Quick Mastering In Ableton
by td_bnks
Music Journey Overview
Follow this step-by-step music journey to see real progress updates, challenges overcome, and practical experience.
Progress Updates (8 total)
Update #1: Quick Mastering In Ableton
This will show how I master my music using a few basic stock plugins. This template can be used by anyone, whether they're beginners or more experienced producers!
Update #2: Add basic EQ with High + Low Shelf Boost
In this case, we want to boost the high/lows of this track to remove muddiness from the low-mid frequencies and bring more clarity and presence to the overall mix.
Update #3: Add Saturation for Subtle Distortion + Texture
On this saturator, we increased the "drive" (~4.0 db) to boost the overall signal while adding distortion and texture. Subtle distortion is key here as we don't want to over distort because we will lose dynamics and clarity.
Update #4: Compress Slightly to Tame Transients / Peaks
A stock compressor with a low ratio (2:1) will control the loudest parts of the track and reduce their gain, giving us more headroom.
Update #5: Limit to Control Loudness
Limiting allows us to boost the overall loudness of the track (in this example ~8db) and prevent extreme clipping, all while increasing the perceived loudness.
Update #6: (Bonus) Add Clipper
This step isn't always necessary, but clipping can help clip any loose transients and help the mix sound more cohesive.
Update #7: (Bonus) Add Secondary Limiter
This second limiter will allow further transient control. Be sure not to increase the gain on the utility as it will lead to distortion.
Update #8: Before / After Mastering Visual
Compared to the initial mix, our master track is now louder and more cohesive which is the overarching goal of this project.