8 Steps: Mastering Music With AI!

8 Steps: Mastering Music With AI!

Mastering a song with AI has become increasingly popular as machine learning tools and algorithms are now capable of analyzing and processing audio to make it sound more polished, balanced, and ready for distribution. AI-based mastering services analyze your track, apply EQ, compression, limiting, and other processes in real-time, with the goal of achieving a professional-level sound.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to master a song using AI tools:

1. Choose an AI Mastering Service

There are several AI mastering platforms available today. These services use algorithms to analyze your track and apply the necessary adjustments to make it sound as polished as possible. Some of the most popular AI mastering services include:

  • Landr (landr.com): One of the most well-known AI mastering services, offering instant mastering with several styles of processing (e.g., "punchy," "warm," etc.).
  • iZotope Ozone 10 (with AI features): iZotope's Ozone suite offers Master Assistant, a feature powered by AI that analyzes your track and automatically applies appropriate EQ, compression, and limiting.
  • CloudBounce (cloudbounce.com): Provides real-time mastering with multiple output formats, and AI-based customizations.
  • Epidemic Sound (epidemicsound.com): Though primarily known for music licensing, Epidemic Sound also offers AI-driven mastering.

Most of these platforms are subscription-based or offer per-track pricing.

2. Upload Your Track

Once you've selected an AI mastering service, the next step is to upload the song you want to master. Here’s how it typically works:

  • Format: AI mastering services usually accept WAV, MP3, or FLAC files. It's recommended to upload in the highest quality possible (e.g., 24-bit WAV) to preserve as much of the original detail as possible.
  • Track Length: Ensure the track is fully finished and mixed, as the AI mastering tools work with the final stereo mix. Don’t upload unbalanced or unedited tracks, as the AI can’t fix mix issues.

3. Select Your Mastering Settings (Optional)

Some AI mastering services give you control over the style or tone of the master. You may be asked to choose from preset mastering styles, which often correspond to different genres or types of sound:

  • Genres/Styles: Common options include "Rock," "Pop," "Electronic," "Classical," "Acoustic," etc. The AI algorithm will adjust the processing (e.g., EQ and compression) to fit the style you're working with.
  • Loudness: Choose whether you want a "louder" or "softer" master. Some platforms allow you to adjust the final loudness level to match your preferences (e.g., high dynamic range vs. competitive loudness).
  • Dynamic Range: Some platforms allow you to control the amount of dynamic range you want to preserve in the final master.

For example, iZotope Ozone's Master Assistant will ask for your preferences in terms of loudness, genre, and the feel you're going for in the final track.

4. Let the AI Analyze Your Track

Once you upload your track and select your settings, the AI will begin analyzing the audio. The algorithms evaluate the track’s dynamics, frequency balance, and overall sonic characteristics. The AI will then apply the appropriate mastering processes based on your choices and the analysis, including:

  • EQ (Equalization): Adjusting the frequency balance, enhancing certain ranges (e.g., bass, treble), and cutting unwanted frequencies (e.g., muddiness in the low mids).
  • Compression: Applying dynamic control, tightening the track’s dynamic range, and making sure loud and soft parts are balanced.
  • Limiting: Ensuring that the track’s loudest peaks don’t exceed 0 dB to avoid clipping, while maximizing the volume (loudness).
  • Stereo Imaging: Enhancing the stereo width of the track, adding depth and presence.
  • Harmonic Excitement: Adding subtle harmonic distortion to make the track more vibrant or punchy.

5. Review the Results

After the AI finishes mastering your track, you’ll usually be given a preview of the results. Here’s what to do next:

  • Listen to the Preview: Make sure to listen to the track on multiple systems (headphones, monitors, car speakers, etc.) to get a sense of how it translates. AI can sometimes overdo certain adjustments, so trust your ears.
  • Compare with the Original: Many AI platforms let you compare the mastered track with the original (unmastered) version. This gives you a clearer idea of what has changed (e.g., louder, more polished, or clearer).
  • Adjust Settings (if necessary): Some platforms allow you to tweak certain parameters if you feel the result is not perfect. For example, if the track is too bright or too compressed, you can modify the mastering settings slightly before finalizing.

6. Download the Mastered Track

Once you’re happy with the AI-generated master, you can download the final version in the format you need. Most AI services allow you to download the track in various formats, such as:

  • WAV (for highest quality, typically 16-bit or 24-bit)
  • MP3 (for web distribution, though with some loss in audio quality)
  • FLAC (lossless, for higher-end distribution)
  • AIFF (another lossless format)

7. Final Steps: Optional Adjustments

While AI mastering can give you a good starting point, it's important to review the track and make adjustments where needed. Here's what you can do:

  • Check for Clipping: Even though the AI tool will limit the track to avoid clipping, it's always a good idea to ensure there is no distortion, especially in the louder sections of the track.
  • Fine-tune Manually: After AI mastering, you might still want to apply manual tweaks using a traditional mastering plugin or DAW. You could apply a bit more EQ, adjust the stereo image, or add some manual compression if needed.
  • Test Across Different Systems: Listen on different devices to ensure the master translates well in different environments (studio monitors, car speakers, earbuds, etc.).

8. Distribution

Once you’re satisfied with the master, you can proceed with distribution. If you plan to release the track on streaming platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, etc.), make sure to check their specific loudness standards and ensure your track meets them. Some AI platforms, like Landr, even have built-in distribution services that can push your track directly to various platforms.

Popular AI Mastering Services

Here are some of the top AI mastering services you can explore:

  1. Landr:

    • Website: Landr.com
    • Features: Instant AI mastering, customizable styles, and fast turnaround. Also includes collaboration tools and distribution.

  2. iZotope Ozone 10 (Master Assistant):

    • Website: iZotope.com
    • Features: Master Assistant uses AI to analyze the track and suggest EQ, compression, and limiting. It’s great for those who want a more customized, semi-automated approach.

  3. CloudBounce:

    • Website: CloudBounce.com
    • Features: Offers real-time mastering with multiple preset options and fine-tuning parameters.

  4. Epidemic Sound:

    • Website: EpidemicSound.com
    • Features: Mastering options tailored to their music catalog, especially for content creators.

  5. BandLab:

    • Website: BandLab.com
    • Features: Offers free AI mastering with quick results, ideal for independent musicians and small projects.

Conclusion

Mastering with AI is an efficient and accessible way to get a professional-sounding track without the need for advanced mastering knowledge. While AI can handle much of the process, don’t forget that mastering is also an art form, and fine-tuning can still be essential for the best results. The AI services provide a great starting point, but always trust your ears and make any necessary adjustments to ensure your track sounds perfect on every system.

By the Stealify Team! 

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