08/06/2025
A Typical Mastering Chain🔥
🔹 1. Gain Staging
Before anything, make sure your mix peaks below 0dB, I recommend around -3dB.
🔹 2. EQ Correction (Surgical)
Fix resonances & harshness BEFORE shaping tone.
🧠 Tame 2 - 4kHz harshness, clean up 150 - 250Hz mud, dip boxy 600Hz.
📌 Plugin: FabFilter Pro-Q 3 (use dynamic EQ if needed)
💡 Use a high-pass side EQ cut (sides only to 120Hz) to focus low end in mono.
🔹 3. Glue Compression
Light compression to bind everything without killing the vibe.
🧠 Ratio: 2:1 | Attack: ~30ms | Release: 100ms or Auto | GR: 1-2 dB
📌 Plugin: Waves SSL G-Comp or FabFilter Pro-C 2 (Mastering mode)
🔹 4. Saturation / Excitement
Add harmonic richness, fullness, and a “finished” feel.
📌 Plugins:
Use any of these plugins.
🎞️ Waves J37 - tape warmth ----------- R&B/Pop
🔥 Saturn 2 - multiband character-------Trap / Hip-Hop
🌟 Waves Vitamin - parallel excitement -----Afrobeats
You can interchange these if you like, whatever works for you.
🔹 5. Tonal Shaping EQ (Broad)
After excitement, gently enhance tone or clarity.
📌 Plugin: FabFilter Pro-Q 3 (broad EQ)
🧠 Gently lift sides above 10kHz and midrange boost if needed.
🔹 6. Stereo Imaging (If needed)
Widen highs, keep lows mono.
📌 Plugin: Waves S1 or Ozone Imager
🧠 Widen 3 - 10kHz, keep
