Now, as for why the mastering chain is so important to the record, you have to consider that the purpose of mastering is to create a balanced, cohesive, and professional sound that can stand up against other commercial releases. Thinking through the signal chain beforehand will help you to avoid having to compensate with lousy ordering choices later down the line. Essentially, each processor element can significantly impact the one before it, which is why the order of a mastering chain is such an important thing to consider.
Why Your Mastering Chain Is So ImportantĪ mastering chain is a series of processing effects that sits on the master bus in a linear fashion. With mastering, you can unify the sound of a record, hit the correct standards for distribution, and create consistency throughout a song. It is that added sheen and shimmer that allows a recording to hold its own against other professional recordings out in the world.
Mastering is sort of like adding the finishing touches to a photograph or adding a bit of garnish to a delicious plate of pasta. While there are many definitions of mastering, we like to think of it as the process of taking a final audio mix and preparing it for release and distribution. Note : This article may contain affiliate links, meaning I would receive a commission - at no cost to you - for any products you purchase. However, understanding how different processes within a mastering chain work is vital to get the result you are looking for. Our goal with this article is to show you that mastering isn’t some dark art. Learn How to Master Your Music, For Free! We understand you're struggling to figure this production skill.Īre there secrets to developing a “proper” mastering chain, or does it depend on the song?Īre there plugins I should use or plugins I should avoid altogether?Ĭan I master a song even if I’m not a mastering engineer? The idea of creating a complex mastering chain can feel overwhelming for some, especially when you consider the fact that mastering is the final stamp on a piece of music before it gets released to the public. If you are in the world of production or mixing in any capacity, then you have probably heard the words “mastering chain” before.
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