plug-ins matters. How you order equalizers, signal processors like compressors and gates, and effects will change the sound of your...
Automation in the Audio Mastering World
Automation isn't just for mixing engineers. Neither is automation strictly limited to volume rides. Whether you're working in the analog or digital...
Working With a Mastering Engineer: Tips from the Pros
Mastering can often be seen as a dark art, one that those uninvolved shy away from. As a result, it can sometimes make the communication between a mastering...
Experts Discuss 5 Beautifully Mixed & Mastered Tracks from the Last 40 Years
What makes a brilliant-sounding record? It takes solid musical chops, inspired songwriting, and great production skills to get started. But to fully take...
Rulebreakers: How to Use Ozone Modules for Mixing and Production
Ozone is best known as a mastering plug-in, and for good reason, but there are plenty of ways you can put its powerful modules to use in the fields...
Musical Mastering: How Mastering Can Affect Genre and Feel, and Vice Versa
Mastering is often viewed as a precise science—a clinical last step in getting a song or album ready for release and distribution. This sentiment tends...
