Top Mastering Engineers for hire

Polish your mix with professional mastering

EDM & Bass Music Specialist - Aaron Roman
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(1069)

Clients released on DeadBeats, Trap Nation, DIM MAK, Lowly, Circus, UKF, House Call Records, Sable Valley, Dharma & many more.

Award-Winning Analog Mastering - Camilo Silva F Mastering
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(1267)

2X Grammy-winning mastering specialist, Over 4 BILLION streams (Source: Muso.AI). Analog & tape mastering. World-class mastering skills and technology at your disposal Analog, tape and custom gear all over the place!

Analog Mastering & Atmos Mixer - Andres Mayo
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(3722)

#1 most hired mastering engineer and Certified Atmos mixer on SoundBetter. Billions of streams. Unlimited revisions. 2-times GRAMMY winner. Past-President of the AES. If you want to mix/master your music in stereo, surround, Dolby Atmos or binaural, send us 1 song and you'll get a FREE and HONEST audio quality report that will really help you out.

EDM Mixing & Mastering - KUYANO
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(640)

Clients released on Spinnin', Musical Freedom, Hexagon, Warner Music, Tomorrowland Music, Trap Nation, STMPD-RCRDS, Revealed Recordings and many more.

Get your music "Mounted" - Adam Haggar
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(593)

Find out why they call me "Mount." Well-known for delivering the most refined sonics on the platform. Sponsored by Audeze. Dolby-certified ATMOS Room, MFiT, and all that.

Affordable Analog Mastering - Fred Miller
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(1467)

Grammy Award winning engineer. Worked with producers behind Selena Gomez, David Guetta and others.

EDM & POP | MASTERING & MIXING - Nicky Howard
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(107)

Credits for Anjunadeep, Afterlife (Tale of Us), This Never Happened, WuGd (Jax Jones), Universal, Sony, Warner and many more. A personal service since 2010.

Techno & Electronic Music Pro. - Eric Sneo
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(424)

Professional work around Techno and Club music: Mastering, Mixdown & Producing

Mix & Master Specialist 🎧 - Riley Knapp
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(395)

Songs I have produced/mixed/mastered have garnered over 1 Billion streams across the internet. As an artist, I understand the intricacies that make a song sound special. In this day and age, standing out is more important than sounding "perfectly polished".

Mastering is all we do! - Garrett Haines
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(78)

Mastering Grammy® winning and Billboard-topping albums, Garrett Haines is a Tape Op Magazine Senior Contributor, and aspiring renaissance man. He focuses on styles: with driving beats, alternative rock, and melodic Americana (Jolie Holland, Watermelon Slim, Ryan Pollie, Wiz Khalifa, Zao, Victor Bailey, Struggle Session, Fuse, Sugarfree Allstars)

Award winning Mixing & Mastering Engineer - Brian iele (SCS Mastering)
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(55)

UPDATES: 18/05/21 Nominated: Best Album "Alternative pop" - Rosario Ortega - Otro Lado 10/11/20 WON Best Alternative Rock Album. Lucy Patane.(mix+mastering) Also Nominated: Best Alternative Pop Album - Maca Mona Mu "Kalanchoe" Best Electronic Music Album. Diego Frenkel Recording of The Year. Lucy Patane. Song of the Year. Paula Maffia "Polvo"

High-End Mixing and Mastering - The-MPL
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(28)

I'm a Toronto-based recording engineer and multi-instrumentalist with nearly 20 years of experience. I work out of a hybrid analog/digital studio filled with tools that allow me to focus on what's important: The music. I approach the elements of every project as a whole from the standpoints of musicality, theory, and sonic technique.

Dolby Atmos Mixing,Mastering - Danny Bonnici
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(27)

Mixing and mastering and Dolby Atmos delivery of dance music from a producers perspective with over 20 years experience in the game with top names under my belt such as Balance, All Day I Dream, Trybes Of, Beat n Path Tracks ready for digital release and Vinyl.

EDM Producer | Mastering PRO - Marco Donnarumma
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(72)

Credited by Universal Music, BBC One TV, David Guetta, Diplo, Monstercat, Zeds Dead, Spotify Editorial Playlists, etc

EDM Mastering - Bram Fidder
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(1254)

Welcome at This Mix Is Sick, the sickest EDM mastering service. I'm world-class mastering engineer Bram Fidder. Get started now and let your music make its maximum impact!

Mastering - Maria Triana
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(173)

For the past 16 years I worked for Sony Music Entertainment as a Mastering Engineer. There, I had the honor and opportunity to contribute my skills and expertise on many award winning recordings, with artists ranging from Donald Fagen to Wayne Shorter and Britney Spears to Bob Dylan.

Analog Mastering, Music Master - Tim Boyce : NYC Mastering
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(209)

I help music feel alive in an overly saturated market. Mastering for French Montana, DJ Sluggo, Nicholas Jaar, The Happy Mess, and Ayo Jay. Winning APRA and Platinum awards, including nominations for Grammy, & Headies awards. EVERY PROJECT is a chance to shine, big or small. My mastering helps artists uniquely stand-out, Start a chat and let's talk

Mastering, with love. - Alex @ A Cut Above London
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(272)

Maximise your music's potential - I love helping artists achieve their vision. All genres welcome.

Mastering Engineer / Producer - Elliot James Mulhern Mastering
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(1733)

Major Label Hi-Fidelity Radio Ready + Spotify/AppleMusic Ready ✨Love working on new genre blends + unique sounds Recording Artist, Producer + Songwriter, founder of Blossöm Records in LA. Years of touring bands including Hey Monday’s signing to Columbia Records, tours w/ Fall Out Boy, 50 Cent, Justin Bieber + All American Rejects

Mix and Mastering and Engineer - Nacho de la Riega
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(315)

I've been in the industry for 20 years. I Work for independent artists and major labels. I put my ears before my eyes. Multi nominated and awarded for several albums.

MASTERING, MIXING - MASTERED BY KRAMER
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(404)

Of the thousands of records I've Produced, Mixed and Mastered, the one EVERYONE has surely heard is the hit single from Quentin Tarantino's PULP FICTION..."Girl, You'll Be A Woman Soon". i am KRAMER, founder of SHIMMY-DISC, producer of DANIEL JOHNSTON, LOW, GALAXIE 500, WILL OLDHAM... I work with indie artists making challenging music.

Mastering Engineer - Fili Filizzola
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(85)

As a Latin Grammy nominated mastering engineer (Best Engineered Album, 2023) I have mastered and been a part of the mastering process of incredible artists such as SZA, Bieber, Harry Styles, Lagum, Khalid, Doja Cat, Snoh Aalegra, and many more. I have the inside knowledge of what amazing records need in order to sound huge, punchy and modern.

Solid Mastering Studio 📀 - Carlo - Solid Mastering
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(481)

Platinum Awarded Real Mastering facility working with top labels Sony Music, Spinnin' Records, Universal Music. Top Level mastering services to achieve that Big, Fat, Warm and Punchy Major Label Sound. Your music will be brought up to meet the highest industry standards thanks to a state of the art, no compromise, top notch experience & equipment.

Premium Audio Mastering - Tom Frampton
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(885)

Hi, I'm Tom Frampton, owner of Mastering The Mix. Want to sound as good as your favourite artist? You've come to the right place.

Mixing Engineer & Mastering - Juan De Sedas
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(69)

Juan has worked on projects for Shakira, El Chaval, Farruko, Elvis Crespo, Gente De Zona, Fat Joe, David Bisbal, Olga Tañon, Pitbull, and many others. He has also collaborated and worked for new talents like Jessie Reyez, La Ross Maria, and Ala Jaza and has garnered millions of views online.

Grammy Award Winning Engineer - James Auwarter
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(441)

**Grammy Award Winning Engineer** & *OFFICIALLY CREDITED ON 32 TOTAL GRAMMY NOMINATIONS* I’ve worked alongside: Kanye West, Yo-Yo Ma, PJ Morton, Jamila Woods, Kirk Franklin, Kurt Elling, Adam Levine, Cowboy Troy, Tom Higgenson (Plain White Tees), Donald Lawrence, Lupe Fiasco, Hezekiah Walker, Rihanna, Anthony Hamilton, Mavis Staples, etc.

Mastering Engineer - Evren Göknar
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(13)

Evren Göknar is a Grammy® Award and RIAA Multi-Platinum and Gold winning Mastering Engineer and bestselling author of "Major Label Mastering: Professional Mastering Process". After 25 years as a Mastering Engineer with Capitol Records, Evren founded EGM (Evren Göknar Mastering) where he offers exceptional analog mastering to discerning clients.

Mastering Engineer - Jonas W. K.
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(219)

Grammy Award-Winning, Multi-Platinum Selling (John Legend, Jhené Aiko, Tinashe, ZAYN, Blackbear, NVDES, FLETCHER. Sofi De La Torre etc.)

Sound unique. - Mark Galup Mastering
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(32)

Ultra-Fidelity Custom & Rare Analog Chain, with a Pinch of State-of-the-Art Digital. Radio/Stream-Ready. Stereo & Atmos Mastering. Mark's work has been featured on critically-acclaimed major label record releases and national television networks. Galup Mastering is an ADM (Apple Digital Masters) certified studio.

World Class Mastering Service  - Carlos Freitas
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(116)

Mastering services for stereo and dolby atmos projects. Mixing services ( using stems ) for dolby atmos and Sony 360º projects. Dolby USA Certified Studio for Atmos services.

AIR Studios Mastering Engineer - Jasper Ward
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(9)

AIR Studios Mastering Engineer. Using the highest quality analogue mastering outboard gear and plugins in a brand new, state-of-the-art mastering space built in 2023.

Professional Audio Mastering - Julian Lowe @ JML Mastering
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(231)

With over 27 years’ experience as a mastering engineer, I can deliver the best results from your mixes, adding punch, polish and that professional touch, as well as meeting all your editing requirements, from radio edits through to album compilation & sequencing.

Affordable Online Mastering - Waltz Mastering
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(187)

Top Quality, Quick & Affordable Analog Mastering. Clients: DJ Premier, WuTang, Marky Mark (GrammyNom) James Labrie (Dream Theater), Billy Gibbons, New Kids On The Block, Skatalites, RJD2, Coolio, Peter Wolf (J Geils), Tom Jones, ..many more. Free previews & No charge for any Revisions_Stem mastering_Mix Consultation_Sound Restoration_DeNoise.

Hi-End Audio Mastering Studio - Hiltongrove Mastering
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(268)

I'm Dave Blackman and I own and run Hiltongrove Mastering, a dedicated mastering facility based in the Essex countryside. We're an Apple approved MFiT provider, and I've been a mastering engineer since 1996 - I'd like to think I know what I'm doing by now! Past clients include Coldplay, Keane, Killing Joke, and Echo and the Bunnymen.

Premium Mastering Provider - DEXY Audio
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(90)

More than 25 years of Audio Mastering, still as fun as it was in 1998 when it all started. Multi-genre Mastering Engineer with well-trained ears. Master everything from HipHop, Rap, RnB, Pop, Rock, Heavy Metal to House, Electronic and EDM.

Mastering Engineer  - Qbical Music Productions
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(102)

High quality mastering service for electronic music.

Platinum Pop HipHop Master Mix - Nate Middleman
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(222)

Certified 2X Platinum! Mixing & Mastering engineer for Wiz Khalifa, A-Boogie, Shordie Shordie, Lil Baby, etc... I recently mixed and mastered Warner Bros artist Shordie Shordie’s single “Betchua” (Over 600 million streams) and 300 Ent. artist Tate Kobang's "Bank Rolls Remix" (#4 Spotify #22 Billboard, HBO "Ballers", MTV "Wildin Out", Playstation)

Mixing & Mastering Engineer - Denis Emery @ Mastering.LT
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(158)

Let's enhance your music to sound exceptional on any device, ensuring it's dynamic, punchy, with a solid bass, and both wide and clear. I invite everyone to my studio, a place where sonic magic is crafted with utmost care. Let's listen to your new song and elevate its sound together!

Mixing & Mastering & Producing - Rudi Dittmann|Ruhrtone Studios
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(90)

Multi platinum awarded music producer, mastering engineer, songwriter and studied sound engineer Rudi Dittmann from Germany. Mastering Enigineer for amongst others: Robin Schulz, James Blunt, ATB, Topic, Nervo, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Alle Farben, Deepend, Moguai / Working for Labels like Sony, Spinnin', Armada, Universal, Warner, Kontor, WePlay

Mastering Engineer  - Mark B. Christensen
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(130)

New! - We have the best Dolby certified ATMOS / Spatial Audio mixing room in New York! Reach out for special SoundBetter rates!! Multi Platinum, Grammy Award Winning Mastering. We can work together to make sure your mix is everything it can be prior to Mastering. I've worked with all the Major Labels as well as many, many indie artists.

Mastering, Audio Post, Mixing - Listen Up Mastering Jamal Ruhe
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(1)

Jamal Ruhe is a musical midwife who has helped to bring thousands of projects into the world. I am an experienced mastering and mixing engineer. I've been privileged to work on music and video / film audio with hundreds of artists in Nashville, Memphis, L.A., Phoenix, and of course New York. Anti-racist, Anti-sexist and LGBTQIA+ friendly.

World Class Mastering Service - Reuben Cohen
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(73)

Reuben Cohen is an award-winning mastering engineer, winning a Latin Grammy for his work on Diego Torres' album “Distinto," and a TEC Award for his work on the single, "Happy," by Pharrell Williams.

Mastering Engineer - Epicenter Mastering
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(18)

Multiple award winning Major Label Mastering Engineer. Working with indie and signed clients alike including: Metallica, Spoon, Incubus, Wynonna, Jackson Wang and many more.

Bring Your Music to Life - Yukon at Blue Oak Mastering
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(47)

Mastering music goes far beyond making your record louder. It enhances the feel, focuses the sonics, and assures you that your record is ready for release!

Music Producer & Engineer - Tom Matera
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(9)

I’m a NYC-based producer specializing in pop, electronic, and hip hop production. I’m also a mastering engineer. I deliver forward thinking, creative production to up and coming artists. I work closely with my clients to meet their every need and realize their vision for their project.

World Class Mastering Service - Gavin Lurssen
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(34)

Gavin Lurssen has been a mastering engineer since 1991 and has been in the forefront of, and contributor to the many technical developments that have taken place in the industry over the past two decades.

Digital and Vinyl Mastering - Welcome to 1979
starstarstarstarstar
(20)

Welcome to 1979 is an analog-centric studio in Nashville, Tennessee. With 7,000 square feet of space, all your needs from pre-production, to tracking, to mixing, to mastering (and vinyl cutting/electroplating) are housed under one roof.

Master of Loudness - Neel Erickson
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(189)

Loud, clean, and professionalized masters at a competitive price. Numerous placements on Spotify's New Music Friday! I care about my clients and love working with all genres of music :) Each and every track is unique and deserves its own unique attention. Additional credits include placement in Warner films and Topsify & Spotify playlists.

Multi-Platinum Mastering - VLM
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(413)

Multi-Platinum Mastering. Credits include Kyle, Kehlani, Lil Yachty, Anderson .Paak, Snoop Dogg, Mos Def, Aloe Blacc, Lil Uzi Vert, Kodak Black, J Dilla, Blu & Exile, Dam Funk, Tokimonsta and many more.

Mixing Mastering Productions 📀 - Alex Picciafuochi Mastering
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(503)

Drumcode, Suara, Luca Agnelli - Caneschi, Revealed - Satoshi Tomiie - Robert Miles - Claudio Coccoluto - Nervous Rec - JAM Rec. - Sony, Universal, Warner, Kontor, Alex Neri (Planet Funk), Etruria, TheDub, Feiyr DANCE ALL DAY Price List: Stereo Master $30 / Stems Master $60 / Mixing $150 https://www.masteringcredits.com/profile/Alex%20Picciafuochi

Mastering | Free Sample - Daniel Szanto
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(143)

Award Winning | Major Label Credits | Free Sample | Free Mix Feedback | Unlimited Revisions | In 24 Hours

Affordable Analog Mastering - legatomastering.pl
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(113)

Brand new, reference mastering room. I studied in Hollywood under Howie Weinberg & Vlado Meller. Apple Digital Masters and Tidal MQA certified engineer. I work with Polish most known independent bands & musicians, Polish & European labels, i. ex. FatCat Records UK, Instant Classic PL, Warner Music PL and many others.

EDM & MelodicTechno Specialist - Rob Hes
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(146)

Clients released on: Afterlife, Atlant, Bedrock, Black Hole, Delsin, Ellum, Filth On Acid, Kraftek, Non Series, Oddity, Odd One Out, Ovum, Polegroup, R&S, Second State, SCI+TEC, Soma Toolroom, Tronic & many more.

Hip Hop Mastering Engineer  - Studio Torrent
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(134)

Studio Torrent engineers are specialised in Mixing and Mastering Hip Hop & Dance Music.

Mixing & Mastering - Samuel Dan
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(50)

Get an initial feedback on the mix, unlimited revisions, and a satisfaction guarantee with my mastering service. If you're not happy with the final master, you don't pay anything.

Mastering music for 20 years! - Erman Aydöner
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(21)

Have been mastering for many years for many genres. Worked for hit records of national and interntional artists. Writer of the books Müzik Yapımında Mastering, Mastering Hakkında S.S.S., FAQ About Mastering. Being endorsed by many big companies. The pro last touch, the secret sauce for your art using specialized analog and digital equipment!

Mixing/Mastering Engineer - Spencer Broschard
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(36)

Creative mixes and polished masters! Let’s bring that extra 25% out of your song

Mixing + Mastering - Tonebox
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(15)

Specializing in electronic music, I use a combination of top analog and digital technology with affordable pricing to bring you great results. Multiple of my works have charted on Billboard, and multiple have charted in the top 5 all formats/genres on Bandcamp.

Mastering Engineer - Todd Tobias
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(167)

Todd Tobias is a mastering engineer in the rock, acoustic, ambient, singer-songwriter, experimental, jazz and classical genres. Todd began his career making records with indie rock pioneers Guided by Voices in 2001.

EDM Production, Mix/Master - Achilles (Iliad Studios)
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(58)

EDM/Pop Specialist, Ranked 43rd Most-Played Producer In The World By 1001tracklists, Credits: SPINNIN', ARMADA, REVEALED, HEXAGON, KONTOR, SOAVE + many more. Supported By: DAVID GUETTA, TIËSTO, HARDWELL, AFROJACK, ARMIN VAN BUUREN, TIMMY TRUMPET, W&W, DON DIABLO, MORTEN, MORGAN PAGE, MARLO, DADA LIFE, BLASTERJAXX, KRYDER + many more.

Mastering for Rock and Metal - Soothsayer Audio
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(16)

Mixing and Mastering based in Northeast Ohio, at Soothsayer we want your ideas to come to life on a grand scale. My main focus at Soothsayer Audio is to overdeliver great results to happy clients. As a musician I understand that not only should your music sound great but the process should be fun! No egos, no pressure, just great music!

Mix/Master And Co-Producer - Summ
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(12)

MIX and MASTER TOP 2 in the Armada contest, over 2kk plays on Spotify on tracks mixed by me and on major labels like Protocol, Gem Stone, Groove Basement, Armada, and many more. I also work with Ghost Producer and Co Production, come on over and let me know what you need. Co Production (sends me the idea and I leave it professional and with.

Composer and Producer - Soundfackery
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(29)

Hard and heavy mastering for rock and metal bands by "Some sort of unstoppable monster" (metaltemple.com)

Indie Rock Mixing & Mastering - Alan Garcia
Loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next

starstarstarstarstar
(45)

Let's make you sound your best! I'm passionate about bringing your music to life! 20 years of experience. Fast turnaround.

What is Mastering?

Mastering adds the final sonic touch to a mixed song. It is the final process performed on a song before it gets released and distributed. Mastering aims to address the following issues

1. Matching a song's sonic character to that of other songs on the same album or playlist, so listening to different songs in sequence feels natural.

2. Optimizing loudness, so the song doesn't sound softer than other songs that might be played before or after it.

3. Adding the last touch of sonic enhancement to the mixed song, addressing macro problems such as harshness, muddiness or lopsided stereo balance, and complementing the mix with subtle global adjustments to EQ, clarity, warmth, punch and wideness.

 

Mastering is a quicker process than mixing and makes less of a difference on the overall sound of your song than mixing, but is nonetheless important as a finishing touch after mixing. It polishes the final mix so all the elements sound as good or better, while achieving extra loudness and 'glue'. Mastering is the final bridge between the mix and distribution.

No two mastering jobs are the same. The nuances of the source material make all the difference in how the engineer approaches mastering, and different engineers have different styles. They may need to merely fine-tune a song before it's ready to be distributed. Other times, a mix might require a significant amount of sonic clean up. Regardless of the project, the goal of mastering remains the same: to ensure audio sounds great across multiple platforms and on different speakers, headphones and listening environments. Mastering is as much a creative art as it is a science and is just as important as other elements in the production process. Get it wrong, and your listeners might think a track sounds "too loud and harsh" or "too muffled or weak". Get it right, and assuming the production and mix are good, your listeners will enjoy the experience.

Different Mastering Techniques

There are various techniques involved in audio mastering. Engineers might use some or all of the following:

Compression and limiting: Compressors and Limiters reduce the dynamic range of the final mix, and when used with taste, make the mix sound fuller, louder and more cohesive. It's easy to squash a mix with poor use of compressors and limiters so you want to work with an engineer who has experience, a good listening environment, a great set of ears and good gear.

Clipping: Some mastering engineers push their analog to digital converters or use software clippers to subtly lop off the peaks of an audio file, to achieve increased perceived loudness and a bit of saturation.

Equalization: Optimizing for a sonic balance that complements the song, often described in adjectives such warmth, huge bottom, brightness, openness or airiness.

Sequencing and spacing: If you are mastering an entire album, spacing lets you determine the amount of silence between each track, sequencing their order, and fades in song endings.

Creative Effects: Other effects include subtle reverb on the whole mix, distortion, stereo widener or filters.

Restoration: This process gets rid of any issues or unwanted sounds, such as pops, clicks, hum, and hiss.

Preparation for distribution: Some engineers will prepare audio files based on particular specifications of online music stores and streaming websites such as Spotify, Apple Music, or CDs. This might entail adjusting the file format, bit rate, sample rate and metadata depending on your needs, and the platform you are distributing to. Other mastering engineers deliver a high resolution Wave file is often sufficient based on your needs.

How to Choose a Mastering Engineer

Some important factors to consider when choosing a Mastering Engineer are experience, gear, listening environment and specialization in a particular genre. There are some benefits to choosing an engineer who has mastered recordings in your genre. Listen to examples of his or her work. This gives you a feel for their work and lets you decide whether an engineer is right for you. Do they specialize in mastering? It might be fine that they do other things, as long as they are devoted enough to the art and science of mastering to have the proper gear, a well tuned critical listening environment and experience.

On SoundBetter you can listen to sound samples, research a mastering engineer's experience, and read reviews of previous clients.

Keep in mind that while the most renowned sound engineers might charge thousands of dollars for their services, some offer reduced rates to indie artists and producers. Also, some engineers might charge you less if you pay for several songs or an entire album in advance. Keep in mind that mastering is a relatively affordable step in the process, so probably not worth skimping on.

Was your song mixed in stereo, or in Dolby Atmos or other Immersive format? If you have an immersive production (multi-channel mix that is greater than stereo), you should hire a mastering engineer that specializes in immersive.

How to Prep Your Mixes for Mastering

The first step of preparing a mix for mastering, is to be sure you love the mix. Don't expect mastering to fix a mix you don't love.

Once you are happy with the mix, simply export the tracks to a stereo file from your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), with the same sample rate and bitrate as your original mix session. If it's 16/44.1, use that. Same goes for 24/48, and so on. Don't upsample (export from a lower to a higher sample rate). If you hired a professional mixing engineer, they will know what files to deliver.

Make sure there is headroom in your mix for mastering. In other words pay attention that you aren't clipping or regularly peaking your master bus if you mixed the song yourself. The mastering engineer needs some room to manipulate the audio file. A mix that is very 'hot' doesn't leave them that room. One of the biggest pet peeves shared by mastering engineers is mixes that are too loud. These mixes are difficult to master and might result in a finished master that sounds very similar to the mix. -3 dB of headroom is usually a good goal, but simply make sure the mastering engineer has headroom to do their work.

If you have any plugins on your master bus, you can remove them, unless they are creative effects that are integral to the production. Generally speaking, compressors, EQs and limiters should be removed.  If this causes your track to clip you can just pull your master fader back a bit, or leave a limiter on, but set it to no gain reduction - rather just to catch the few peaks, so you don't clip the DAW's master bus. If you do leave a limiter on, make sure you have dither set to 'off'. If you see the limiter is gain reducing a lot, even though you didn't set it to gain reduce (i.e you set it to 0 or -.01), that means you're hitting the input of the master bus too hot, and you should pull back the faders on your individual tracks.  If you do need to pull all your individual tracks down by a couple of dB, make sure you account for tracks that have automation written, as they may 'bounce back' to their original position. You can avoid this by lowering all the tracks through the automation, rather than using the faders.

Make sure you review your mix to remove any pops or clicks. You may not notice these but if they exist they may be accentuated in mastering. It's helpful to listen to individual tracks soloed to catch these. Pay particular attention to sections you have edits. If you didn't add fade to edits, you might have digital pops that are easy to miss when many tracks are playing together, but that should be addressed.

Lastly, align your expectations of what mastering can do to a mix. There are subtle things that can be done in mastering to shape and optimize loudness, tone, punch and intensity. However, mastering is not mixing. Mastering can only slightly improve a mix. It doesn't replace the need for a great recording, production and mix. Those are ingredients that make all the difference. Mastering is just the cherry on top.

Master your songs

Mastering is best left to professional mastering engineers. It is affordable enough, that squeezing 5% more shine out of your track is usually a good investment after you've put in all the work to get to that point. The alternative is reducing the quality by 5% by not working with a pro mastering engineer.. Prepping your mixes for mastering and hiring a great engineer with experience in your genre could provide you with just the right touch to take your track from great to awesome. A good mastering engineer can shine a diamond, but not create one.

Happy mastering!

 

starstarstarstarstar

Clients rate SoundBetter Mastering Engineers 4.9 / 5.0
on average across 23,842 reviews as of March 17, 2024

""

Get started for free.

Post Your Project Now
close
keyboard_arrow_down