mastering
Gaining complete control
Mastering is the final stage of audio production, where a mixed recording is prepared for distribution.
The mastering engineer adjusts overall levels, equalization, and dynamics to ensure the track sounds polished and consistent across different playback systems: The album went to mastering last week.
The term also serves as the present participle of master—gaining complete skill or control: She's mastering Mandarin, mastering the art of negotiation.
Combining into one mass
- remasteringRe-enhancing existing recordings
- equalizationMaking things uniform
- compressionForcing into smaller space
- limitingPlacing restrictions upon
sequencing · post-production · multitracking · overdubbing · crossfade · DAW · soundstage · dynamics
Skilled performance level
- expertiseSkill from extensive practice
- competenceAdequate ability to function
- learningGaining knowledge gradually
- practiceRepeated work toward mastery
training · development · improvement · progression · aptitude · knowledge · understanding · experience
Skilled manual tradesperson
- workmanshipSkill in creating objects
- woodworkingCraft of shaping lumber
- carpentryWood construction trade
- potteryFired clay objects
blacksmithing · tailoring · leatherwork · glassblowing · ceramics · weaving · metalwork · stonemasonry
Capacity for original thought
- expressionConveyed thought or feeling
- compositionArranged elements forming whole
- techniqueSkilled way of performing
- styleDistinctive way of expression
aesthetics · innovation · originality · interpretation · brushwork · palette · medium · choreography
Authoritative instruction given
- regulationOfficial rules governing conduct
- managementOrganizing and directing resources
- coordinationOrganized cooperative movement
- handlingTreatment or management
steering · manipulation · oversight · governance · modulation · calibration · adjustment · balancing
Highest rank or power
- authorityPower to enforce obedience
- powerEnergy transfer rate
- dominionAuthority to rule
- sovereigntySupreme independent authority
ascendancy · subjugation · hegemony · conquest · rule · reign · predominance · influence
mixing
Combining into one mass
- remasteringRe-enhancing existing recordings
- equalizationMaking things uniform
- compressionForcing into smaller space
limiting · sequencing · post-production · multitracking · overdubbing · crossfade · DAW · soundstage · dynamics · loudness
proficiency
Skilled performance level
- expertiseSkill from extensive practice
- competenceAdequate ability to function
- learningGaining knowledge gradually
practice · training · development · improvement · progression · aptitude · knowledge · understanding · experience · fluency
artisan
Skilled manual tradesperson
- workmanshipSkill in creating objects
- woodworkingCraft of shaping lumber
- carpentryWood construction trade
pottery · blacksmithing · tailoring · leatherwork · glassblowing · ceramics · weaving · metalwork · stonemasonry · embroidery
creativity
Capacity for original thought
- expressionConveyed thought or feeling
- compositionArranged elements forming whole
- techniqueSkilled way of performing
style · aesthetics · innovation · originality · interpretation · brushwork · palette · medium · choreography · performance
command
Authoritative instruction given
- regulationOfficial rules governing conduct
- managementOrganizing and directing resources
- coordinationOrganized cooperative movement
handling · steering · manipulation · oversight · governance · modulation · calibration · adjustment · balancing · operation
supremacy
Highest rank or power
sovereignty · ascendancy · subjugation · hegemony · conquest · rule · reign · predominance · influence · hierarchy
- audio masteringremastering, final mix, loudness, limiter, limiting
- disc burningCD burning, burning, disc image, write speed, audio CD
- media remasteringnoise reduction, digital transfer, scratch removal, format conversion
- show businessactors, actresses, directors, producers, entertainers
- achievementaccomplished, accomplishing, achieved, achievement, accomplishment
- freelance serviceslogo design, voiceover, graphic design, video editing, copywriting
masteringfailing
Flaw in one's nature
fumbling · bungling · struggling · floundering · incompetence
masteringdabbling
Shallow, casual involvement
tinkering · toying with · playing at · skimming · sampling
masteringobeying
Following directives given
serving · capitulating · submitting · surrendering · yielding
- dungeon masteringLeading tabletop role-play sessions
- game masteringDirecting tabletop roleplaying sessions
- audio masteringPost-mix sonic optimization