MASTERING
STEREO MIXES:
- Equalisation can be added/subtracted to pull the mix together, and bring out certain aspects. Adding weight to the low end or sparkle to the top end can bring a track to life.
- Overall compression might need to be added to the track. This is often done at the mix stage, using bus compressors, but adding compression at the mastering stage can often calm any rogue transients, before limiting.
- Mastering can enhance the stereo field in a track, giving it more width and space, useful for bringing out stereo guitars and reverbs. Extra reverb can be added in places if and where it is needed.
- A master limiter will be added to the mix to bring the overall level of the mix up to professional levels, effectively lowering the dynamic range and increasing the perceived loudness.
STEM MASTERING:
- Mastering individual stems allows for more control at the mastering stage. It allows vocals to be raised in order to sit them in the mix, or drums to be eq'd differently to the rest of the track.
- It allows the stems to be mastered seperately and integrated into a fuller, more dynamic mix.
- Stems must be created from the same start point with only their relevant track dynamics and reverbs applied. Master bus dynamics should be removed.