After the mixing process is complete, mastering is the final step in audio production. This is the process of adding the final touches to the mixed audio files before they are ‘release ready’. 

Mastering engineers use a variety of effects and techniques (similar to the pre-mentioned mixing effects) to optimise the overall sound and volume to be unified across all listening devices - headphones, home and car stereos, phones, radio, computer speakers and everyday public spaces with amplified music.

Mastering is also the final process to remove any technical flaws such as pops, crackles, glitches and environmental noise captured in any prior stage of the recording and mixing process.

If you’re ready to dive in and have a go at mastering your own music, don’t miss our step-by-step guide for DIY mastering, prepared by audio engineer Tahlia-Rose Coleman - download below.