Should mastering be adapted to different musical genres?
Since the 2010s, the so-called “loudness war” has become widespread, promoting the idea that louder is always better. This trend has led many artists and listeners to judge mastering primarily by perceived volume, often reduced to a single LUFS measurement, which represents the loudness as perceived by the human ear.
However, high volume should never come at the expense of quality: overly aggressive or poorly calibrated processing can squash dynamics, reduce impact, and compromise clarity. Power, presence, and “in-your-face” energy are built during production, reinforced during mixing, and perfected during mastering.
Finally, the codes, culture, and nuances of each musical genre subtly influence the final result after mastering.
Also see : What makes a good mastering ? | Mastering FAQ
Pop Mastering
A radio-ready pop track must meet strict professional standards and high industry expectations. The vocals usually take center stage, supported by a competitive and powerful volume.
Electronic Mastering
Electronic music tracks (Bass Music, EDM, etc.) are designed to sound extremely loud from the outset. This intensity amplifies the dance energy and emotion of the track, aiming to reach maximum impact in clubs or festivals, alongside other tracks in a set. The power is built during production, through precise sound design, carefully chosen kicks, and meticulous mixing techniques that define the genre’s unique sonic identity. Mastering then enhances this energy, subtly boosting the volume without compromising quality.
Rock and Metal Mastering
Rock and metal are naturally powerful genres, driven by massive elements: distorted guitars, punchy drums, and often forceful or screamed vocals. This combination creates a dense, rich, and inherently loud sound even before mastering. Mastering then sculpts and refines this raw power, adding clarity, balance, and optimal impact for professional playback.
Rap and Hip-Hop Mastering
Rap, one of the most widely listened-to and streamed genres, continues to evolve by incorporating influences from other styles. Modern mainstream rap often borrows elements from pop, requiring mastering that is loud and competitive while preserving the punch of rhythmic elements, especially drums. This versatile genre can also draw from older styles, like boom bap, requiring tailored mastering to respect the identity and intent of each track or project.
Mastering Across Genres, Summary
Regardless of genre, mastering aims to provide a final attentive listening experience, applying the finishing touch that elevates the work and delivers a project ready for professional release. While the processing is often more subtle than in mixing, a deep understanding of each genre’s codes and nuances allows technical choices to be adapted for an optimal, coherent, and faithful result.
Also read : Mixing by music genre
