How to Master Your Music in 5 Simple Steps

Hi I'm Michael Wynne. I'm a Scottish audio engineer and founder of In The Mix. In this video I show you an approach for clean and transparent audio mastering.
Please watch my updated mastering video for 2021: • Master Your Music in 4...
0:00 - Intro
2:00 - Have an Aim
3:30 - Final Check
5:05 - Tonal Balance
9:45 - Sweetening
14:12 - Loudness
1) Have an Aim.
In this case I am using mastering as a final chance to catch any mistakes, trying to sweeten the song slightly and also make sure it is loud enough. I have an aim at all times in the process - even if it's an experimental part, I still know that's what I am doing. At each stage I ask myself "What am I trying to achieve by using this VST?
I also take time to get my head in the right place so that I feel creative and motivated to finish the project - Often overlooked but the most important step in my opinion!
2) Final Check and adding fades
Automate the master fader (this is after the effects chain) to fade the start and end of the song.
Checking - Listen from start to finish without tweaking anything.
Listen for :
Clicks, pops, cut breaths, clipping, bad edits, resonances (especially in the low mids), consonance, overly harsh "sss" in vocals, is everything perfectly in time etc?
The MIX must be good for a good master. Mastering is not a quick fix for a bad mix.
3)Adjusting the tonal balance.
This will help it sound good on all systems. Use reference track and compare to professional releases. If you hear that your balance is off you can use subtle EQ or go back to the mix to fix big problems.
I like using Tonal Balance Tool to help me get in the right sort of area but I always set the final levels to taste.
The EQ's I like to use are - Custom Series EQ, TR5 EQual, Eiosis Earth for the high pass.
4) Trying any sweetening.
Be careful here - we are not trying to FIX a problem, we are simply looking to give it that extra 1%. This could include saturation (Tape or Tube), Gentle stereo widening, Volume automation (macro dynamics), harmonic excitement and Bus compression.
I would be very cautious if you are new to these effects, it's best to experiment with them but don't feel pressured to commit to them. In time, this practise will help you master these tools and before long you will feel in control and be able to use them to help your mastering.
I demonstrate using the VBC to compress the mix.
Many types of compressors can be used and multi band compressors are often used too.
The aim here is the change the sound stage, "glue" things together and add some warmth. Immediately I was fooled by an increase in volume but after tweaking some dials it started to work. The threshold was adjusted until I could hear some gentle compression (I can't remember what the screen was reading but I try not to look at the screen. I kept a slow attack so that the snare wasn't being crushed, I adjusted the release to make it quicker so that it was more open and didn't feel heavy. Then I adjusted the High Pass Filter to make sure that the Kick and Bass were not being compressed (turned down).
This final step really opened the song back up. Please listen to the compression again and hear how the bass becomes HUGE after I turn the HPF Dial on the right!
The reality is that there are not many "go to settings" that work for all mastering situations. It's important to practise and get comfortable with the tools.
5)LOUDNESS- well sort of..
Mastering for online streaming makes life easier for us these days, we don't need to slam tracks super loud to be heard!
When exporting, check what the sites are currently asking for, sometimes these details change but most are asking for a 24 bit Wav file.
I recommend getting a track up to at least -14 LUFS integrated and then pushing it as far as you can without damaging it.
If you want to release your music after mastering, use my discount link for DistroKid here - The fastest way to get your music onto ALL streaming sites while keeping 100% of your streaming revenue
💸 Save money on DistroKid if you signup through my custom link - distrokid.com/vip/inthemix
Plugins Used:
Free Loudness Meter - bit.ly/youlean
Get 20% off for Youlean Loudness Meter 2 - PRO - Coupon Code: IN-THE-MIX
www.voxengo.com/product/span/
Purchased:
Compression - VBC Grey
Limiting - Ozone 8 Limiter (Any mastering Limiter will work, I used a few and pick my favourite)
🌍 My Website / Contact / Hire me - michaelwynneaudio.com
📱 Join My Discord - / discord
🎧 My Sound Banks / Preset Packs - inthemix.store
💸 Save money on DistroKid if you signup through my custom link - distrokid.com/vip/inthemix

[@inthemix]

Please read the detailed steps below if you want to get the most out of this video- Especially in Section 4 :) Tools used: Free Loudness Meter - bit.ly/youlean Get 20% off for Youlean Loudness Meter 2 - PRO - Coupon Code: IN-THE-MIX Free Loudness Penalty Analyzer - www.loudnesspenalty.com/ 1) Have an Aim. In this case I am using mastering as a final chance to catch any mistakes, trying to sweeten the song slightly and also make sure it is loud enough. I have an aim at all times in the process - even if it's an experimental part, I still know that's what I am doing. At each stage I ask myself "What am I trying to achieve by using this VST? I also take time to get my head in the right place so that I feel creative and motivated to finish the project - Often overlooked but the most important step in my opinion! 2) Final Check and adding fades Automate the master fader (this is after the effects chain) to fade the start and end of the song. Checking - Listen from start to finish without tweaking anything. Listen for : Clicks, pops, cut breaths, clipping, bad edits, resonances (especially in the low mids), consonance, overly harsh "sss" in vocals, is everything perfectly in time etc? The MIX must be good for a good master. Mastering is not a quick fix for a bad mix. 3)Adjusting the tonal balance. This will help it sound good on all systems. Use reference track and compare to professional releases. If you hear that your balance is off you can use subtle EQ or go back to the mix to fix big problems. I like using Tonal Balance Tool to help me get in the right sort of area but I always set the final levels to taste. I am not paid to promote this plugin but Izotope did send me a copy to use without pressure of showing it in videos. The EQ's I like to use are - Custom Series EQ, TR5 EQual, Eiosis Earth for the high pass. 4) Trying any sweetening. Be careful here - we are not trying to FIX a problem, we are simply looking to give it that extra 1%. This could include saturation (Tape or Tube), Gentle stereo widening, Volume automation (macro dynamics), harmonic excitement and Bus compression. I would be very cautious if you are new to these effects, it's best to experiment with them but don't feel pressured to commit to them. In time, this practise will help you master these tools and before long you will feel in control and be able to use them to help your mastering. I demonstrate using the VBC to compress the mix. Many types of compressors can be used and multi band compressors are often used too. The aim here is the change the sound stage, "glue" things together and add some warmth. Immediately I was fooled by an increase in volume but after tweaking some dials it started to work. The threshold was adjusted until I could hear some gentle compression (I can't remember what the screen was reading but I try not to look at the screen. I kept a slow attack so that the snare wasn't being crushed, I adjusted the release to make it quicker so that it was more open and didn't feel heavy. Then I adjusted the High Pass Filter to make sure that the Kick and Bass were not being compressed (turned down). This final step really opened the song back up. Please listen to the compression again and hear how the bass becomes HUGE after I turn the HPF Dial on the right! The reality is that there are not many "go to settings" that work for all mastering situations. It's important to practise and get comfortable with the tools. 5)LOUDNESS- well sort of.. Mastering for online streaming makes life easier for us these days, we don't need to slam tracks super loud to be heard! When exporting, check what the sites are currently asking for, sometimes these details change but most are asking for a 24 bit Wav file.

[@mattwave1251]

Can you support my label?

[@tsongyt7539]

In The Mix WOW This tips helps me with my big problem👏👏 thank you for this..cause i spend most of my time in mastering

[@Youssofhatemmusic]

8:24 you say that some rumble under 20 hertz are created and u can hear them because your headphones go to 5 hertz down but humans can hear starting from 20 hertz :D so i am confused

[@la1ce]

I should listen to loud "asses"?! :O

[@cashmir8495]

Youssof hatem No headphones go down to 5hz, end of the story

[@jjwhittle8873]

"Often people push it a bit too loud" - understatement of the decade

[@gregoryamato858]

of the millenium

[@bhaiagrlefthendmyhotoxkane163]

Sir I. M from Pakistan can you made my song master please reply my Punjabi commercial style song I sing

[@SpritelySolutions]

Is funny though because the producers that push it hard are also the dance electronic ones that can, but also the type that use tools like ozone. Recently with the lufs levels automatically set to -14, i think that gradually the overall loudness wars will be shaved off a bit. I throw mine at -10 though, but the preset is -14 for the click one button mastering assistant. Is good news for loudness wars.

[@KodiaxeMusic]

If your neighbors aren’t calling the police it isn’t loud enough.

[@phutran2006]

Hi what DAW software are you using? Thanks

[@zeSpammmmmer]

i've been producing music for 25 years or so now, and you're one of the (very) few i have come across with, who mention what i consider the most important key: being creative and in the right set of mind, when post producing or mastering. thanks for highlighting that up. great video, well detailed and explained.

[@inthemix]

Thanks for the kind words. It really is so important and it's something I totally missed out for a year or two, I was just doing the motions. It's vital to be really into the project :)

[@zeSpammmmmer]

absolutely! mastering could be just as thrilling as composing, and in some ways, even more rewarding. again, really good video you did there, thumb'd up and sub'd.

[@MrFree-vj8qj]

So you have to be creative?? Who knew, its hard to explain people being awe when generic stuff is thrown at them

[@ELLIOT8209]

@@inthemix I was hoping you'd elaborate on the dynamic range and which ballpark number is good

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

@@ELLIOT8209 That's more to do with the mix and making sure sounds don't clash.

[@krishnachoudhari.youtube]

It's astounding that someone is willing to share their knowledge and technique, and be so thorough with it, for free. Thankyou good sir.

[@evilgirl2006]

2M views on a 22 mins video, that's more money than paid lessons.

[@LouisTursi]

“I mean no disrespect to professional mastering engineers...” You mean to tell me there’s people better at this stuff than this guy?

[@bigxrecords7375]

Yeah believe it or not there is

[@kurogotbeats]

yes it’s called people who took years in college and had been doing this for many years

[@aabc]

obviously this guy just showed 4 basic steps eq comp limiting lol real mastering chains are much bigger and better containing multiband compression/dynamic eq to stereo adjustments .. this video just covers the surface

[@LouisTursi]

@@aabc Well yeah, but that’s the idea. This guy may only be covering the surface, but goes into so much detail that he does a really good job of making himself look like a professional. He may not actually be one, but he certainly knows what he’s doing.

[@aabc]

@@LouisTursi umm sorry to say ur wrong u will realise this after some time when u gain some experience that he doesnt really go into much detail .. but yeah he definetly does a good job of explaining it simply to begineers

[@ConReising]

This is seriously the best mastering tutorial on KZbin.

[@Tjejify]

I really enjoy how organic and sincere your videos are. I always learn alot!

[@xanderneal6856]

I guess hazy made you salty XD

[@Tjejify]

@@xanderneal6856 Bitch I fucking love hazy😏

[@SoulPapiii]

🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@RAF700]

Never learned so much in just one video, you've got my respect. Very good presentation along with your coherent explanation of everything.

[@titrecords2294]

Man you’re like a music production professor 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 I love your videos

[@stevejobs7766]

I got confidence..... You are a person who helps people honestly...... Thank you Mike.... Brad get well soon......

[@slurpeexyza17]

It's actually really insane how much I've learned from you in terms of production! THANK YOU!

[@cwcpants140]

SP-AN SPectrum ANalyzer I cracked the code boys, let's pack up and go home. Mission complete.

[@keinstress3647]

King

[@emojiwastaken]

underated comment

[@elchikoriko592]

In Ableton it's called "Spectrum" - how boring.

[@urphakeandgey6308]

Lol, I was wondering this the other day when it clicked.

[@vuks-fj7fl]

No more mastering required, we cracked the code.

[@Manoj0501541]

I've been watching your videos for like an year and they have helped me through everything, well mostly everything. Trust me, you are doing a great job.

[@inthemix]

Tushaar Malik Thank you very much :)

[@DJSalera]

New to all of this myself - this is the first moment I feel like I've understood mastering at all despite watching a lot of content on the subject. Thank you!

[@jimmyroyal34]

You are the best teacher I have ever had. This mastering video is by far the clearest and most enjoyable to watch. Those 20 minutes of video took me to a better level compared to the many other boring and much longer videos I have seen before. You don't just speak technical jargon but you speak to us as humanly as possible, reminding us that mastering is a musical creation process in the same way as the mixing process. Thank you very much for being the person you are and surely like many others, I have a deep admiration for your work. My subscription to your channel was instantaneous and I will pay special attention to all your previous and future videos. Long live to your channel and especially you.

[@balintglovacs4696]

Perfect timing, I'm about to finally master my track

[@inthemix]

Bálint Glovács Good Luck :)

[@raushankumarh3603]

Bálint Glovács ji

[@bhaiagrlefthendmyhotoxkane163]

Sir I. M from Pakistan please u make my song master I. M singer Punjabi commercial sikh style

[@sickduck6921]

Eyy send me a link

[@jefethlopez6151]

I really appreciate how much work you put into your videos. Can't thank you enough.

[@gkillmaster]

You've managed to synthesize years of experience and knowledge into a very concise and clear tutorial and I am the beneficiary and I completely appreciate that so much. Thank you!

[@sandwich-breath]

Great introduction to mastering! Your A/B comparison between the mixes really shows the benefit of backing the volume off when mixing, especially when listening for the impact of the snare and kick.

[@myliebiii]

"nobody hear if you used compressor or not, so you must just like what you hear.." gold

[@jaypanthem2282]

Thanks Mike! 🙇‍♂️🙏

[@lara-lg4by]

No problem 😂☺

[@m.a.sbeats6085]

this guy is amazing.

[@Symbia]

Youre so calm, charming and presentable. Blessed

[@GrizDrummer25]

This just helped me sweeten the final mix for my drum covers. Thanks! Fantastic instruction!

[@wolvyskoll]

your voice is suspiciously soothing

[@bangladesh6027]

This video was my introduction to your channel and it's made a very good impression. Very well thought out with clear and concise explanations and examples. Very well done.

[@lukeplays1019]

Amazing video. I´d never realised how important the mastering process was. Thanks for another great video

[@Deifaktre]

This is brilliant mate, exactly what I needed to know about. I'm away to get busy with loudness and compression :)

[@bobbylucas8334]

This was super helpful and well explained, plus exactly what I need right now - Thank you!

[@inthemix]

Bobby Bey No worries Bobby :)

[@kin9255]

I've learned so much from you, honestly, in my opinion you are the best producer on youtube, the amount of knowledge you have is extraordinary. Well done!

[@woodyoulove-reynaldguibone6890]

437K subs is injustice with this video production. It's detailed and professional. He really knows what he is talking and what to do next, step by step. I have watched your videos and really helps me a lot. Thank you so much!

[@benmcinnes8561]

Great video mike You inspired me to make music

[@deltanebula8622]

Might you consider doing a series on critiquing/giving feedback on people's mixes or masters on their original songs? I feel like I've improved my mixing significantly since I started watching your videos, but I'm not sure my song is quite ready for mastering.

[@inthemix]

Delta Nebula So many people have asked for this that I think I'll have to start this somehow. Many on KZbin live or something

[@thedevilsadvocate5210]

You can call it "My Mix is Better than Yours"

[@giacomorossetti2608]

Bro this vid just opened my eyes, im planning to produce and make songs but i don't have a good master knolwdge, this video opened my eyes and explaned what mastering is. Conitnue doing these vids ur the best

[@godofspacetime333]

Amazing video, I learned a good bit. Especially that part about the LUFS values and optimizing for uploading to streaming services. I had no idea. They’ve finally ended the Loudness War!

[@enkeegch]

I watched the full ad cuz u deserve it. Thanks to your quality content I’ve learned sooooo sooo much and it saved me so much time ❤️

[@zoksa3890]

This video has helped me soooo much. I've always struggled in mastering my beats. After watching this video, I downloaded the free plugins and already see a huge difference in my mastering process! Not to mention all the useful tips you gave in this video, thanks man!

[@inthemix]

zok sa Wow that's so great to hear! I wish you the best luck with your music and mastering :)

[@Block_Miners]

These five steps are exactly what I was looking for, I spent about a year searching for an answer now I got it! Thank you

[@vjcasagrande]

It just amazes me how well you can explain anything! Thank you so much for the awesome content!

[@arnaudvanassche8242]

Yesss! Just when I finished my new remix! 🔥

[@swstkmusicx909]

same here brother...Just completed a new remix!

[@cosmo5179]

Same here! I'm remixing my album of 2006 ;)

[@Red-mq2no]

Your tutorials are a goldmine. Everything is super concise and helpful. Thanks +subscribed!

[@inthemix]

Thank you so much. I really appreciate the support

[@LucasEvergreen]

About a year or two late, but I just found your video and I gotta say it's been incredibly helpful. I couldn't figure out why my tracks sounded great in my headphones but not on my phone's speaker, and balancing the volume really made a difference. Quality video, straight to the point, I'd give you a cookie if I had one.

[@davidcollins59]

Brilliant vid, so well explained. My mastering is slowly getting better. Thanks :)

[@wvlf626]

Me listening to my song: Jesus this sounds aweful. Him: Be happy with your Mix. :V

[@ordinarycitizenn]

😂😂

[@okkedorrestijn1714]

Lmao ikr

[@JohnPaulBuce]

me all the time, but nvm ill just release it

[@seanknox8962]

Be happy with yo mic Lol

[@MicroDotTV]

exactly Michael- that is what most artists do today, they have professionals take care of that :)

[@kamalakbar5439]

Thank you Chris. I really appreciate it and that was exactly what I was trying to do. No fuss and helping people get on with what they need

[@boxie13]

I was just asking myself where to take my loop and randomly picked this video....talk about accidentally turning to the right page in the text book. I appreciate what you do so much!

[@justinmcchristion7132]

This popped up for me right when I was getting ready to master my new song. Definitely got a sub from me man

[@VampAngel1111]

WOW, you are a freakin’ genius (and you explain things EXTREMELY Well)! I started with your muddy mix/fix video and then moved on to this one. I am a songwriter with a computer full of great tools (not someone who is an engineer and knows how to use them). Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge! Because of you my song has gone from COMPLETELY LAME to maybe something worthy of listening to! I fixed my mix (with Izotope TBC, thanks for that too, I didn’t even know that it existed). I will also tinker and master it myself (based on this info). However, I do have an EXCELLENT person to master it for me (who has won four Grammys for her work). So, now when I send her this mix (thanks to you) I won’t be sending her a pile of poop this time! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! 😁😁😁👍👍👍

[@HappilyAnonymousGirl]

Thank you for this super helpful video. I appreciate you taking the time to explain so much to us for free, and in such great detail.

[@jamesquinn8958]

These videos are very helpful. Thank you for taking the time to make these vids to help us fellow musicians. Much love!

[@markesch9243]

I do Metal-Music. These steps are so versatile, that i think you can use those techniques on any genre. It really helped me a lot finding my mix and master. Thank you very much for breaking it down for us mere humans.

[@chenugent]

This man’s voice is eargasmic

[@solectronicproductions]

Your tutorials are amazing! They are so detailed. Thanks a lot! 💯

[@maria_remedios]

This might be the best, most comprehensive video I've watched on this topic.

[@chamodwijenayake2832]

Amazing man

[@princeskyes781]

Nice This Is Helpful👌

[@sean_ross]

Such a refreshing tutorial on mastering. Well done man!

[@Hidenblade228]

I love tutorials like this! Great job man, thanks a lot, thumbs up

[@maxstone4823]

Nice video man! I make music of the Future House genre and you helped me out a lot. Thank you man :)

[@GiuseppeCasey]

Dude you should be a lecturer at a top music school you're so easy to listen to and understand

[@TheChicoBloxer]

tf we have the same full name

[@GiuseppeCasey]

We should make a club

[@TheChicoBloxer]

@@GiuseppeCasey We should.

[@dallaswalkeriii1339]

I love your teaching by the way, and I've finally decided to make you one of my top sources for information going forward! Thank You!

[@alex_romane_]

Absolutely brilliant tutorial man! I use Reason 9 so frequency filter/cut-offs etc are done in the mix [per channel] pre-mastering but it's the same result. I Love your techniques, explanation, & principals and above all; I LOVE so much that you encourage people to play/experiment so as to learn. Really good video and so well presented too. All the best!

[@DaltonRimmerGTO]

When you export the mix track to be mastered as in this video - do you have by processing on the mix bus of the mix , such as limiters etc or do you save all of that for this mastering process ?

[@MIO9_sh]

_when you can afford all those plugins_

[@bruhology6437]

I sure can't I cant even afford steam games lol

[@RMMusicStudioSimranbrar]

no need to buy them get a cracked version better. 😁

[@tobibecker5723]

In corona times there are a lot of sales for them

[@1eeliaas911]

Cracks

[@Covers-and-Commentary]

2 are free

[@malyhuncut]

I'm just starting witf FL Studio and I didn't get many of things u mentioned. But still I can see that your videos are simply, clear and they catch the point. Keep up the great work💪💪

[@RK-ec5ms]

Brilliant breakdown and illustration of loudness especially, and the loss of dynamics that actually occurs. The aim for me right now, is to be as loud as other commercial productions so that it is at the same volume when say, played in a car stereo, and yet with dynamics preserved. Thanks for posting.

[@worldofstrings]

great stuff!! I just wanted to ask are there any requirements are specifications that must be met in mastering for radio play? thanks!

[@timwedgewood5496]

Firstly, a big thank you for all of these videos Mike, your explanations and simple quality of everything you put out has been a huge help! Secondly, and this goes to either you or anyone else out there, I'm looking at the Arturia Keylab keyboard you have there and I'm contemplating getting the MKII when it's released soon but I've heard so many negative things about Arturias products. I was just curious how your experience has been? Have there been any issues/regrets with the purchase or do you think I should feel pretty safe investing in one? A bit off topic but I saw them in this video and thought I'd ask but again, terrific work, thanks!

[@inthemix]

Tim Wedgewood Hi, thank you very much. The only issue I've had is getting one of the preset scroll wheels to work which Isn't really a problem for me and the price point. I feel that they are slightly overpriced for what they are but they do look very clean and elegant. I feel that each product should be about 10-20% cheaper

[@timwedgewood5496]

I hadn't heard of that problem but I will keep that in mind and hopefully it's been ironed out in the second iteration, thank you! :)

[@developingmind3739]

Thank you very much for this channel. It helps me alot taking my first steps!

[@Rctm13]

Really appreciate this, you're the man 🙏🏾👌🏾