MASTERING a Song with ONE Plugin - Getting the Loudness Right (Start to Finish)

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will master a song using a single plugin, specifically the Musik Hack's Master Plan Mastering plugin. This guide will focus on achieving the right mastering loudness while maintaining transparency in the sound. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced mixer, you can apply these techniques to enhance your music effortlessly.

Step 1: Setting Up Your DAW

• Open your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), such as Cubase.
• Import the song you want to master into your DAW.
• Ensure that your track is properly mixed and ready for mastering.

Step 2: Applying the Master Plan Plugin

• Locate the Master Plan Mastering plugin in your effects or plugin menu.
• Insert the plugin on the master channel of your DAW.
• Familiarize yourself with the interface and settings of the Master Plan plugin.

Step 3: Adjusting the Loudness

• Use the "Loud" feature of the Master Plan plugin to increase the overall loudness of your track.
• Gradually adjust the loudness slider while listening carefully to the sound.
  • Aim for a balance where the track sounds loud but still retains clarity.
• Avoid excessive loudness that may lead to distortion or loss of dynamics.

Step 4: Fine-Tuning the Sound

• Experiment with additional settings within the Master Plan plugin.
  • Adjust EQ settings to enhance specific frequencies.
  • Use compression to control dynamic range if necessary.
• Continuously A/B test your master with a reference track to ensure it meets industry standards.

Step 5: Exporting Your Master

• Once satisfied with your adjustments, prepare to export your track.
• Select the export option in your DAW and choose the appropriate file format (e.g., WAV or MP3).
• Ensure the export settings maintain high quality (e.g., 24-bit, 44.1 kHz).

Conclusion

In this tutorial, we covered the essential steps to master a song using the Master Plan plugin. By focusing on the loudness and clarity of your track, you can achieve a professional sound with minimal tools. For further improvement, consider exploring additional mastering techniques and plugins. Happy mastering!