Mastering Is Not Witchcraft or Sorcery
Some people call mastering “magic” or supernatural, as it’s often perceived as sprinkling “fairy dust” on a mix.
For better or worse, both of these stereotypes are simply not true when it comes to mastering.
THE HISTORY BEHIND MASTERING
The misconception comes from not knowing the process and what’s involved. Historically, mastering happened while cutting the master disc. The procedure was usually handled by specialized engineers who were conservative in their approach. With the advent of audio tape and digital mediums, these engineers evolved into what we know today as mastering engineers.
SKILL DEVELOPMENT TAKES TIME
There is no doubt that being a good mastering engineer is not something that happens overnight. Great skills take years to develop. Just like mix engineers, mastering engineers must make critical decisions that affect how the record ultimately sounds. A strong mix is what makes a great master great. If the mix doesn’t arrive in good shape, the master will never be truly exceptional.
WHAT MASTERING ACTUALLY INVOLVES
Mastering is essential, but it’s not magical. We make small, incremental audio adjustments, fix errors, and decide which formats are needed for distribution. These carefully thought-out steps ensure your music translates well across streaming, vinyl, CD, or other mediums.
We don’t have sorcerer’s hats. Maybe some lab coats here and there. We don’t use secret spells, and we rarely rely on presets. We do have a deep understanding of our gear—the EQ curves, compressor behavior, and subtle nuances that affect the final sound. It’s this meticulous attention to detail that elevates a record.
PASSION AND TRANSPARENCY IN MASTERING
We love music. We love audio. We love talking about it. We are not gatekeepers of the process. I’m more than happy to share my signal chain or even take pictures of my setup if you ask.
There is no magic here, just decades of practice, a desire to make records sound better, and a lot of focused listening. And maybe a little stubbornness.
