mastering
The final stage of audio production that prepares a mix for distribution across all playback systems.
In Depth
Mastering engineers apply subtle EQ, compression, stereo enhancement, and limiting to polished mixes, ensuring they translate well on everything from earbuds to club systems. They also sequence albums, set spacing between tracks, and ensure consistent loudness. Mastering is often called the dark art of audio because the changes are subtle but profoundly affect how a recording sounds and feels across different listening environments.
Bob Ludwig, one of the most respected mastering engineers alive, has mastered over 3,000 albums including works by Led Zeppelin, Nirvana, Daft Punk, and Beck.