Top 10 Mastering Tips!

Are you somewhat new to mastering and ready to take it to the next level? In this mastering video course, veteran Groove3 instructor Larry Holcombe will show you 10 must-know tips and ideas for transforming your masters quickly. Not only will you learn crucial concepts like creating a solid low end and suppressing resonances, but you'll also get several workflow tips that will start to save you time and get results right away! By the end of the course, you'll be able to implement all these concepts in your very next production. These videos are designed for those looking to improve the sound and efficiency of their masters.

Videos

• Utilize Saturn 2 for Modulated Mastering Saturation (10:19) - To begin, we see how to utilize Saturn 2 for controlled, dynamic saturation in the mastering chain.

• Mix to the Same Level to Recycle Mastering Chains (03:32) - Next, we discuss aiming for the same master levels each time for easy master chain swaps. This is a workflow tip to speed up your mastering process.

• Work on the Side Frequencies (10:50) - In this video, we demonstrate soloing and working on just the side frequencies. We can work on mid and side separately and utilize dynamic EQ alongside static EQ.

• Work with Spectral Processing for a Smooth High End (07:38) - Next up, we employ Soothe2 to reduce spikes in the high frequencies for a smoother, rounded high end.

• Keep Your Low End Mono and in Phase (05:48) - This video focusses on keeping the low end in phase and solid. We demonstrate making the low frequencies mono to achieve this.

• Suppress Resonances for a Cleaner Master (06:41) - Here, we demonstrate using Pro-Q 4 to negate a muddy master by using dynamic EQ to add punch and tame muddy areas.

• Don't Over-Compress the Sides (06:39) - We utilize Pro-C 2 in mid/side mode next to create a solid up-front midrange alongside an uncompressed side band. This prevents too much reverb and delay being boosted, which can change the balance of the mix.

• Clipping (04:57) - We discuss clipping next, which is important to prevent over-working our mastering limiter. This allows us to keep our mastering more transparent.

• Low-End Groove Recovery (03:25) - Often, limiting tends to change the groove between bass and kick. Using a plugin such as Low End Focus allows us to rebuild some of the groove between low-end elements.

• Enhancing Drops (03:20) - Finally, we automate the limiter threshold to ensure breakdowns are airy and drops have maximum impact.