Who is a mastering engineer
The mastering engineer is the last link in audio post-production. They work on the finished mix and prepare it for distribution – adjusting loudness, dynamics and format so that the recording sounds good on all platforms and devices.
What does a mastering engineer do?
Mastering takes the finished stereo mix from the mixing engineer (or straight from the producer, if one person handles both mixing and mastering) and carries out the final processing. It is not about “fixing” a bad mix – it is about “getting the recording over the finish line” in the right format, loudness and dynamic range.
Loudness normalisation
Setting the LUFS values to the platforms' target values (Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube…).
True Peak limiter
Checking and limiting the True Peak so that the recording does not exceed the permitted values during playback.
Dynamics and EQ
Fine-tuning the frequency spectrum and dynamic range for consistent listening on all devices.
Output format
Exporting in the right format for digital distribution – usually WAV 24-bit / 44.1 or 48 kHz. Bez Labelu only accepts WAV; we recommend 48 kHz / 24-bit.
What rights does a mastering engineer have?
Just like a mixing engineer, a mastering engineer usually has a technical role with no authors' rights. Act No. 121/2000 Coll. (the Czech Copyright Act) does not normally grant them any rights in the work or in the sound recording – the recording belongs to whoever arranged for it to be made (see producer of a sound recording).
- A mastering engineer is not entitled to author royalties through OSA or Intergram.
- However, if their contribution can be categorised as artistic (a creative contribution to the result), their rights may be managed by OAZA.
- They cannot distribute the recording or release it under their own name.
- Their remuneration is purely contractual – a fee for the work done.
Of course, it all depends on the agreement. A mastering engineer can also have a percentage share of the earnings if the contract is set up that way.
Although a mastering engineer usually has no statutory rights, it is standard practice to list them in the recording's credits. In the recording form in Artists Bez Labelu, enter them in the Production section in the Mastering field (optional; a pseudonym is enough, separate multiple names with a comma and a space).
Why mastering matters
Streaming platforms do not play recordings at the loudness you send them. Each platform normalises playback to its own target value in LUFS. A recording that is too quiet or, on the contrary, pushed too hard will sound unbalanced after normalisation. Proper mastering ensures the result is consistent on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube and other services.
You will find specific recommended values for distribution in the article What LUFS and True Peak to aim for in digital distribution. If you want to check how your recording is doing right now, use the online LUFS and True Peak checker or Master check right in Artists Bez Labelu – it shows LUFS, the true peak after normalisation on individual platforms, clipping and other issues before you even upload.
A mixing engineer works with individual tracks and creates the final mix of the recording. A mastering engineer takes the finished mix and prepares it for distribution. These are two separate stages – even though in smaller productions one person handles both. The two terms are often confused in practice, but it is good to keep them apart in metadata and credits.