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Audio Masterclass Professional Course in Mastering

This course covers all of the processes of mastering that are in regular use in recording studio operations. The twelve modules cover preparation for mastering, resolution of mixing errors and defects, equalization, compression, limiting, and harmonic enhancement. Applications include mastering for CD and download, meeting current market requirements for mastering, repurposing and mastering of compilations.
The course is entirely practical and is assessed solely on the learner's practical assignment work. Text and graphic support materials are provided as appropriate, and the course includes audio example files demonstrating mastering techniques.
The outcome of the course will be an enhanced level of knowledge, skills and experience in mastering techniques.
Flexible Learning
You can study the Audio Masterclass Professional Course in Mastering online or by downloading all of the course materials to your own computer. The course can be completed in 12 weeks, or you can spread it out over up to two years if you wish. You can work on the course at any time you choose, and take breaks whenever you like.
Instruction
Each of the twelve modules of this course includes a practical assignment project that you can work on in your own home recording studio using digital audio workstation software. The assignments include tasks that are typical of a professional recording environment. The challenges are tough, but full instruction is given, often with audio examples and demonstrations.
Study Methods
This is the fully-assessed version of the Audio Masterclass Professional Course in Mastering. Study centers around the practical assignment projects of the course and the assessments you will receive.
Assessment
You can submit each of your twelve practical assignment projects to Audio Masterclass for our assessment, comments and advice. Our assessments are detailed, friendly and helpful. We will tell you exactly what you are doing right, what could be better, and how you can improve. Re-submissions are welcome.
Certification
You will receive the Audio Masterclass Professional Certificate in Mastering on successful completion of the course.
Course content
Course introduction | |
Module structure | Knowledge |
Notes on file format | Knowledge |
Foundation content | |
Pre-mastering | Knowledge |
De-clicking | Knowledge |
Noise removal | Knowledge |
Topping and tailing | Knowledge |
Mastering for vinyl | Knowledge |
Level vs. noise in vinyl mastering | Knowledge |
Acceleration limiting | Knowledge |
Mistracking | Knowledge |
Vinyl side duration | Knowledge |
Relative stylus-to-groove speed | Knowledge |
The vinyl mastering engineer | Knowledge |
Mastering for CD | Knowledge |
Bit depth and sampling rate | Knowledge |
Maximum duration | Knowledge |
PQ coding | Knowledge |
Mastering for download | Knowledge |
MP3 | Knowledge |
AAC | Knowledge |
Artistic aspects of mastering | Knowledge |
EQ | Knowledge |
Dynamic range | Knowledge |
The mastering (brickwall) limiter | Knowledge |
Multiband compression | Knowledge |
Clipping | Knowledge |
Notes from a professional mastering engineer | Knowledge |
Mastering for acoustic music | Knowledge |
Check questions | Quiz |
Model answers to check questions | Quiz |
Audio examples | |
Unmastered audio | Audio examples |
Normalization | Audio examples |
EQ | Audio examples |
Compression | Audio examples |
Limiting | Audio examples |
Clipping | Audio examples |
Multiband compression | Audio examples |
Module 1: Basic mastering processes | |
Module introduction | Knowledge |
Pre-mastering | Knowledge |
Normalization | Practical assignment project |
De-clicking | Practical assignment project |
Noise removal | Practical assignment project |
Balancing channels | Practical assignment project |
Topping and tailing | Practical assignment project |
Versioning | Practical assignment project |
Intersample peaks | Practical assignment project |
Module 2: Investigation of clipping | |
Module introduction | Knowledge |
Sine wave clipping | Practical assignment project |
Drum clipping | Practical assignment project |
Clipping music | Practical assignment project |
Module 3: Equalizing the mix | |
Module introduction | Knowledge |
Mastering examples | Audio examples |
Match the frequency balance of two tracks | Practical assignment project |
Notes on preset EQ curves | Knowledge |
Module 4: Compressing the mix | |
Module introduction | Knowledge |
The loudness war | Knowledge |
Mastering audio examples | Audio examples |
Compressing the mix | Practical assignment project |
Normal compression | Practical assignment project |
Parallel compression | Practical assignment project |
Module 5: Limiting | |
Module introduction | Knowledge |
Problems with limiters | Knowledge |
Look-ahead limiting | Knowledge |
Limiting without problems | Practical assignment project |
Investigation of clipping in limiters | Practical assignment project |
Investigation of attack time | Practical assignment project |
Investigation of release time | Practical assignment project |
Module 6: Low-frequency merge | |
Module introduction | Knowledge |
Low-frequency merge in vinyl mastering | Knowledge |
Investigation of varying degrees of low-frequency merging | Practical assignment project |
Module 7: Crossfading | |
Module introduction | Knowledge |
Consistency of level | Practical assignment project |
Butt editing | Practical assignment project |
Crossfading | Practical assignment project |
Module 8: Stereo width | |
Module introduction | Knowledge |
Control of stereo width using pan | Practical assignment project |
Conversion to MS (mid-side) | Practical assignment project |
Control of stereo width using MS technique | Practical assignment project |
Super-wide stereo | Practical assignment project |
Module 9: Dropout repair | |
Module introduction | Knowledge |
Example of dropout repair | Audio examples |
Dropout repair | Practical assignment project |
Module 10: Harmonic generation and warmth | |
Module introduction | Knowledge |
Investigation of clipping for harmonic generation | Practical assignment project |
Parallel clipping | Practical assignment project |
Filtered clipping | Practical assignment project |
Compressed clipping | Practical assignment project |
Module 11: Multiband compression | |
Module introduction | Knowledge |
Example of multiband compression | Audio examples |
Band splitting | Practical assignment project |
Multiband compression | Practical assignment project |
Parallel multiband compression | Practical assignment project |
Module 12: Complete mastering project | |
Module introduction | Knowledge |
Equalization | Practical assignment project |
Fader riding | Practical assignment project |
Compression | Practical assignment project |
Harmonic generation | Practical assignment project |
Final EQ adjustment | Practical assignment project |
Limiting and normalization to a prescribed level | Practical assignment project |
Topping and tailing | Practical assignment project |
Dither | Practical assignment project |
Audio Masterclass Professional Course in Mastering

COURSE CONTENT
- Access to the Audio Masterclass Academy website
- 12 modules
- 12 practical assignment projects
- Assessment of your practical assignment work
- Two-year enrollment period
- An Audio Masterclass certificate on successful completion
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IN DETAIL
This course covers all of the processes of mastering that are in regular use in recording studio operations. The twelve modules cover preparation for mastering, resolution of mixing errors and defects, equalization, compression, limiting, and harmonic enhancement. Applications include mastering for CD and download, meeting current market requirements for mastering, repurposing and mastering of compilations.
The course is entirely practical and is assessed solely on the learner's practical assignment work. Text and graphic support materials are provided as appropriate, and the course includes audio example files demonstrating mastering techniques.
The outcome of the course will be an enhanced level of knowledge, skills and experience in mastering techniques.
Flexible Learning
You can study the Audio Masterclass Professional Course in Mastering online or by downloading all of the course materials to your own computer. The course can be completed in 12 weeks, or you can spread it out over up to two years if you wish. You can work on the course at any time you choose, and take breaks whenever you like.
Instruction
Each of the twelve modules of this course includes a practical assignment project that you can work on in your own home recording studio using digital audio workstation software. The assignments include tasks that are typical of a professional recording environment. The challenges are tough, but full instruction is given, often with audio examples and demonstrations.
Study Methods
This is the fully-assessed version of the Audio Masterclass Professional Course in Mastering. Study centers around the practical assignment projects of the course and the assessments you will receive.
Assessment
You can submit each of your twelve practical assignment projects to Audio Masterclass for our assessment, comments and advice. Our assessments are detailed, friendly and helpful. We will tell you exactly what you are doing right, what could be better, and how you can improve. Re-submissions are welcome.
Certification
You will receive the Audio Masterclass Professional Certificate in Mastering on successful completion of the course.
Course content
Course introduction | |
Module structure | Knowledge |
Notes on file format | Knowledge |
Foundation content | |
Pre-mastering | Knowledge |
De-clicking | Knowledge |
Noise removal | Knowledge |
Topping and tailing | Knowledge |
Mastering for vinyl | Knowledge |
Level vs. noise in vinyl mastering | Knowledge |
Acceleration limiting | Knowledge |
Mistracking | Knowledge |
Vinyl side duration | Knowledge |
Relative stylus-to-groove speed | Knowledge |
The vinyl mastering engineer | Knowledge |
Mastering for CD | Knowledge |
Bit depth and sampling rate | Knowledge |
Maximum duration | Knowledge |
PQ coding | Knowledge |
Mastering for download | Knowledge |
MP3 | Knowledge |
AAC | Knowledge |
Artistic aspects of mastering | Knowledge |
EQ | Knowledge |
Dynamic range | Knowledge |
The mastering (brickwall) limiter | Knowledge |
Multiband compression | Knowledge |
Clipping | Knowledge |
Notes from a professional mastering engineer | Knowledge |
Mastering for acoustic music | Knowledge |
Check questions | Quiz |
Model answers to check questions | Quiz |
Audio examples | |
Unmastered audio | Audio examples |
Normalization | Audio examples |
EQ | Audio examples |
Compression | Audio examples |
Limiting | Audio examples |
Clipping | Audio examples |
Multiband compression | Audio examples |
Module 1: Basic mastering processes | |
Module introduction | Knowledge |
Pre-mastering | Knowledge |
Normalization | Practical assignment project |
De-clicking | Practical assignment project |
Noise removal | Practical assignment project |
Balancing channels | Practical assignment project |
Topping and tailing | Practical assignment project |
Versioning | Practical assignment project |
Intersample peaks | Practical assignment project |
Module 2: Investigation of clipping | |
Module introduction | Knowledge |
Sine wave clipping | Practical assignment project |
Drum clipping | Practical assignment project |
Clipping music | Practical assignment project |
Module 3: Equalizing the mix | |
Module introduction | Knowledge |
Mastering examples | Audio examples |
Match the frequency balance of two tracks | Practical assignment project |
Notes on preset EQ curves | Knowledge |
Module 4: Compressing the mix | |
Module introduction | Knowledge |
The loudness war | Knowledge |
Mastering audio examples | Audio examples |
Compressing the mix | Practical assignment project |
Normal compression | Practical assignment project |
Parallel compression | Practical assignment project |
Module 5: Limiting | |
Module introduction | Knowledge |
Problems with limiters | Knowledge |
Look-ahead limiting | Knowledge |
Limiting without problems | Practical assignment project |
Investigation of clipping in limiters | Practical assignment project |
Investigation of attack time | Practical assignment project |
Investigation of release time | Practical assignment project |
Module 6: Low-frequency merge | |
Module introduction | Knowledge |
Low-frequency merge in vinyl mastering | Knowledge |
Investigation of varying degrees of low-frequency merging | Practical assignment project |
Module 7: Crossfading | |
Module introduction | Knowledge |
Consistency of level | Practical assignment project |
Butt editing | Practical assignment project |
Crossfading | Practical assignment project |
Module 8: Stereo width | |
Module introduction | Knowledge |
Control of stereo width using pan | Practical assignment project |
Conversion to MS (mid-side) | Practical assignment project |
Control of stereo width using MS technique | Practical assignment project |
Super-wide stereo | Practical assignment project |
Module 9: Dropout repair | |
Module introduction | Knowledge |
Example of dropout repair | Audio examples |
Dropout repair | Practical assignment project |
Module 10: Harmonic generation and warmth | |
Module introduction | Knowledge |
Investigation of clipping for harmonic generation | Practical assignment project |
Parallel clipping | Practical assignment project |
Filtered clipping | Practical assignment project |
Compressed clipping | Practical assignment project |
Module 11: Multiband compression | |
Module introduction | Knowledge |
Example of multiband compression | Audio examples |
Band splitting | Practical assignment project |
Multiband compression | Practical assignment project |
Parallel multiband compression | Practical assignment project |
Module 12: Complete mastering project | |
Module introduction | Knowledge |
Equalization | Practical assignment project |
Fader riding | Practical assignment project |
Compression | Practical assignment project |
Harmonic generation | Practical assignment project |
Final EQ adjustment | Practical assignment project |
Limiting and normalization to a prescribed level | Practical assignment project |
Topping and tailing | Practical assignment project |
Dither | Practical assignment project |