Uploaded June 2022 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this video, I explain some considerations about mastering, both in the context of the Clip To Zero approach, and also just in general. I pay special attention to the controversy surrounding True Peak levels, and the controversy about whether you should create separate masters for streaming platforms. I also talk about controlling harshness, and how to easily check for any potential problems with lossy codecs.
This is episode 23 in a series about how to mix for loudness, in large part by using a specific approach to gainstaging and dynamic range control that I call the "Clip-to-Zero (CTZ) strategy".
0:00 - In this video
2:50 - The mastered waveform
6:15 - Audio demo
7:15 - Don't rush!
9:08 - The harshness check
16:02 - The mono check
18:32 - The wall check
21:20 - The high check
23:00 - The sides check
24:25 - The club/SUV/car check
26:44 - "Pretty Processing" aka "Mix Candy"
31:41 - The best mastering limiter
41:16 - Why to NOT use True Peak limiting
46:43 - Why to NOT master for streaming platforms
52:04 - Proof that TP and Streaming targets are a myth
1:05:24 - Dithering and bit depth
Find all of the "Mixing LOUD with CTZ" episodes in one convenient playlist:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxik-POfUXY6i_fP0f4qXNwdMxh3PXxJx
Wondering what the CTZ Strategy is? Start with this short 17-page written guide. Find it here at docs.google.com/document/d/1Ogxa5-X_QdbtfLLQ_2mDEgPgHxNRLebQ7pps3rXewPM/edit?usp=sharing)
This is NOT paid promotion. All the tools you'll see me using or hear me mention were paid for by myself. These are just great tools that I use every day, and that I personally endorse.
If you enjoyed this video, please do me a solid and not only like the video (and subscribe to my channel), but also give me a follow on my TWO different artist accounts on Spotify! Thanks!
Baphometrix: open.spotify.com/artist/6OvuAOnVItgHAD1yuCRU8a
DubSkald: open.spotify.com/artist/5CuK2JuI8RmXjJ8ZQBOHQC
soundcloud.com/baphometrix
================
Big shoutout to niico for the amazing credit reel graphics!
Did you know that niico is also a great producer? Check out their work at:
beatstars.com/niicolondon
================
Credit reel graphics: beatstars.com/niicolondon
Credit reel music: Baphometrix
In this video, I explain some considerations about mastering, both in the context of the Clip To Zero approach, and also just in general. I pay special attention to the controversy surrounding True Peak levels, and the controversy about whether you should create separate masters for streaming platforms. I also talk about controlling harshness, and how to easily check for any potential problems with lossy codecs.
This is episode 23 in a series about how to mix for loudness, in large part by using a specific approach to gainstaging and dynamic range control that I call the "Clip-to-Zero (CTZ) strategy".
0:00 - In this video
2:50 - The mastered waveform
6:15 - Audio demo
7:15 - Don't rush!
9:08 - The harshness check
16:02 - The mono check
18:32 - The wall check
21:20 - The high check
23:00 - The sides check
24:25 - The club/SUV/car check
26:44 - "Pretty Processing" aka "Mix Candy"
31:41 - The best mastering limiter
41:16 - Why to NOT use True Peak limiting
46:43 - Why to NOT master for streaming platforms
52:04 - Proof that TP and Streaming targets are a myth
1:05:24 - Dithering and bit depth
Find all of the "Mixing LOUD with CTZ" episodes in one convenient playlist:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxik-POfUXY6i_fP0f4qXNwdMxh3PXxJx
Wondering what the CTZ Strategy is? Start with this short 17-page written guide. Find it here at docs.google.com/document/d/1Ogxa5-X_QdbtfLLQ_2mDEgPgHxNRLebQ7pps3rXewPM/edit?usp=sharing)
This is NOT paid promotion. All the tools you'll see me using or hear me mention were paid for by myself. These are just great tools that I use every day, and that I personally endorse.
If you enjoyed this video, please do me a solid and not only like the video (and subscribe to my channel), but also give me a follow on my TWO different artist accounts on Spotify! Thanks!
Baphometrix: open.spotify.com/artist/6OvuAOnVItgHAD1yuCRU8a
DubSkald: open.spotify.com/artist/5CuK2JuI8RmXjJ8ZQBOHQC
soundcloud.com/baphometrix
================
Big shoutout to niico for the amazing credit reel graphics!
Did you know that niico is also a great producer? Check out their work at:
beatstars.com/niicolondon
================
Credit reel graphics: beatstars.com/niicolondon
Credit reel music: Baphometrix
