What is Mastering?

Through carefully applied compression and equalization, mastering is  the process of sonically balancing and creatively enhancing your final mixes.  When performed correctly it can take your mixes to the next level adding punch, clarity and volume while preserving the dynamic contour of each track.  When mastering a complete album, care is taken to insure that the overall color  (equalization) and feel (volume) are consistent from track to track.  Excess silence is removed and fades are adjusted where needed so that the flow from song to song is natural and pleasing.