Songs can sound muddy, weak, and lacking the impact of a properly mastered song without mastering. Mastering helps to maximize the benefits of your music, and the ultimate sound can show the maturity of an artist.
Why is mastering so important?
Mastering is the last phase of audio production. It is the process through which the mastering engineer combines all the songs to create the final album.
It is also very important to master your songs, even if they are only published as MP3 tracks online. Everybody can hear the difference between amateur tracks and professionally mastered projects.
Throughout the mastering process, applying EQ, compression, stereo image processor, and other special effects, the songs gain their level, stereo width, and tone in harmony with each other. If necessary, this last phase is the time to apply fading and noise reduction as well.
Finalizing, the overall EQ and loudness for an individual song is best left until the mastering stage. You have to hear a song in the context of all the other songs on the album to make a final decision on its level and balance.
What can professional mastering add to your music?
- Better balance in frequency and dynamics
- Loudness and punch
- More consistency between the tracks of an album
- Wider stereo and deeper space feel
- Improved focus on the important parts of your music
- A professional sound file ready for production
Why you shouldn't master it at home?
Mastering is an art and a skillful mastering engineer can never be replaced with any gears or software. Fresh and critical listening is very important to ensure the best overall sound of your music.
Mastering requires a balanced listening environment, full-range monitors, and an original and objective approach to your music. You can never make a really good master with semi-professional hardware and plug-ins.
Do you need stem-mastering?
Generally, well-done mixes do not need stem-mastering. But if you are unsure about the balance of your mix, stem-mastering is the perfect solution.