Mastering is the last creative step before release: the stage that makes a finished mix sound consistent, competitive and ready for streaming, CD or vinyl. This hub gathers our mastering tutorials, from what mastering actually does and how it differs from mixing, to preparing your mix, using limiters and reference masters, and avoiding the most common mistakes.
It’s for artists and producers who want to master their own songs at home, and for anyone deciding whether to hand the job to a mastering engineer. Start with What is the Difference Between Mixing and Mastering, then read the guide to preparing for mastering before you touch a limiter. From there, move on to DIY mastering at home, mastering for Spotify, and the special demands of a vinyl release.
Start here: the best Mastering guides
- What is the Difference Between Mixing and Mastering?
What a mastering engineer does, how mastering differs from mixing and why it matters. - The Ultimate Guide To Preparing For Mastering
Level, balance, EQ, compression and stereo checks, plus how to prepare files for the mastering engineer. - How to Master your Song
A step-by-step guide to mastering a song yourself, and when to hire a professional. - DIY Audio Mastering: Tips and Tricks for Mastering at Home
Tips for mastering at home, with clear definitions of mixing and mastering. - Should I Use a Limiter Before Mastering?
Whether to put a limiter on your mix before mastering, and what limiters do to loudness and dynamics. - What is a Reference Master?
How to use reference tracks in a mastering session to judge your master against the market. - Mastering Your Tracks for Spotify Success
Seven steps to mastering for Spotify, from measuring LUFS to targeting -14 LUFS. - Common Audio Mastering Mistakes to Avoid: Ensure Your Tracks Shine
Mistakes to avoid, from overprocessing to never checking your master outside the studio. - The Psychology of Audio Mastering: How Perception Affects the Sound
How perception, expectations and the Fletcher-Munson curves shape what we hear in a master. - Considerations for Mastering Music for Vinyl
What vinyl needs that digital doesn’t: program length, transients, sequencing and common pitfalls. - How To Stem Master Your Own Music
How to master from stems in your DAW, with routing, EQ, compression and effects. - Should You Hire a Mastering Engineer?
What a mastering engineer brings, from expert ears to consistent playback on every device.
Rather have a pro handle it? Get your song mastered by Solar Heavy, or browse all tutorials.