Mastering, a form of audio post-production, is the process of preparing and transferring recorded audio from a source containing the final mix to a data storage device (the master).Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audio_mastering
...all techniques are generic and can be translated to any genre of music using similar plug-ins and any digital audio workstation software.Source: http://audio.tutsplus.com/tutorials/mixing-mastering/how-to-master-a-track-in-15-minutes-or-less/
Translating the above instruction for use with my choice of software, Adobe Soundbooth, I will master my audio track using the following methods:
- Ensure headroom for mastering by making sure the track doesn't 'clip' at loudest points.
- Use a 'compressor' to ensure dynamics across the entire track are as uniform as possible.
- Use an 'equaliser' to reduce and/or boost select sound frequencies.
- Use a 'multi-band compressor' to boost and/or reduce the volume of quiet and/or loud segments in the track.
- Use a stereo enhancer to balance the left and right audio.
http://innig.net/music/recordings/method/mastering.html