Mastering
-
Once the artist and mix engineer agree that a mix is complete, the song is ready for mastering. Mastering is the final stage of audio processing before a song is released into the world via streaming platforms, CD, or vinyl. The goal of mastering is make a final mix sound louder, clearer, and to showcase more of the details that were decided upon in the production and mixing stages.
-
I adapt my mastering style to fit each song and artistic aesthetic. If a song is beautifully mixed, my mastering style is very transparent, to allow the song and the mix to make their statement. If a mix needs enhancement or correction, my approach will shift to allow the song to be heard in its optimal state. Ultimately I follow my ears, experience, and any guidance from the artist.
-
The majority of my mastering work is done remotely. After laboring over details in the production and mix phases, many artists prefer to not be present for mastering sessions - this allows me to work freely and allows the artist to hear their song from a fresh perspective upon hearing the finished work.
-
There is a range of acceptable loudness for mastered songs in today’s music industry. The final loudness of a song depends on the production style, the mix, and the genre of music. The current scale for measuring loudness in the music industry is Integrated LUFS, which measures a song’s average perceived loudness. The average loudness for many mastered songs is -14 LUFS, although louder masters are common when it is musically appropriate.
