4. Compare and export

The most common mastering mistake is believing it improved because it’s louder. Every comparison is made at the same volume. Otherwise, you aren’t comparing the master: you’re comparing volume.

Before and after, for real

1. At the end of the chain, add negative gain to match the master to the original mix.
2. Switch with the whole chain’s bypass.
3. If, at the same volume, it doesn’t sound better, simplify.
4. Remove that gain before exporting. It’s the most common thing to forget.

Before and after, by ear

Switch and look for what changes besides level: brightness, density and stability. It's the same exercise you'll do with your master.

“AFTER” applies this chain to the sound:

1. High boost (+4 dB from 4.5 kHz) → more “air” and brightness.
2. Gentle compression (≈3:1) → more even and “glued”.
3. A touch of volume to compensate.

What to listen for: “AFTER” sounds more bright, present and stable.

▶ Play

BEFOREAFTER

iA/B comparator: the same audio with and without the improvement.

• •BEFORE — the raw, unprocessed sound.
• •AFTER — with the chain applied (air + compression + level).

The button with the lit border is the one you're hearing now. Switch at the same volume to judge the difference properly.

🔊

🎧 Audio to processiChoose which sound goes through the effect:

• •🎸 Bass — a synthesized riff with dynamics: ideal for hearing compression.
• •📢 Pink noise — an even sound across the whole spectrum: ideal for “seeing” the EQ.
• •🎵 Load your audio — your own file (MP3, WAV, OGG, FLAC, M4A…); it's processed locally in your browser and isn't uploaded anywhere.

🎸 Bass📢 Pink noise🎵 Load your audio

Where to listen

• Against the reference: lows, brightness, width and the punch of the kick and snare, at equal volume.
• On other systems: headphones, monitors, phone and car.
• In mono: the vocal, kick, snare and bass keep their body.
• The loudest part: that’s where the limiter works hardest.
• The quietest part: that’s where raised noises and tails can be heard.

On another day, if you can. With fresh ears you’ll notice things you no longer hear today.

Exporting

From the same master, one version for each destination.

Dither

When reducing resolution, for example from 24 to 16 bits, a very slight distortion appears in the soft parts. Dither is a minimal noise that masks it.

• It goes once, at the end.
• It’s only used when reducing bits. If you stay at 24, it isn’t needed.
• In a loud metal song it’s barely noticeable, but it costs nothing to apply it properly.

Start and end

• Start: leave a few milliseconds before the first hit, so no player cuts it off.
• End: a short fade when the tail finishes.
• Metadata: title, artist and ISRC, if you have it. The distributor usually assigns it.

If it’s an EP or an album

The goal changes: not only that each song sounds good, but that they all sound like part of the same thing.

• Same project: load the songs together on the Project page, to compare them side by side.
• Even perceived volume: the exact same LUFS isn’t needed. A ballad can sit 1 or 2 dB lower and sound natural.
• Coherent tone: if one sounds much brighter, adjust its tonal EQ.
• A shared base chain, with fine adjustments per song.
• Order and silences: normally 1 to 3 seconds. Listen to the transitions.

Listen to the album straight through: no song should jump out or drop off.

Before uploading

Listen to the whole exported file, outside Studio One. It’s the last thing you check and what everyone will hear.

Common mistakes

What NOT to chase yet

Quick path: closing the master

Expected result