By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Create flawless masters for various distribution channels
• Synthesize mastering strategies to solve signal-processing challenges
• Select techniques to deliver high-quality masters
• Properly analyze audio according to its technical attributes and musical style
• Evaluate audio according to audience and market expectations
• Develop and execute strategies to adapt mixed audio to fit those expectations

Syllabus

Lesson 1 Platform Analysis of Fs, Bits, Level, File Type, and Codec

Lesson 2 Analysis of Musical Examples According to Aesthetic and Technical Benchmarks

Lesson 3 Processing Choices, Types, and Sequencing

Lesson 4 Sonic Adventures in Mastering, Nonlinear Processors, Audio Repair, and File Delivery

Lesson 5 High PSR: Mastering Classical, Chamber, and Symphonic Programs

Lesson 6 Medium PSR: Mastering Acoustic and Electric Jazz and Singer/Songwriter

Lesson 7 Higher Integrated LUFS: Mastering Rock

Lesson 8 Even Higher Integrated LUFS: Mastering Modern Pop

Lesson 9 Mastering EDM and Preparing for Delivery

Lesson 10 Final Project Week 1

Lesson 11 Final Project Week 2

Prerequisites

Required Textbooks

Recommended Textbooks

Software Requirements

Hardware Requirements

Hardware Recommendation

Instructors

Jonathan Wyner

Author

Jonathan Wyner is an associate professor in the Music Production and Engineering department at Berklee College of Music and owner of M Works Mastering Studios in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Throughout his career, he has worked with artists both well-known and more esoteric, including James Taylor, David Bowie, Aerosmith, Kiri Te Kanawa, Pink Floyd, Cream, Richard Stoltzman, Miles Davis, Nirvana, Aimee Mann, Juliana Hatfield, Tiny Tim, Snakefinger, John Cage, and Rahsaan Roland Kirk. Wyner mastered the first interactive CD game (“Play It by Ear”), the first recorded opera (“Madame Butterfly,” recorded in 1912 by the BBC), and what’s believed to be the longest CD (80:32 for Razormaid Records). He holds a bachelor’s degree in French horn and composition from Vassar College.