INTRODUCTION TO MASTERING

Mastering is the final step in the music production process and it is crucial for ensuring that a track sounds polished and professional. It involves a combination of technical and creative processes that enhance the overall sound of the track and prepare it for distribution. 

Some of the key elements of mastering include: 

1. Volume Adjustment: The use of a limiter to adjust the overall volume of the track. This ensures that the track will be loud enough to compete with other commercially released tracks, but also prevents it from becoming distorted. 

1. EQ: Adjusting the balance of frequencies in the track to enhance certain elements and reduce others. This can be done using EQs that boost or cut specific frequency ranges. For example, a boost in the low end can give the track more bass and a boost in the high end can make the track sound brighter. 

1. Compression: Reducing the dynamic range of a track, which is the difference between the loudest and quietest parts of the audio. This can make the track sound more consistent and cohesive. 

1. Stereo Field: Enhancing the spatial aspect of the track using stereo wideners and panning to give the track a sense of depth and width. This creates a more immersive listening experience. 

1. Harmonic Excitement: Using tools such as saturation, tape emulation, and transient shaping to add warmth, character, and excitement to the audio. 

1. Final Formatting: Finalizing the format of the track for distribution. This can include dithering and bit depth reduction, inter-sample peak detection, and ensuring that the audio meets the technical specifications for the desired format (e.g. CD, streaming, vinyl, etc.) 

In terms of VSTs (Virtual Studio Technology) for mastering, some of the best options include: 

• Ozone by Izotope: A comprehensive mastering suite that includes a wide range of tools for EQ, compression, reverb, and more. 

• Fabfilter Pro-L 2: High-quality limiter with a transparent sound and versatile control options 
• Waves L1 Ultimatum: A versatile limiter that can be used to achieve a wide range of loudness levels. 
• iZotope Neutron 3 Advanced: A comprehensive mixing and mastering suite that includes tools for EQ, compression, and stereo field adjustment. 
• UAD Precision Limiter: A high-quality limiter that emulates the sound of hardware limiters. 
• T-RackS 5 by IK Multimedia: A comprehensive mastering suite that includes a wide range of tools for EQ, compression, and more. 

• Waves SSL 4000: A collection of plug-ins that emulate the sound of the legendary SSL 4000 mixing console. 
• Brainworx bx_masterdesk: A mastering suite that includes tools for EQ, compression, and stereo field adjustment. 

It is important to note that different VSTs may work better for different genres and types of music, so it is important to experiment with different options to find what works best for you. In addition, it is essential to have a good understanding of how to use these tools and how they affect the sound of the audio.