Prepare a final mix

Mastering is the final preparation of a finished mix for its destination. Fix balance, noise, clicks and arrangement problems in the mix first. A limiter cannot restore an overloaded recording or correct every frequency problem.

Listen from before the first sound through the full ending. Check edits, fade tails, automation, quiet sections and the loudest passage. Listen at a moderate, consistent level. Compare a suitable reference at matched loudness rather than copying a single meter reading.

Use EQ only when the whole mix needs a change. Add gentle compression if it improves the musical balance. Use limiting late in the chain to manage peaks, and listen for flattened attacks or distortion. Bypass and level-match each stage to decide whether it actually helps.

Open File → Export → Mixdown. Choose the available format, sample rate, bit depth and time range appropriate to the destination. Leave enough time for reverb and delay tails. Follow the destination's published loudness and peak requirements; there is no universal target that suits every song and delivery format.

Open or reimport the exported file, check its beginning and ending, and listen to the loudest and quietest sections. Check channel count and duration. Use a suitable loudness/true-peak meter when those delivery values are required. A successful export dialog does not replace listening to the result.

Save the project and an independent Project Bundle along with the final audio. Keep an earlier mix before destructive cleanup or flattening. This guide describes a development workflow, not certification that a build is ready for critical mastering or recording.