SHORT COURSE
Overview
The Audio Mastering Course at AES Academy is designed to transform intermediate and advanced audio learners into confident mastering engineers. This program focuses on the final and most critical stage of the audio production chain — the step where mixes become industry-ready masters. Through hands-on training, technical understanding, and real-world mastering workflows, students will learn how to shape sonic quality, achieve commercial loudness, and maintain musical integrity across all playback systems.
This course blends theory, ear-training, and practical mastering exercises using professional tools and industry-standard plugins. Ideal for producers, mix engineers, and aspiring mastering engineers seeking to elevate their craft.
Learning Outcomes
1. Understanding Mastering Fundamentals
- The role of a mastering engineer
- Workflow from mix evaluation to final delivery
- Listening environment & room calibration
- Monitoring chain, converters, meters, and reference systems
2. Critical Listening & Ear Training
- Identifying frequency problems
- Dynamics perception
- Tonal balance analysis
- Translating across speakers, headphones, and devices
3. Tools & Techniques in Mastering
- EQ strategies for tonal shaping
- Compression / Multiband compression
- Limiting for loudness and protection
- Stereo imaging & depth enhancement
- Harmonic distortion / saturation
- Mid-Side processing
- Automation in mastering
4. Mastering for Different Formats
- Digital streaming platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube)
- CD mastering & DDP creation
- Mastering for vinyl
- Stem mastering vs traditional stereo mastering
5. Loudness Standards & Metering
- LUFS, RMS, True Peak, Crest Factor
- Streaming platform loudness normalization
- How to achieve competitive yet dynamic masters
6. Mastering Workflow & Delivery
- Mix evaluation and communication with clients
- Reference tracks and genre-based expectations
- File formats: WAV, AIFF, MP3, FLAC
- Metadata & ISRC codes
- Mastering session documentation & final exports
Who This Course Is For
Music Producers
Mixing Engineers
Independent Artists
Aspiring Mastering Engineers
Anyone wanting to deliver streaming-ready, industry-standard masters
Why Study at AES Academy?
Industry-standard studios & monitoring environment
Experienced instructors with real-world mastering credits
Practical, project-driven learning
Certification recognized in the audio industry
Course Details
Duration:
4–6 weeks (flexible pacing)
Mode:
In-person / Online (Hybrid options available)
Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced
Certificate:
AES Academy Certification in Audio Mastering
Hands-On Practical Projects
- Pop, Hip-Hop, EDM, Rock, Classical, and Acoustic tracks
- Real client mixes
- Stem mastering exercises
- Loudness-matched A/B comparisons
- Creating a full mastering chain from scratch
- Each student will build a Mastering Portfolio showcasing their ability to master tracks to professional standards.
