If mixing is an art, then mastering is voodoo magic. Mastering is often considered this taboo thing. Everybody knows that it needs to be done, but no one is quite sure how to do it. It supposedly makes your song sound better and louder, but for some reason you need a specialist that is sensitive and experienced in hearing all the nuances of your mix instead of doing it yourself.
Well, that might be true and all, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do it yourself.
Mastering engineers have a different perspective than you. They also have different equipment and a different listening room. That’s why it’s always a good idea to give an experienced mastering engineer your mixes. However, if you are in a pinch – or are just plain lazy – then mastering your own work can be done easily.
The following guide is not intended as a substitute for real mastering. It’s good to know what to do if you want to give your mixes that mastered feel. Follow these steps if you are producing your own song demos to be heard online or want to impress your clients with a loud mix.
