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RIAA Gold-certified mastering engineer Justin Colletti reveals:
The ONE Mindset Shift You Need to Make to Get Your Music Ready for Release
Discover the 2-step Minimal Mastering method anyone can use to achieve a loud and dynamic sound even with stock plugins... and even if mastering is a complete mystery to you right now!
Does mastering intimidate you? It doesn't have to be scary...
Hey!

Justin Colletti here... You may know me as the the editor-in-chief at SonicScoop or the founder of the annual MixCon conference.

And if you've ever listened to my weekly podcast for producers and eningeers, you may also know that I'm a RIAA Gold-certified mastering engineer but...

What you may not know is that MASTERING used to be an complete mystery to me!

Like so many producers and engineers, I knew there was this thing called "mastering"...

But the actual process for getting my music ready for release?

It was a mysterious "black box"!
Mastering black box
Mastering black box
I'll reveal what's INSIDE the mysterious mastering "black box" on this page.
And because I didn't understand what actually happens inside the mastering black box...

I simply did what most people do:

Throw a limiter on my track to make it loud… and end up RUINING my mix!

Because if I didn't... my tracks sounded too low, unfinished, and well... just generally underwhelming.

Especially when I compared them to commercial releases. It’s like I was driving a toy car… and I was up against a monster truck!

I knew I had to figure out what happens inside the mastering black box.

Fast-forward two decades working as a professional engineer and mastering records that have earned hundreds of millions of streams...

It turns out that slapping a maximizer on your 2-bus and cranking it up until your mix is mush is one of the WORST things you can do!

The good news is, there’s a much "softer" approach that will actually get you better results... and you don't need to be a mastering pro!

Heck, you can use your stock DAW plugins.

Because once you realize what really happens inside the mastering "black box"...

You'll realize it's NO mystery at all!

In fact, I've boiled the entire process down to a simple 2-step formula you can start using today.

But more on that in a moment because...
Here's What Mastering Engineers Don't Want You to Know...
You see, I've been been a professional mastering engineer for 10+ years now.

But like so many producers, I started out as a mixing engineer.

And for more than a decade, I've been interviewing the top producers, mixers, and mastering engineers on the planet...dissecting their secrets.
Justin Colletti in the studio
Justin earned his chops as a recording and mixing engineer for 8 years before he became a mastering expert at the legendary Joe Lambert Mastering studio where he's been mastering records since 2013.
Mastering was always a complete MYSTERY to me.

Even after years of mixing.

It was weird, too.

As a producer and musician, I was familiar with…

EQs.

Compressors.

Limiters.

Just like you, right?
Here's the Weird Part...
Mastering engineers also use...

EQs.

Compressors.

Limiters.

And while some mastering engineers want you to believe there's some expensive piece of outboard gear that will magically make your tracks sound polished and release-ready...

Well, sorry to burst your bubble, but...

After working on a super expensive hybrid analog/digital system, with all sorts of fancy high-end analog gear, I'll promise you this:

It’s NOT the gear.

And it’s not just experience, either.

So what IS it?
The Mastering Mindset: My Big Aha Moment
Now, it may sound silly when I say mastering comes down to a mindset... but think about it like this:

Mixing is all about zooming in.

Focusing on the little details of each individual track.

But mastering is about zooming out.

Once I realized this, everything started to make sense! And my masters started to sound a LOT better too...

How do you "zoom out"?

There are a number of proven things you can do.

In fact, over the years, I've broken this down into a mastering system that anyone can replicate—no matter what tools or DAW they have access to.
How to Get a Grip on Mastering in 2 Simple Steps
What's great about what I call my Minimal Mastering Method is that you can use it to...
  • Master your own tracks
  • Master tracks for other people
  • ​Decide when (not) to hire a mastering engineer
The method breaks down into 2 simple steps:

Step 1: Sweetening

This is where you add the “secret sauce.”

It’s the part of mastering that will GLUE your mix together and make it sound better.

It could be a small tweak to hype-up your chorus… or smoothing out the transients… or removing the unwanted resonances that are sucking the energy out of your low-end.

The good news is, there are only 5 main things you need to listen for—and decide if they need “sweetening.”

(How do you decide? You can use what I call the “30 Second Bypass Rule”)

AND, you can use all the tools you’re already familiar with. You just need to think about them in a different new way.

Then comes...

Step 2: Making it sound good on ANY system

This is the more technical part of mastering. But truth be told… It’s not difficult when you know a few tricks of the trade.

Once you make the shift—and apply this simple method which I've professionally battle-tested for years—mastering is no longer a mystery.

It’s a structured, proven approach you can use to master any track, in less time.

More on the exact techniques below, because right now you might be wondering...
"Do I Really Need to Master My Tracks?" ... YES, and Here’s Proof
I often hear people say:

"I never realized why mastering was even a thing!"

But you can easily check for yourself…

Put one of your unmastered songs in a playlist with commercial releases, set to SHUFFLE, and hit play.

You’ll quickly hear why mastering is a thing 🙂

The good news is:

You can do it with standard plugins in your home studio.

And for most musicians and producers it’s cheaper and will get you better results than the other options...
The Best Way to Master Your Tracks
Okay, smashing your mix through a limiter won’t quite do it.

But should you really learn how to master yourself?

Why not just hire a pro, right?

The problem is...

You can either hire a cheap pro, cross your fingers, and hope you didn’t just light your money on fire because... let’s be real… they’ll just throw a limiter on your mix LOL!

But if you hire a top mastering engineer...

You'll need to shell out up to $300 a SONG.

That’ll take about 50,000 Spotify plays to recoup!

HOWEVER...

I'm excited to announce that now there's a third option that’s more effective and more affordable:
 
Introducing:
Mastering Demystified 2.0
By Justin Colletti
Mastering Demystified product box and screenshot
Get Justin Colletti’s complete mastering system and learn how to craft masters you will be proud to release!
In this in-depth 4-hour video training, complete with practice sessions, presets, and downloadable audio files, you’ll discover how to quickly master any track, following a simple step-by-step approach (without the technical mumbo-jumbo).
No special plugins required
Use any DAW you like!
Whether you barely know the first thing about mastering… have some engineering experience… or simply want a proven system to speed up your process:

After this training, you’ll know how to add that “secret mastering sauce” to all of your tracks—using the same tools you’re already comfortable with, but in a completely new way.
Instant Download
Lifetime Access
"I was tired of random plugins. I needed a structured approach"
Francesco P. (Verified Student)
"Exremely useful for anyone working in audio"
Ritchie H. (Verified Student)
"Thanks! You're an amazing teacher/explainer!"
Thomas D. (Verified Student)

Here's What You Will Discover
Watch the trailer or read below!
Module 1: What Is Mastering?
Justin Colletti in the studio teaching
  • How to get into the Mastering Mindset so you can easily switch between mixing and mastering
  • ​Quick “rookie rundown” of the essential mastering tools you need. The good news? They come with every DAW, so no special plugins required!
  • The crucial difference between 2-bus processing VS mastering most people don't know about (how to avoid ruining your mixes)
Mastering Demystified testimonial 1
Francesco P. (Verified student)
That’s just the beginning!
Module 2: How to Master with EQ, Step-by-Step
Mastering EQ plugin in pro tools
  • A fool-proof EQ formula to deal with the most common problem frequencies in any mix (without wasting time)
  • ​A simple rule to decide when to use a soft touch… and when to go HOG WILD!
  • The role of EQ in mastering and what to do BEFORE you start twisting knobs, so you get the most out of your plugins
Mastering Demystified testimonial 2
Ritchie H. (Verified student)
Dynamic EQs, Frequency Analyzers—everything's covered!

Next up: a full module on dynamics...
Module 3: How to Set Compressors and Limiters
compressor plugin in pro tools
  • How to not f**k up your mix when using a limiter (and still make it loud)
  • ​Your new mastering signal chain: You'll know exactly where to put the first compressor—without second-guessing—and set the right attack and release times (even if you struggle to "hear compression")
  • ​How and when to use multi-band compression to achieve a polished and impressive sound
Mastering Demystified testimonial 3
Francesco P. (Verified student)
By this point, you’ll already be way ahead of the game—but there’s more...
Module 4: Advanced Mastering Techniques
iZotope Ozone in Pro Tools for mastering
  • How to make your track louder without adding volume (hint: it’s all about PERCEIVED loudness)
  • ​Powerful but dangerous: How to use stereo wideners, de-essers, and automation like a mastering pro
  • ​3 little-known "finishing touches" to put on your master so your mix holds up—no matter what plays next!
NEW Module! Levels, Loudness, and Stems

How to Master for Optimal Loudness in the Streaming Era

Plugin in Pro Tools
  • How to master for Optimal Loudness: Are your masters loud enough… or too loud?
  • ​How to manage the low end of your master for optimal loudness—and maximum impact
  • ​When should you master from stems vs. mastering from a 2-track?
  • Mastering in the streaming era—what you need to know about different platforms
  • ​The biggest mis-conception about "automatic volume normalization” (and why it makes mastering more important than ever)
  • The one thing to remember about loudness—and how it can fool you
  • How to win in the Loudness War in different genres
And a lot more about getting your masters competitively LOUD—without degrading your mix.

But that's not all...
Mastering Demystified testimonial
Thomas D. (Verified Student)
You’ll also learn about stereo compression, mid-side EQ, special processing, and more!

And of course, there are PRACTICE SESSIONS with downloadable templates...
You Also Get Practice Sessions
Practice Session 1: Alt Rock Master
Put your (stock) plugins to work in the first practice session where you’ll master an Alt-Rock song. You’ll learn how to master your tracks from start to finish, applying the “Minimal Mastering Method” step-by-step, including:
  • How to elevate your chorus in the mastering stage and make your records sound bigger than life
  • ​How to use reference tracks effectively to make sure you stay true to current industry and genre standards
  • ​How just a handful of small changes can turn your mix into a powerful, polished master that’s ready for release
Practice Session 2: EDM Master
Next, you’ll dive into two modern Pop and EDM mixes. You’ll get a chance to apply advanced mastering concepts, including multi-band compression, saturation, dynamic EQ, and more:
  • How to control unruly low-end resonances (without losing impact)
  • ​If, when, and how to add subtle saturation for a richer-sounding master
  • ​How to match album tracks for a cohesive, professional sound that will live up to your (and your clients) expectations
Practice Session 3: Acoustic & Vocal Master
Attention singer/songwriters! And everyone else… Learn how to showcase a vocal-driven performance. You’ll be surprised how a few tweaks can make your arrangements more captivating:
  • How to maintain "analog warmth” — even if you’re mastering in the box
  • ​How to use the 30-second rule to make better, more confident mastering decisions
  • ​Dithering, file compression, and a little piece of "mastering wisdom” to always keep in mind
There's never been a better time to level up your mastering skills...
Limited Time: Special Offer
You probably already spent $500 to $5,000 or more for plugins, speakers, headphones, interfaces, mics, etc..

It doesn’t make sense to shell out extra money for mastering EVERY TIME you want to share new music. Especially when you already have all the tools to do it!

The good news is, this course costs a tiny fraction of what you’ve already spent on your gear—and you’ll gain a new skill you can use for as long as you make music.

The best part? If you act quickly you can secure over $300 in savings with this special deal!

But hurry because...
This Special Deal Expires Soon!
Mastering Demystified product box and screenshot
Mastering Demystified comes with a
100% Money-Back Guarantee!
Total Value $499
Today Only $169
Bonus Q&A Vault + "Mixing Secrets" Guide Included!
Secure Checkout.
100% Money-Back Guarantee.
Payment methods
Or upgrade to save even more!
Want to save even more? Upgrade to Mixing + Mastering Bundle
The Worst Thing That Could Happen?
Here’s the deal.

There are a lot of courses that over-promise solutions that they never deliver. This is not one of those courses—or I wouldn’t risk putting my name on it.

In fact, I’ll guarantee it.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
Satisfaction Guaranteed
You have one full month to go through the entire course. If you’re unhappy with the training for any reason, simply visit this page to contact our dedicated support team, and we'll issue a prompt and full refund. No questions asked.

And it gets better...
You Also Get 2 Exclusive Bonuses
BONUS #1: Mixing Secrets Guide ($49 Value)
Whether you will be mastering your own mixes or someone else’s… There are a few things mastering CAN NOT FIX.

That’s why it’s crucial for musicians, producers, and mixers to mix with mastering in mind.

So, in this in-depth (50+ pages) guide, Justin Colletti reveals the 7 things you must do to ensure that your mixes are optimized for the mastering process:
Mixing Secrets from your Mastering Engineer eBook
This 50+ page guide is included in your purchase for FREE! You get the PDF, ePub (Apple Books), and .mobi (Kindle) version for your reading pleasure.
BONUS #2: Access to Private Mastering Q&A Vault ($149 Value)
Only Mastering Demystified students get access to Justin Collettis's mastering Q&A Vault!

The recordings of these 5 live Q&As include answers to some of your most burning mastering questions, from basic to super-nerdy to hyper-specific...

- Is your master loud enough?
- How does audio clocking work? (And does it matter?)
- What's the role of metadata in today's mastering world?
- What should I do if I don't trust my low-frequency monitoring?
- And more

But hurry because...
Special Bonus: Reserved Seat for Upcoming LIVE Q&A in December ($149 Value) – Included FREE!
Get your most burning mastering questions answered LIVE.

If you're in a hurry to release your next project... or start working on other people's masters ASAP you won't want to miss this.

And don't worry... If you can’t attend LIVE, you can still submit your questions, and we’ll send you a private link to watch the replay!

But hurry because...
Just Announced! Upcoming Live Q&A Session
Justin has announced another live Q&A...

The ONLY way to get invited is to invest in Mastering Demystified today.

Now's the time to get in because...
This Special Deal Expires Shortly!
Mastering Demystified product box and screenshot
Mastering Demystified comes with a
100% Money-Back Guarantee!
Total Value $499
Today Only $169
Bonus Q&A Vault + "Mixing Secrets" Guide Included!
Secure Checkout.
100% Money-Back Guarantee.
Payment methods
Or upgrade to save even more!
Only You Can Decide
By now you know why getting a grasp on mastering is crucial.

You've heard first-hand from a mastering pro that it's not about the tools you use... but a critical mindset shift from mixing to mastering... and then simply following a PROVEN 2-step process.

Plus, you’ve seen how others have achieved polished, professional masters that they feel proud to share and release…all by using the Minimal Mastering method.

You know that right now you can gain access to all the video training, session files, and downloadable audio at a remarkable discount.

You've seen the extra bonuses.

You’ve also seen our 100% satisfaction guarantee that covers the price in full.
The Way I See It, You Have 3 Options...
Option 1 — Do nothing...

...and stay exactly where you are right now.

If you already have a good grip on the mastering process and you feel confident your masters will live up to commercial releases…

Then maybe you have no use for the minimal mastering method.

If mastering still sounds scary and confusing, you have two other options.

Option 2 — Figure it by yourself.

You can sift through endless articles, and forums, and YouTube videos, and then try to find out what works and what doesn’t by trial and error.

And hopefully, you don’t have to put off sharing your music with the world for too long until you feel ready.

If you’re willing to put in a lot of time and practice, you might be able to pull it off.

Option 3 — Start using the Minimal Mastering Method today...

…and just follow my PROVEN system.

You get the secrets, the techniques, and the templates.

All you need to do is follow the steps.

Then apply them whenever you finish a new song, and you'll know that when you release it into the world (or share it with friends), it will sound loud, polished, and professional.

Or use it to offer mastering services yourself... and increase your studio income!

So, of those three options, ask yourself…

What’s going to be easiest for you?

At the end of the day, there are two types of people:

Those who only *wish* their music sounded a certain way, but they never make it happen…

And those who are ready to take action when there’s an opportunity.

Most people will keep wishing.

But since you’ve read this far, I think you’re one of the few who’s ready to take action.

If I’m right, I can’t wait to hand you over my simple, PROVEN mastering system and witness you implement it asap.

Only you can decide.

I can't wait to welcome you inside Mastering Demystified!

To your mastering success!
- Justin Colletti
Upgrade to Save Even More
Questions & Answers
How will the files be delivered?
After purchasing, you'll be provided with a .zip containing all the videos and course files. These are yours to keep forever.
Will this work with my DAW?
Yes! The exercises in each of the theory modules can be done in any DAW from Pro Tools, Logic, Ableton, Cubase, Reaper, Fruity Loops, Studio One and all similar platforms.
Do I need to own specific plugins?
Nope! You don't need any specific hardware or software. We suggest you use the best speakers or headphones you have available as you go through the practical portions of the course to get the best results.
How do the practice sessions work?
Each practical module comes with the audio files used, as well as practice sessions, either in Pro Tools or iZotope Ozone. You can quickly and easily replicate the session settings in any DAW using the audio files provided, so you can speed up your learning.
What genres are featured in the course?
The approach you will learn can be used in virtually all genres. The practice sessions in the course feature Rock, EDM, acoustic, and beat-based music. The good news is, the techniques, strategies and mindsets will easily apply to any genre, so your new skills transfer to every project (now or in the future).
Will it work for me?
We've built SonicScoop over the past 15+ years—I'm not going to ruin the site's reputation with a sub-par product. And I stand behind this training 100%.

If you're unhappy with the training for any reason, simply visit our support page and contact our dedicated support team within 30 days, and we’ll give you a full refund—no questions asked.
This Special Deal Expires Shortly!
Mastering Demystified product box and screenshot
Mastering Demystified comes with a
100% Money-Back Guarantee!
Total Value $499
Today Only $169
Bonus Q&A Vault + "Mixing Secrets" Guide Included!
Secure Checkout.
100% Money-Back Guarantee.
Payment methods
Add Mixing Breakthroughs to Your Order!
In hurry to bang out killer MIXES from your home studio in as little as 2 hours...without complicated techniques...using any DAW you like?

You're in luck! Add my best-selling Mixing Breakthroughs 2.0 training to your order today!

You'll discover a battle-tested system that's boiled mixing down to a repeatable process designed to get consistent results. Here's what some of the 2,800+ happy students from around the world say about this Breakthrough system...

🔥 After 7 years of mixing unsuccessfully, this provided the epiphanies I needed” (Ritchie H.)

🔥 My mixes improved immediately” (Nxrd Lxrd)

🔥 Helped me approach my mix in ways I've never considered” (Moses M.)

🔥 “I love the simplicity of the format” (Philip J.)

🔥 “I recommend it to all my friends who want to get more serious about audio production” (Moses M.)

The best part?

You’ll save over $800 with this special bundle deal today…
Mastering Demystified + Mixing Breakthroughs Boxes
Normally $999 — SAVE $751
$
248
Lifetime Access
  • Mastering Demystified (Full Course)
  • Mixing Breakthroughs 2.0 (Full Course)
  • BONUS: Live Mastering Q&A
  • BONUS: Mastering Q&A Vault
  • BONUS: Mixing Secrets Guide
  • BONUS: Mixing Breakthroughs Audio Companion
Bundle & Save Over 75%
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Mastering Demystified Box
Normally $499 — SPECIAL OFFER
$
169
Lifetime Access
  • Mastering Demystified (Full Course)
  • BONUS: Live Mastering Q&A
  • BONUS: Mastering Q&A Vault
  • BONUS: Levels, Loudness, and Stems Module
66% Off Today!
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