Mastering Start To Finish: A Step by Step Guide to Loud and Clear Masters

In this video, I turned the camera on while mastering a mix to show you the steps I took to make it loud, clear and ready for release.
Initially, the peak loudness of the mix was at -0.3dB but the average loudness of the mix was too low. This meant that it sounded quiet on most playback systems and could not be turned up to a good listening level. My main objectives were to increase the average loudness without creating any audible distortion or ducking and to bring a little more excitement to the mix. I also listened critically to ensure there were no issues or edits missed.
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►The song is called "Say A Lot With Light" by The Workday Release. Listen to the final master here on KZbin: bit.ly/30Ern8x
► Download the mix! You can download part of the mix to test out these techniques and hear it in full quality. The artist has kindly allowed me to share part of the mix file with you. This involved getting permission from the label too, so we ask that you use it for educational purposes and do not re-upload the song. Thank you so much!
Download here: bit.ly/educationalmix
🌍 My Website / Contact / Hire me - michaelwynneaudio.com
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►Gear I am using and more notes:
Interface: Lynx Hilo
Headphones: Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro
Speakers: PSI A23-M
DAW: FL Studio 20 (all daws can do this, free or paid)
Plugins: You can use any EQ and limiter. I chose the Youlean Loudness meter (free), Ozone Vintage Limiter, EQ and Maximiser.
Q) Why are you not using more scopes and analysers?
A) I have some more scopes on my interface but when you get used to listening on a good system, your ears can pick out the issues more easily.
Q) Why are you not using analogue gear or "analogue" plugins?
A) I love using both but I felt this mix did not need any more analogue character!
Q) Do you master using headphones?
A) I use the Beyerdynamic DT1990 when mastering, especially for final checks.
Many engineers push for higher sample rates such as 96kHz or 192kHz to try and give the impression of higher quality. Higher sample rates often lead to lower quality. This is due to intermodulation distortion caused by inaudible frequencies.
Unless the AD/DA converters are world class and you have an incredible playback system capable of reproducing 0Hz-96kHz with almost zero distortion then higher sample rates than 48kHz will offer no improvement to your recordings, mixes and masters. Oversampling inside plugins is a different discussion entirely, as this is a digital process and often does lead to better results. TL;DR: Higher sample rate does not equate to higher quality of music.

[@inthemix]

Remember to download the files and follow along if you want to :) ►The song is called "Say A Lot With Light" by The Workday Release. Listen to the final result on Spotify: spoti.fi/3edCPQs

[@ZakOnTheBeatProductions]

Thanks alot bro Much love for you BeatMaker from IRAQ ❤️

[@artrasj]

Pls can I get ur mail ✉. U have really helped me

[@HolyHeartsMusic]

man i'm in love with the workday release now lol

[@Nikkie_jurnigan]

i what Stems of this song i what to know how to mix Stems

[@robertkiso2646]

@@ZakOnTheBeatProductionsMI

[@thewiseandthefoolish]

My master names: "Song 1 final final final..."

[@Prodby_duke]

Mines are: final mix 1-10 at times 😅

[@Aquiori]

😂😂😂😂 Last FINAL Final1

[@p0rc41music5]

maybefine, probablyready, fine, fineqqq, REMASTERED here lol

[@Aquiori]

@@p0rc41music5 😂😂😂😂 FINALLLLLL

[@Clever_es]

mine is master render I, II, III, IV, V and so on until its fine

[@anuragbharati6213]

You helped me A LOT brother. This is better than any paid courses out there.

[@thebebeats2527]

agreed

[@juliussharrock8943]

Absolutely ‼️

[@naamancalvin__8273]

No lie... This is definitely a good guide!!

[@zentarmusic9088]

what about simon servidas course

[@f00kwhiteblackracismwarsh07]

100%

[@KhemBoBeatZ]

7 years ago I injured both my ears from loud mixing with headphones. I stopped producing after that. In late 2019 I saw one of your youtube video mixing etc, so in 2020 i got my equipment back and started producing again. All I am saying you played a big roll to motivated me to come back to music again. Thanks again my friend. Stay strong and bless

[@JrsonMuzik]

@Splitting Time shiiiiiiit, i wanna know too. Sounds like the worst thing that could happen to a engineer. . . . .

[@katherinec4360]

@Splitting Time so I've been having issues with that lately - and it's always when I'm sound designing and I make a frequency that my ears are like BAD SOUND BAD SOUND I can feel them physically recoil. I've been working with a limiter on the master to make sure I'm not going over a certain db level, and that has helped extend my staying power and I haven't had any pain. Also, get yourself some good, musician grade earplugs for extra protection. let hardware/software protect you. I also use monitors as much as I can because it gives the sound waves some space to dilute before it hits your ears.

[@iam_aaa3025]

@@katherinec4360 Wow the same happened to me but my ears stopped freaking out once I put the sound in with the rest of the mix

[@matthewcoldheart4783]

What would DIY sound engineers like myself do without you, brother...? Can't thank you enough.

[@matthew2182]

Name-Brother! I need some help! I made my own Bill and Ted music but I recorded it on a cell phone. I'm having a problem where it sounds best played back on a cell phone but very muddy on anything else. Do you know what would cause that? I knew enough to make the recording but the rest of it is currently beyond my know-how.

[@martinmiller9885]

And now that I watched the whole video, BACK TO THE STUDIO.

[@Blondesax]

You have just the absolute right personality for these kinds of videos. You're informative and low-key, not overly sensational for the KZbin game. It's super refreshing, and I can't tell you how much I appreciate it!

[@strawberryjam2164]

"Make sure you stand up for yourself" - Can we appreciate the fact that he's not only brilliantly teaching us mixing/mastering but also gives us brotherly advices ;-; sir, you're precious

[@anasfaleia]

This is what all teachers should be like. You explain everything in such detail and with so much enthusiasm that you really make us want to learn and encourage us to try. You love deeply what you do and it shows. We really owe you everything Michael.

[@normanlove222]

Thank you so much Michael. This was great for me to watch. I knew about 60% of what you shared, but this means that I learned 40% new stuff which will make me even better. I do not see myself ever unsubscribing to your channel cause we grow as you are growing. Blessings.

[@fos_azy]

i'm so happy that you made this tutorial you're a saviour for everyone who wants to get more in depth in audio engineering thank you so so much

[@alexpon7860]

Man, you are helping a WHOLE community, can't thank you enough, keep up the great work!

[@Sykelone]

Michael, you're a gem. I've been producing for many years, mostly self taught, and the one area I've always had difficulty is Mastering. This entire video has shed so much light onto the process. You go into such detail, and none of it's sugar coated or finite, it's absolutely what I needed to hear. As The Workday Release said himself, Mastering really is a "dark art" and can, as much as a bad mix can, ruin a record if it's done too much or too little. Your entire channel has helped me massively. From one producer to another, thank you so much ♥

[@JonesBonesLMAO]

I think now would also be a nice time to make a "Full Mixing start to finish" (even if it would be an hour long i would watch it) Would really love to see it

[@King1CurtisLOLZBros]

Maybe not an hour but like 20 min edited would be dope

[@AdemolaAdeniyi]

I quite agree

[@sa-le4mj]

this!

[@janbira4768]

with waves plugins

[@anoyingnomad]

@@King1CurtisLOLZBros True mixing takes much longer as an hour. I'm down for a video too! Prefer the full process in a long video than a shorter one skipping parts etc.

[@jelenagabrilo]

michael you are so concise and trustworthy, the best out there..I'll check this video next time I'm about to do home mastering. thanks a lot.

[@valkyrierecording641]

I feel you are the Most Articulate Tutorial Engineer on the Web. I get more out of your videos than any others your techniques have raised my skill a lot! Thanks

[@sab3rofficial]

I can't thank you enough! Not only did you help me with the master but also gave me advice on how to manage and how the industry works

[@misterbigwigmusic]

This is in everyone's wishlist❤

[@coltinyocom]

I've learned so much about producing my own music from in the mix now. and honestly I feel like every video he puts out theres something great to take away from it!

[@inthemix]

Thank you so much, that’s such a kind thing to say!

[@jeanabdieldorcinvil2871]

I won't ever thank you enough...🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 Stay blessed for all this help you provide to us.🙏🏾

[@trumansienicki]

Michael, you are the BEST TEACHER ON KZbin FOR MUSIC PRODUCTION. And yes, I mean the caps. You have taught me all I know in music production, from starting in a room with a laptop to having a full on music studio. Thank you!

[@steveg4236]

Agree just a Phenomenal Tutorial Instructor that Knows the Stuff!

[@trumansienicki]

@@steveg4236 Agree! Best on KZbin!

[@BeeSquared]

I'm in love, Michael. I've bought courses that have saved this kinda thing until the very end. Your work is invaluable and I sincerely thank you for all the time you've taken to share your love of music and keep on keepin' on my man!!!!!!

[@matouskolator40]

Labelling something The final master is essentially the same thing as asking a guy in a skatepark to film your "last try".

[@joshsmith7812]

Mastering is about being objective. Why is why (not always) but 95% of the time is better to send to a mastering engineer than doing it yourself for many reasons

[@georgeespley9177]

As a skateboarder this is so true lmao

[@knlv9672]

🤣🤣🤣 The infamous words of every skater 🤣🤣🤣

[@BiggLesane]

How am I able to let 2 or more plugins open at the same time? When 1 is already open and I click on another the first one always disappears...

[@bodhisattva9762]

I used to export the 'final master' and then listen to it again after a while make a few changes then label it 'finalest master' then later 'Final master xxx' and then '100% the final master FUUUUUUCCCCC'. Now I just label then as version 1, version 2.

[@jhonguedez1294]

You are definitely one of the kindest music teachers on this platform. thank you so much for all of the tips and videos!

[@thewalker6768]

This guy /channel is my go to, no matter what question i have about music. He just has all the answers

[@HazyJ28]

Dude thank you so much. I have been mixing, mastering, vocal processing, sound designing, and Producing since 2008 and YOU HAVE TAUGHT ME MORE IN 1 YEAR THAN I LEARNED ON MY OWN IN 12. I felt very proficient with Adobe Audition (when it was known as CEP2.1), Studio One, and FL, and yet you still teach me so much. And even when you touch upon topics I'm very familiar with, I still have a blast sitting down, listening with you, and I still pick up some new tricks and tips. Thank you so much for broadcasting your experiences for us, and taking the time to explain things. IDC If you've been in the audio engineering industry for 12 months or 12 years- Micheal here is your guy and comes highly recommended. Thank you good sir.

[@JrsonMuzik]

AAAYYYE! Cool Edit Pro, maaaaaaan ,the memories. Circa 2006-2007🥲 Had one of those old school computer stick-mics n egg cartons on the walls. When my homies got the idea to tape the mic to the wall, so we could stand up, you couldn't tell us we wasn't raw!lol

[@ikedijacobs7194]

From the bottom of my heart, thank you ❤️❤️

[@blasborg]

Loved the bit about the low end shaping and paying attention to how different types of high-pass can affect the way it sounds. Another absolute banger of a video Michael... thanks for the wisdom!

[@Joelevans7]

Thanks a lot for the tutorial and for giving us the mix to experiment with. I've found that its far much better doing and hearing the difference than just listening to a mastering tutorial, and for that I can't thank you enough.

[@michaelyolch79]

How refreshing to find your channel today. THANK YOU for your remarkably calm demeanor vs. being another KZbin “character.” Well done! SUB!

[@bpxo.creations]

When i first bought FL studio i felt i made a huge mistake there was such a learning curve for me for about a month. Studying your videos for the last 2 years has made me not only love my program but learn that it has less to do with the DAW than your own ear and creativity. Always down for your insights and many of your videos i watch over again. Cheers🤠

[@izak5356]

Music production is super overwhelming for like, the first couple of years at least if not way longer than that. Good on you for keeping at it and striving to get to where you want. Am on that journey as well, feelsgood.jpeg.

[@Xernive]

hows the fl studio journey been?

[@bpxo.creations]

@@Xernive I love it so much it is definitely catered to my workflow style and I couldn't see using anything else to get the results I've been getting which are the ones I've been wanting. I don't use the program nearly to its capacity only to mine.

[@nickdefinitely9882]

This is the best mastering turtorial of all time, if there were awards for KZbin tuts this will definitely get it. Thanks man!!

[@gioscacco]

i can’t explain to you how much i needed this right NOW! it’s like you heard me and uploaded this video

[@Zarvy]

I never seen personally a mixing or mastering engineer working with fl studio. Especially comparing with industry standard. It's nice to see atleast someone is doing with fl ❤️

[@inthemix]

Honestly I see no reason why anyone is bothered which software we use. It’s amazing isn’t it? I can use a lot of different programs, it’s just a tool :)

[@bodhisattva9762]

This 'iNdUsTRy sTaNDaRd' that you talk about is redundant at this point, a lot of great mixes and masters were done in FL. It's just unfair to FL Users.

[@Zarvy]

@@bodhisattva9762 im not saying fl is bad or not suitable. I'm just saying the fact. Ofc legends using fl studio. I'm talking about mixing and mastering engineer perspective. Even in this date if you walk into any studio you'll see pro tools or rarely logic.. im so proud of Michael ,he showed we can do quality stuff in fl

[@swim_ad]

FL is great. I've been using it for years.

[@nossiro]

@@Zarvy this made me realize that FL Studio is just blender for musics, everyone likes it but professional use the industry standard (Pro Tools/Maya)

[@edskodevries]

Love that "bypass with eyes closed [not knowing anymore if it's bypassed or not]" idea! Great way to make sure you're really listening and avoiding the "I invested time in these settings" bias.

[@TiagoCarneiro_oficial]

Polished, elegant and highly skilled. Thank you so much for your teaching!

[@Shivang]

*It's already 1:00 AM here but I am watching this because I love your videos. They are so helpful* 😍😍😍😍

[@neptuneseye7832]

Me, watching this video with no idea how to mix or master: *Mm yes, Indeed*

[@Hydra2k12]

Relatable but mixing isn't too hard

[@armaan476]

@@Hydra2k12 neither is mastering if u know what ur doing . Probably more easier and faster than mixing especially if u have ton of shit to process

[@armaan476]

@@Hydra2k12 even mastering ain’t that hard if u know what ur doing probably more easier than mixing also faster especially when u have Tons of shit to process

[@amirpajuhan6426]

I’ve been watchin ur videos for a while now and it has been a wonderful experience to process little by little with every video and every step that you taught us. Thank you so much Michael, i remember I was frustrated over even using FL cuz it was so hard to understand and also the mixing, So now I can proudly say that I’m getting better at it every day thanks to you 🙏 ❤ You Are Amazing

[@mattb1568]

Ahh I’m stoked to watch this. Thank you!

[@noone_3.0]

I have a file called "final master 32" in my computer and I am not sure what it is but it still sounds bad. This tutorial will help me fix it for sure. Thanks a lot InTheMix!

[@MaNuLaToROfficial]

i uploaded that to your computer just for shits and giggles! thanks for insulting me and my track that i worked really hard on :-(

[@matuto2007]

You’re a very talented young man. My lifetime thumbs up for you.

[@naamancalvin__8273]

Thank you Michael for changing our production lives with these tutorials!!

[@senortrolls2617]

ok are you stalking me, I just finished mixing my song with your other tutorial and now you have the step by step master xD thank you

[@tiosolid]

Very helpful video! Hope you can also do one of these in the future with a more EDM oriented track just to see how your workflow and EQ changes in these cases

[@purujitkg9327]

You are the greatest, beat ever teacher sir!! PLZ CONTINUE TEACHING US LIKE THIS! Thank you for everything!!

[@adamscheco8072]

BRO, these past weeks Ive been watching most of your videos and Ive improved so much in such a short time, and when Im now starting to master everything, now you upload this. Amazing I feel like this is destiny lol

[@TOXICARTIST]

Before watching the video I liked and saved this video in my music production playlist Because I m damn sure the Michael Sir will never disappoint me😊😇😊

[@raghavgaba2731]

Can you please share the link to your playlist with me?

[@typicalmegaman]

I have exact same playlist and did the same 😂

[@Daydreamer_96]

was literally about to start mastering a track xD

[@inthemix]

Good luck!

[@Daydreamer_96]

@@inthemix thanks for the amazing content 🙌🏽

[@gurkamalsinghbhogal9043]

@@inthemix i cannot hear the changes that you are making Help me I have ath m40x

[@tuankhai982]

I really like the way you instructed, detailed and specific. I'm 22 years old but I made music when I'm 13. I didn't join any classes or any courses. Even though I tried to learn many videos on KZbin and other digitals but only when I see your channel, I can do well and find the right direction for my mix, my project. Thanks so much!

[@luismateus4629]

Your videos are really helpful. Thank you so much for all the content provided here. Keep it up!

[@JAYKOLI]

I haven't watch this yet. But I'm damn sure it's gonna be a good one. ❤🔥 Keep em' coming! 🤘

[@jurv7626]

You can link the Threshold and ceiling to hear the limiting without the volume difference

[@jamhamtime1878]

Wait, really? Thank you so much! I've just been decreasing the output gain to match the input. That's gonna be really helpful Wonder if there's a same thing with just normal compression.

[@BrandonChun]

your mastering tutorials are super helpful. I feel like a ton of "tutorials" just talk about general concepts that are helpful for mastering, but don't talk about any of the actual processing. This video helped demystify all of that :)

[@EU-iLO]

Thank goddddddd

[@deadislander]

In the Master

[@theworkdayrelease]

Underrated comment.

[@AKAtAGG]

Great video, very pleased you had an excellent mixing engineer because otherwise this video may have been a lot lot longer... The advice at the end is also amazing, I hope everyone watching this sticks around right to the end.

[@tsongyt7539]

I LIKE HOW YOU UPDATE THIS EVERY YEAR FOR ALL NEW COMERS AND BEGINNER PRODUCERS

[@theclownmusic07]

so,no one is gonna talk about how great the song is going to be

[@theworkdayrelease]

You are! Thank you!

[@theclownmusic07]

@@theworkdayrelease no problem man

[@UdumbBoi]

I swear this dude reads my mind, i was just wondering how to master wtf, this always happens

[@tojuprod.5803]

You've been a gift to my growth. Thank you!

[@erisedym4519]

Master Videos are my personal most wanted! Thank you!

[@fonzflex5608]

Everybody: this is the FINAL MASTERING TUTORIAL mike: please call it REV A

[@HernandoCruz]

Cheers from Colombia im new on your chanel

[@ordinarypablo]

como fue perrito

[@jeronimoandresaguirrecardo3985]

Bellos

[@heshuamusic]

super helpful tips. I really enjoy the content on this channel and it has supported my mixing and mastering skills. looking back at my original songs I can clearly hear the difference of my mixing in my old songs compared to now. thank you so much for creating this content, looking forward to future videos

[@hepthd5245]

Mate what a cracking video, so much not only into the physical aspect but also questioning why you're doing what you're doing instead of just doing it aimlessly. Defo need an updated studio tour ;) Respect

[@Tapepusher]

Sending masters directly on Google Drive can mess it up? Interesting that zipping can help

[@agapeleone5847]

"It will definitely not be the final master if you label it final master" 😂😂😂😂😂 funny how that works. It seems to be the case though.

[@seckinaktunc]

You are the absolute BEST! Seriously man, I love you. If your videos were from a paid course, it'd definitely be worth it. Thank you for everything.

[@coolumar335]

Another great vid, Michael. I liked your concentration on clarity and having a dynamic volume ceiling.

[@roybeatboxgondwe9432]

Michael this is my biggest problem when it comes to production

[@naamancalvin__8273]

@Ez Maz this is very good tip... It is the icing on the cake. Everything else should be done in the mix.

[@xMaSSxHyST3RiA]

Awesome awesome stuff!!! You're still the man Michael!!! Glad to see you've really made it, you really deserve it!

[@thesatya199]

Thankyouuuu I was waiting for this video

[@justinking5245]

Thank you for explaining this so clearly, and sharing these incredible resources. Fantastic, as usual.

[@marvybeats]

Yeah man you are great in what you do. I have almost one year watching your best tutorials and really my music production achieved pro levels, such as I will begin now my own fl studio tutorials ! thank you keep shining and keep going!

[@SampleMeVocalSamples]

Absolutely incredible. The knowledge and skills demonstrated in this video is inspiring.

[@MrPlaymeee]

Thank you, learned alot. Hope you bring out more of these raw videos, super chill and easy to take in :) The song was wonderful!

[@bradfordwebster3181]

Thank you for your quality work as always, Mr Mix!

[@iyadalahed9150]

real g, thanks for all this. Thanks to you I can produce and master, I hope you know that you are literally elevating people's careers. If I make success hopefully you'll be one of the inspirations

[@Proxima04]

Straight up, clear talking and genuinely helpful, thank you very much.

[@paweplinta1565]

Great. I'll have to watch it a couple of times. Thanks for the good advice

[@andrebrown4677]

Amazing Demonstration as usual.. .. Clear, Precise & To The Point! Thanks! Andre

[@paulfrancis1062]

Thank you so much for investing so much time and effort into making this really informative video. I am in the process of mastering my first recording of a jazz trio that I play in. I have learnt so much from watching this video and I will probably watch it a few times more, it is so good.

[@arthurmee]

I think your point about preparing yourself emotionally for the session by listeing to one's favourite music and getting into the mood is a good one. I've doing this helps no end.

[@jonasw6914]

Hi Michael, great video! I totally agree with the way you work. Less is often more. you adjusted just the right thing and it sounds great. 👍

[@Keeeeeeeeeeeev1]

Thanks a lot for this video! I just started to mix and master the first time and mastered my first song this weekend. With your video it was a lot of fun and I'm looking forward to my next mastering session. :)

[@_Niko11001]

You're a gift, every video is so helpful and concise.

[@sofianeKazi]

Very clear, very professional, well explained. Thanks for the quality content !

[@danieltomkinson3275]

Aaaand subscribed! This was great, really enjoyed watching your whole mastering process.

[@t.o.g1957]

I just love your videos. You explain everything so slow and easy, and it is easy to follow.

[@kevlord9]

Yes! The car test!! An absolute MUST! 🙏🎶🤘

[@hidebehindyourscreen]

You're my favorite guy for this stuff. Rock on

[@quetzalmarchiori]

Best video ever!!!!!!!! Thank you Michael for uploading the files, so maybe we can learn something, finally!!! Many thanks also to "The workday Release".

[@PorshiaVonne]

YESSSS thank you so much 😊 I’m almost done mixing so I’ll definitely use this vid step by step along with what I’ve already learned. Thanks for another mastering vid 💋

[@cakershake]

I think I speak for everyone when I say. . . . . .YAYYYYYYYY! Thank you! I've been a right lazy sod since the new year so I need this, cheers. Take care and stay safe

[@themightydrakonis1139]

22:04 Anytime I’m working on a mix, I listen to it on as many different devices as possible. I’ve found that it really helps me figure out how it’s actually sounding. I’m glad I’m not the only one that does this.

[@krizjr5746]

thanks for the vid we are grateful for the videos bro ❤️🙏

[@The0omatyo0]

WOW, been trying to leran about mastering n' this one has been for far the best teaching i had have.

[@john1543]

Hey Michael, long time fan. Just wanted to say I recently entered a remix contest and I’ve always kind of ruined or crushed my mix badly when I’ve tried to master my own stuff before, especially under time constraints which is really disappointing cos it’s a lot of work to then muck it up at the end. Anyway, for the track I just finished, I watched along this video step by step and applied all the thought processes (rather than copying the exact steps) and I’m absolutely thrilled with how the master sounds. I couldn’t have done it without you so thank you so much

[@historydocumentary]

Thanks for all the info.