Learning how to be good at anything—let alone good at something creative—should be both challenging and joyful. Part of what makes audio fun is the challenge. If it was easy, do you think it would hold our interest as long as it does? Whether it’s playing an instrument, or learning how to be a good mastering engineer, it takes time to get good and it’s important to set your expectations accordingly.

Today, we’re going to explore the best methods to teach yourself audio mastering.

Below are more helpful resources: from critical listening practice to ear training tools, videos, helpful articles, and more.

Are You Listening? Mastering Video Series

Are You Listening? Season One

Explore the first season Are You Listening? with Jonathan Wyner:

• Audio Mastering Basics
• Your Listening Environment
• Compression in Mastering
• Limiting in Mastering
• EQ in Mastering
• Mixing Meets Mastering: Sylvia Massey in Conversation
• Bonus: Question Bag Episode (Your Questions Answered)

Are You Listening? Season Two

And get caught up on the latest episodes of season two:

• Stereo Imaging in Mastering: Width and Mid/Side
• Reference Tracks in Mastering
• Loudness Metering and Visualizations in Mastering
• Mastering for Spotify® and Other Streaming Services
• Loudness in Mastering

Pro Audio Essentials

Two-time NAMM TEC award-winning Pro Audio Essentials is a game-based course for music producers to practice and improve their audio skills. This unique learning experience uses audio games, ear training, and videos to build the production skills that music makers use every day when recording, mixing, and mastering. Try it out for yourself here.