Automated "Mastering" Services Are Not Actually Mastering and Here Is What They Can't Do

In recent years, the music industry, for better or worse, has witnessed a surge in the use of automated “mastering” services. These AI-driven so-called machine-learning platforms promise convenience, affordability, and speed in the finalization of music tracks. While they certainly have their merits, it's important to understand their limitations and what they can't do for you. Here, I’ll delve into the aspects of audio mastering that automated services may struggle with or are often unable to accomplish.

But before we continue, let’s call a spade, a spade. These so called automated “mastering” services aren’t really mastering your track. They are merely processing the stereo buss with a set of genre dependent presets. So while we are saying "Automated Mastering”, I am presenting the word mastering in quotes as it’s not really the definition of what mastering is. It’s a word the industry has unfortunately usurped and watered down.

1. Artistic Interpretation and Vision

Music is an art form, and the mastering process is not merely a technical endeavor - it’s more than just processing in the stereo buss; it's a creative one too. Automated “mastering” services lack the ability to interpret the artistic intent and vision behind your music. Mastering engineers, with their years of experience, can listen to a song and understand the emotions, nuances, and intentions of the artist and music. They can then apply their expertise to enhance the music in a way that aligns with the artist's vision, a capability beyond the scope of AI.

2. Lack of Contextual Understanding

Automated mastering tools operate in isolation, devoid of the contextual understanding that a human mastering engineer brings to the table. They cannot discern the artistic intent behind the music or interpret subtle nuances in the mix, leading to generic and formulaic results.

3. Cohesiveness in Album Production

For musicians releasing full-length albums or EPs, ensuring cohesiveness across tracks is vital. Automated “mastering” services only treat each song as an isolated entity, applying the same processing settings to all tracks. This one-size-fits-all approach can lead to inconsistencies in the overall sound, making it challenging to create a seamless listening experience. A human mastering engineer can carefully tailor each song's treatment to fit the album's narrative and achieve sonic continuity.

4. Quality Control and Critical Listening

Mastering is not just about applying effects and adjusting levels; it's about quality control and critical listening. Professional mastering engineers have finely tuned ears, critically controlled listening environments, and a deep understanding of audio quality. They can identify and rectify subtle imperfections, artifacts, or issues in the mix that automated systems don’t hear or know how to correct. Their discerning ears contribute significantly to the polished, high-quality output of a mastered track.

5. Genre-Specific Expertise

Different music genres have their own unique characteristics, conventions, and sonic preferences. Automated “mastering” services may struggle to adapt to the specific requirements of each genre. A human mastering engineer, on the other hand, possesses genre-specific expertise and can make nuanced decisions that enhance the sonic qualities particular to that style of music, whether it's jazz, hop hop, electronic, or classical.

6. Personalized Attention

Musicians often have specific preferences and requests when it comes to mastering. They may want certain instruments to stand out, dynamics to be preserved, or a particular atmosphere to be created. Automated “mastering” services do not provide the level of personalized attention and communication that artists require. A human mastering engineer can engage in direct dialogue with the artist, understand their preferences, and make adjustments accordingly.

7. Creative Decision-Making

Mastering involves making creative decisions about the sonic character of a song. This includes choices about equalization, compression, stereo width, and more. While automated systems can apply processing based on algorithms and data, they lack the ability to make creative, artistic decisions that elevate the music. A human mastering engineer can use their intuition, historic knowledge (as well as industry trends) and creativity to shape the final sound in a way that aligns with the song's mood and purpose.

8. Handling Complex or Unusual Requests

Some music projects may come with complex or unconventional requests, such as unique sonic effects, experimental audio treatments, or specific vintage analog processing. Automated “mastering” services may struggle to accommodate such specialized requirements, whereas human engineers can draw from their extensive knowledge and resources to fulfill these requests effectively.

At its core, mastering is a collaborative process that requires human expertise, communication, and artistic vision. A seasoned mastering engineer brings years of experience, critical listening skills, and an innate understanding of audio dynamics to the table. They work closely with artists and producers to realize their creative vision while ensuring technical excellence and sonic fidelity.

Furthermore, mastering is not just about applying processing chains; it's about making informed decisions that serve the music and elevate the listening experience. A skilled mastering engineer knows when to intervene, when to preserve the integrity of the mix, and when to push the boundaries creatively.

AI and automated practices have a place in the music production landscape, offering speed and convenience for certain applications. However, it's crucial to recognize their vast limitations. They cannot fully replace the expertise, creativity, and artistic interpretation that human mastering engineers bring to the table. Musicians seeking to create truly exceptional and emotionally resonant music should consider automated “mastering” services as a helpful tool but not a substitute for the human touch. Collaborating with a skilled mastering engineer can result in music that not only sounds great but also carries the artist's vision and emotion to its fullest potential.