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Using Music Mastering Software to Get a Polished, Pro-level Sound


Have you ever wondered why your tracks don’t sound like the ones on the radio or your favorite streaming platform? It might be because most commercial tracks have been professionally mastered before release. Fortunately, Sweetwater carries all the mastering tools you need to help your music sound more polished and balanced — ranging from standalone mastering software to popular mastering plugins in a variety of formats.


Even if you don't have experience in the mastering chair, popular software options like iZotope Ozone, LANDR Mastering, and Steinberg WaveLab make it easy to take your mix to the next level. Not sure where to begin your self-mastering journey? Fear not! We’ll guide you through what you need to know to choose the right mastering software for your needs.


What Does Mastering Software Do?


What is mastering anyway? Mastering is the final stage of processing music. Said another way, it's the last stage your tracks should go through before being released. The goal is to make tracks sound as good as possible across all streaming and playback devices. Not to be confused with mixing, mastering isn’t as concerned with how all the individual elements of your song sit together. It focuses on ensuring that everything is balanced and translatable in terms of tone, punch, and loudness. Mastering affects the entire track as a whole, not individual tracks. Whether you use full-featured mastering software or a mastering plug-in, the goal is the same: translate your mix to real-world playback. Remember: mastering can't fully compensate for issues in your mix, so a well-mixed track is still essential.


Control Dynamics with Mastering Compression


Do you want to gently even out the dynamics of your tracks? Look for software with compression capabilities! A dedicated mastering compressor (or compressor plugin) allows you to make the louder parts of your tracks quieter and the quieter parts louder, so you end up with a final product that feels even. If you want to get rid of uneven parts where volume rises and falls unexpectedly, compression is the way to go.


Shape Tonal Balance with Mastering EQ


Want to tweak specific frequencies? Grab software with a built-in equalizer or a trusted mastering EQ plug-in. Applied gently during the mastering process, EQ can help make your tracks sound sweeter and more tonally balanced.


Maximize Loudness with a Mastering Limiter


And for the finishing touch, look for a limiter. Limiting drives the track’s input gain, but leaves the output level below 0dB. This allows you to push the overall volume of a track up to commercial levels without distorting. Many mastering limiter plugins are designed specifically for transparent gain maximization and brickwall protection, which is ideal for approaching competitive loudness.


Refine Tracks with Audio Analysis, Stereo Widening, and Plugin Tools


Compression, EQ, and limiting are the three basic mastering tools, but we also carry products capable of much more! Many of them include analysis tools, which allow you to see what is really happening with your tracks. You can also grab mastering software or plugins that offer stereo widening, mastering reverb, stem remixing, and additional features.


Sweetwater carries an array of mastering software tools and plug-in formats compatible with both PCs and Macs (VST, AU, AAX), so be sure to choose a program and format compatible with your operating system and DAW.


Looking for Audio Mastering Software? Download from Sweetwater Today!


Ready to start mastering right away? You can! Check out one of our instant download options and start mastering from the comfort of your sofa. Of course, if you prefer a physical disk, our fast shipping will help you receive it in a timely manner. We also offer discounted academic licenses for teachers and students as well as cost-saving upgrading paths, so be sure to check your eligibility.


If you have any questions about the various features of the mastering software we offer, or whether a particular plug-in format will work with your setup, please give us a call. Our Sales Engineers are happy to help!

Why shop Mastering Software at Sweetwater.com?


With a massive selection of Mastering Software, free shipping, a free 2-year warranty, 24/7 access to award-winning support - and more - Sweetwater gives you more than any other retailer! If you have any questions about Mastering Software, make sure to give your personal Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700.