Loudness, clarity, and punch — without breaking the bank.
Mastering is the final polish on a track. It’s where you shape loudness, balance frequencies, add glue, and ensure your music translates everywhere — from earbuds to club systems. And while paid suites dominate the mastering space, there’s a growing arsenal of free plugins that deliver pro results if used with precision.
Here’s how to master your tracks professionally using only free tools, plugin by plugin, step by step.
🎚️ Step 1: Analyze Your Mix First
Before adding anything, look and listen. Use a spectrum analyzer and loudness meter to understand your track’s balance.
Free analysis tools:
- 🔗 Youlean Loudness Meter – LUFS, True Peak, RMS
- 🔗 SPAN by Voxengo – Spectrum analyzer with mid/side and correlation
- 🔗 TDR Nova – EQ and real-time frequency display
🎛️ Step 2: EQ for Balance (Not Correction)
Subtle EQ adjustments tighten your mix. Remove rumble, clear harshness, or gently enhance clarity.
Recommended EQ plugins:
- 🔗 TDR SlickEQ – Transparent with character
- 🔗 TDR Nova – Dynamic EQ for surgical moves or de-essing
- 🔗 Rare EQ by Analog Obsession – Pultec-style coloration
💡 Boost carefully, cut gently, and always compare A/B.
🧼 Step 3: Add Gentle Saturation or Color
Subtle saturation brings cohesion, warmth, and analog feel. Use it like glue, not distortion.
Free saturation plugins:
- 🔗 Softube Saturation Knob – Simple and musical
- 🔗 FerricTDS mkII by Variety of Sound – Tape-style compression + saturation
- 🔗 IVGI by Klanghelm – Harmonic flavor that follows your dynamics
📦 Step 4: Compression for Cohesion
Mastering compression is about control and consistency, not pumping.
Free mastering compressors:
- 🔗 TDR Kotelnikov – Clean, transparent compression
- 🔗 Molot GE Free – Colored compression for character
- 🔗 LALA by Analog Obsession – LA-2A style with vintage feel
Settings tip:
Ratio 1.5–2.5:1, slow attack, fast release, gain reduction ~1–3 dB max
🔊 Step 5: Loudness & Limiting
Your limiter defines the loudness and final ceiling. Don’t just squash — control.
Free limiters that punch:
- 🔗 Limiter No6 by Vladg Sound – Full mastering chain, very flexible
- 🔗 W1 Limiter by George Yohng – Clone of Waves L1
- 🔗 LoudMax – Simple, transparent, efficient
💡 Aim for –14 LUFS for streaming, or –8 to –6 LUFS for club/festival masters. Always keep True Peak under –1 dB.
🧠 Bonus: Mid/Side Mastering
Use M/S tools to enhance width, clear up the mid, or add shine to the sides.
Tools:
- 🔗 [TDR Nova or SlickEQ (with M/S mode)]
- 🔗 A1StereoControl – Widening with mono safety
Final Word
Mastering is about listening, not gear. With the right workflow and these free tools, you can compete with commercial-level loudness and polish without ever paying for a plugin.
Because in the end, it’s not about cost — it’s about control.
