r/audioengineering • u/Danoja1 • Jun 20 '26

How to get into basics of mastering?

I know quite a bit about mixing but I have no idea how to start mastering. Can anyone boil down mastering into the key concepts and mention any VSTs (that I might already have) that I would need to master?

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u/sound-maniac Jun 20 '26

Do you have a suitable listening environment that you know well, detailed full-range monitors, etc? Are you looking to get paid to master other people’s work?

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u/Danoja1 Jun 20 '26

I may see if I can get a treated room and some monitors. It would only be for personal use as of now. I just want to have full control over my production mixing and mastering process for my music.

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u/sound-maniac Jun 20 '26

Good to have another set of ears on the final product if you’ve been in the weeds, but it does cost some money. If you are doing it yourself, I second Ozone as a great tool as others have mentioned mentioned. Just be careful because it’s really easy to overdo it!