Groove3 Top 10 Mastering Mistakes to Avoid TUTORiAL-HiDERA

HiDERA | 4 July 2025 | 175 MB
Join veteran Groove3 instructor Larry Holcombe for a video course on the tricky subject of mastering. If you've started to get your feet wet in the mastering domain but still aren't sure of the best process(es), you're in the right place. It's certainly possible to do more damage than good if you don't know what you're doing, and this mastering course aims to mitigate that from the start with 10 common pitfalls many fall into when attempting to master early on. From specific limiting strategies and ordering of plug-ins to thinking outside the box, these 10 tips will save you countless hours of mistakes and help set you on the path to success. These mastering videos are designed for those new to the subject of audio mastering.

To start off, Larry focuses on the all-important aspect of limiting, showing you how to avoid overloading a single limiter by using exaggerated threshold settings, using a clipper to shave transients off transparently, etc., all of which can help reduce the load placed on a single limiter. Then you'll see how to build a custom mid/side mastering compressor, enabling you to bring up a focused midrange while keeping the side material uncompressed and not affecting the reverb/delay tails.

Next, you'll explore the subject of static EQ and how broad tonal correction should be handled during the mixing process instead of the mastering stage, since it can too often result in other unwanted artifacts. Larry then shows you how, by applying stereo widening after the limiter has been set, we won't affect the balance and side material.

Other topics include the use of dynamic EQ in addition to static EQ (not only for frequency correction but also for affecting groove if necessary), stepping outside the mastering role when appropriate (employing automation to add micro dynamics for added excitement and movement), embracing unity gain (with the LetiMix GainMatch plug-in), limiting before clipping (for more transparent limiting), and listening environment (changing speakers/environments, taking your time, using reference tracks, etc.).

Mastering is certainly an art unto itself, but with the tools we have available today, it's never been more accessible. With the tips learned in this mastering course, you'll avoid plenty of common problems while learning proven methods that help achieve solid results time and again. See the individual mastering mistakes video tutorial descriptions for more information on everything included in this mastering course and how these tips will help transform your mastering process for the better in no time... Watch "Top 10 Mastering Mistakes to Avoid" today!

What You Will Learn:

-How to avoid overloading a single limiter by using exaggerated threshold settings and employing a clipper to transparently shave off transients.

-Building a mid/side mastering compressor to bring out the midrange without over-compressing side material and reverb/delay tails.

-Employing dynamic EQ to not only correct frequency issues but also affect the groove when needed.

-Using LetiMix's GainMatch plug-in to ensure unity gain and not be fooled by increased loudness.

-And more!