Topic 06 of 16
Mastering
What Is Mastering?
Mastering is the final step in the audio production chain before distribution. A mastering engineer processes the stereo mix to optimize it for playback across all speakers and platforms — from earbuds to club systems — and prepares the final deliverables.
What Mastering Does
- Overall EQ: Final tonal balance — removing build-up, adding air, ensuring consistency
- Multiband compression / limiting: Controls dynamics across different frequency ranges
- Stereo width: Subtle widening or narrowing for the best stereo image
- Loudness optimization: Raising the perceived loudness to competitive levels for streaming
- True Peak limiting: Preventing clipping and inter-sample peaks that cause distortion on digital platforms
- Sequencing (for albums): Setting track order, spacing, and consistent levels across all songs
Streaming Loudness Standards
All major streaming platforms normalize audio playback to a target loudness level. This means mastering "as loud as possible" can actually hurt you — it triggers gain reduction on playback. Aim for these targets:
| Platform | Target LUFS (integrated) | True Peak |
|---|---|---|
| Spotify | -14 LUFS | -1 dBTP |
| Apple Music | -16 LUFS | -1 dBTP |
| YouTube | -14 LUFS | -1 dBTP |
| Tidal | -14 LUFS | -1 dBTP |
| Amazon Music | -14 LUFS | -1 dBTP |
| SoundCloud | -14 LUFS (normalized) | -1 dBTP |
LUFS vs. dBFS
LUFS (Loudness Units relative to Full Scale) measures perceived loudness over time. dBFS measures peak level at a single instant. For streaming, target around -14 LUFS integrated, with a True Peak of no higher than -1 dBTP.
Deliverable Formats
Provide your distributor and mastering engineer with the correct file formats:
- WAV 24-bit / 44.1 kHz — standard delivery format for streaming and downloads
- WAV 24-bit / 48 kHz — required for sync/TV/film
- WAV 16-bit / 44.1 kHz — CD standard (if pressing CDs)
- MP3 320 kbps — for promo distribution and some platforms
- FLAC — lossless for hi-res streaming (Tidal, Amazon HD)
DIY Mastering Tools
- LANDR — AI-powered online mastering ($9–$25/track)
- eMastered — AI mastering with feedback ($9/track)
- Ozone (iZotope) — professional mastering plugin suite ($249+)
- Izotope RX — audio repair and cleanup
Never master your own mix
Your ears are too close to the mix after hours of work. At minimum, take 24–48 hours away from the material before mastering it yourself.
Working with a Mastering Engineer
- Send the final stereo mix, not individual tracks
- Leave at least -3 dBFS of headroom (peaks no louder than -3 dBFS)
- No limiter on the mix bus — let the mastering engineer control loudness
- Include a reference track in the genre you're aiming for
- Communicate any specific concerns (too bright, too boomy, etc.)
This information is provided for educational purposes only and is based on official sources when available. We are not affiliated with any government or legal organization. This is not legal advice.