Balancing finished audio.
WHAT MIXING DOES
Balances the elements against each other.
WHAT MASTERING DOES
Prepares the finished mix for distribution, at appropriate loudness.
WHAT TO DO FIRST
Set relative levels, with nothing else applied.
WHY
Most problems people try to fix with processing are balance problems.
WHAT EQUALISATION DOES
Adjusts the level of specific frequency ranges.
WHAT TO USE IT FOR FIRST
Removing what is not needed, rather than adding.
WHAT TO REMOVE COMMONLY
Very low frequencies from voice, which carry rumble Muddiness in the lower middle, when elements are stacked
WHAT COMPRESSION DOES
Reduces the range between loud and quiet.
WHY IT MATTERS
It makes speech consistent, and helps it sit above music.
WHAT TOO MUCH PRODUCES
A flat, lifeless, breathing sound.
WHAT LOUDNESS STANDARDS ARE
Target levels platforms normalise to.
WHY THEY MATTER
Mastering louder than the target achieves nothing, since platforms reduce it, and it costs dynamics.
WHAT TO TARGET
The published figure for the destination.
WHAT TO CHECK THE MIX ON
Good headphones A phone speaker A car, if possible
WHY SEVERAL
Every system lies differently, and problems audible on one are hidden on another.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE FINALISING
Leave it, and listen again the next day.
