Every master is different, and should follow the direction of the mix. But a reliable order of operations - a checklist that evolves over time with experience and technology - keeps a session focused. Treat what follows as a loose guide. The process matters far less than the result: if it sounds good and translates on every system, it is professional quality.
An order of signal processors
This is a "worst case" chain - everything that might be needed. Most masters need far less.
- Reductive (digital) EQ - always first.
- Mid/side reduction or summation - adjust the mono and stereo balance.
- Bus compressor as conditioner - a classic console-style bus compressor adding texture with little or no gain reduction.
- Saturation - natural, analogue-style harmonic colour.
- Compression - mix-bus, multiband or mid/side compression for dynamic control.
- Multiband exciter - harmonics in specific bands.
- Stereo imaging or multiband mid/side - refine the stereo picture.
- Additive EQ or multiband upward expansion - gentle boosts, often analogue-style.
- De-essing or subtle multiband reverb - smooth harshness or fill in missing space.
- Maximizer / true peak limiter - always last.
Exceptions
- Any step can happen at any time, in any order. Metering happens throughout - and must be checked again at the end, before exporting.
- Any step can be left out. Use as few processors as possible.
- Repair work - redistributing the premaster's frequency content, initial trimming - belongs on the premaster channel, before the chain.
Eleven steps to finish any master
- Maximizer first. Add it at the end of the chain straight away and set it to roughly match the loudness of your reference. Now every decision you make is heard at a realistic level.
- Reductive EQ. Remove unnecessary frequencies - such as rumble below the lowest fundamental. This reinforces the real sub, takes pressure off the maximizer and gives cleaner loudness.
- Mid/side processing. Adjust the relationship between mono and stereo content.
- Bus compressor as conditioner. Adds a consistent texture; it should not be audibly compressing.
- Natural saturation - adds movement.
- Digital saturation - adds excitement, if needed.
- Compression - ties the saturation stages together and controls dynamics.
- Multiband exciter - adds harmonic energy to specific bands.
- Mid/side refinement - readjust the stereo balance after processing.
- Additive EQ or upward expansion - lift specific high-frequency points naturally.
- De-essing or multiband reverb - smooth harsh overtones or fill missing space.
Using all eleven would indicate a very difficult mix. The goal is to omit as many steps as you can.
Listen, then meter
Make decisions by ear first, then confirm with meters. Toggle each processor in and out at matched levels: if a processor is not clearly making the master better, remove it.
Do this now
- Build the ten-processor chain in your DAW with every processor bypassed.
- Master a premaster by enabling only what it needs, in order, starting with the maximizer.
- Write down which processors you used and why - and which you left out.
Adapted, with thanks, from the lesson notes of J.M. Brooklyn Audio Mastering.