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Audio Mastering Guide: Every Step From Mix to Master

Mastering is the last creative step before a track is released. This page links the guides we've written on each part of the process, in the order most artists need them. Read top to bottom, or jump to the topic you're stuck on.

Where to start

If you're new to mastering, start with What Is Audio Mastering?, then read Mastering vs Mixing so you know what to hand off. When you're ready to master your own track, How to Master Music Online walks through the steps.

Loudness and measurement

Targets only make sense once you know what they measure. LUFS Explained covers the numbers, True Peak Limiting covers the ceiling, and Why Your Master Sounds Quieter on Streaming covers what streaming normalization does to your master. For how loudness and dynamic range vary by genre, see Dynamic Range by Genre.

Processing

EQ in Mastering, Dynamic Range in Mastering, and The Mastering Chain, Explained cover the processing decisions in order.

Choosing a service

Compare online mastering services and free mastering tools before you decide. For vinyl, see Mastering for Vinyl.