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Mastering Your Music: Stereo Imaging and Reference Mastering

Reading time: 8 minutes

Welcome to the final part of our professional mastering guide, straight from Sydney’s leading music production school. If you’re just joining us, be sure to check out Parts 1 and 2 to get the full picture. In this tutorial, we’ll master the art of stereo imaging and learn the exact techniques used on What So Not’s releases for referencing and final quality control.

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Stereo Imaging: The Art of Space

A wide stereo image can create an immersive listening experience, but timing is everything. While dramatic stereo effects are best handled during mixing, mastering offers an opportunity for refined enhancement using our phase-coherent multiband imaging tool.

Stereo imaging frequency bands diagram

Frequency Bands:

  • High Band (Air): 5kHz – 22kHz
  • High/Mid Band: 1kHz – 5kHz
  • Mid Band: 22Hz – 1kHz
Pro Tip: Use automation on the Global Stereo macro to enhance specific sections of your track. Creating contrast between sections can make your drops feel massive!

Reference Mastering: Your Reality Check

Professional mastering isn’t about working in isolation – it’s about ensuring your track stands alongside the best in your genre. The Gain Match feature lets you make fair comparisons without being fooled by volume differences.

Reference mastering setup diagram

Pro Tip: Take regular breaks! Critical listening is mentally demanding – fresh ears make better decisions.Note: The reference track used is part of the same EP as the demonstration master. The two songs will be presented as a body of work together.

I am switching between the two, listening for perceived loudness in the lows, mids and highs. I adjusting the ‘Gain Match’ macro as needed.

Final Checks and Export

Essential Checks:

  1. Mono Compatibility:
    • Use Soul Checker for final phase verification
    • Check for element balance in mono
  2. Volume Spectrum:
    • Listen at high volume for distortion
    • Check at low volume for balance
    • Verify at conversation level for detail
  3. Reference Comparison:
    • Final A/B with gain-matched reference
    • Compare with unaltered pre-master

Final Thoughts: The Path to Mastering Mastery

Mastering is both a technical skill and an art form. While these tools and techniques provide a solid foundation, true mastery comes through understanding how each decision affects your music’s emotional impact. Remember: great mastering should enhance your track’s soul, not bury it under processing.

Mastering might feel like staring up at a sheer mountain face, but there’s always a gradual path around the back that leads to the summit. With patience, practice, and a willingness to learn, you’ll find your way.

– Alex SUB-human

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