What Is The Best Sounding Online Mastering Service?
Whether you lot're new to recording or a seasoned veteran, it'south likely you've come across online mastering services such as Landr,Emastered,Bandlab,Cloudbounce and more.
These platforms use an algorithm to master tracks – pregnant your music will typically non be heard by man ears– instead, your track is run through some software that automatically makes adjustments to volume, compression and EQ based on a formula the algorithm applies.
So are these services any good?Practise you really need a mastering engineer or can a computer handle your track?
Well to notice out, I tested out 11 of the best algorithm-based online mastering services to bring y'all an honest await at what you may exist able to get for yourself – and when it's worth trying 1 of these services versus going with a mastering engineer.
For this exercise I uploaded the verbal same song to all services. The song is called Cynical and information technology was produced and mixed past Caleb Owen. I chose this mix because information technology's well balanced and didn't accept any overall problems.
For comparison purposes I have created ii versions of the same files, the original as received/downloaded from the AI mastering services and one that is level matched with the original mix at -14LUFS. I've washed the level friction match so we don't get deceived by loudness (it's a proven fact that a louder song always sounds amend than a quiet version of the same).
Files have been converted to MP3 to avert web speed problems. For the purposes of this test, I left all the AI mastering settings at its default setting.
Hope you lot find it useful. If you accept any questions,please get in touch and I'd be happy to help. If you lot'd like to see how your track sounds and compares to an algorithm-based service, request your free mastering sample here.
i. Landr mastering review
Launched in 2014,Landr is a creative platform that provides AI powered mastering, distribution, plugins and promotion packs.
Easy to utilize
Information technology was very simple to create an account and upload your track. Once y'all started mastering, the mastering process itself was fast, only taking about 2 to 3 minutes. Once the track was mastered you could as well easily preview the mastered track and compare information technology with the original, withal, this was only available for a snippet of the runway– not the whole rails.
customisable
Another pro is that there were quite a few options available to customise and tailor the mastering. For example, you could change the chief'due south manner (warm, balanced, open), too as intensity (depression, medium, high).Yous as well could upload a reference rails. F or the purposes of this test, I left everything to its default setting.
Tin can practice anthology mastering
This is a big plus for Landr, as at the fourth dimension of writing it's i of the but services that allows for album mastering i.e. information technology checks for consistency between tracks. We didn't examination this out, as we but did one track, but it's adept to know information technology has this feature.
A little bit pricey
Landr was not as cheap every bit some of the other AI online mastering services.If you're just looking for a very quick and dirty master at low res (Lo-MP3) the basic programme is quite affordable. However, if you're looking for college quality files (HD WAV which is necessary for many streaming sites), Landr isn't that much cheaper than going to a professional mastering engineer (assuming you produce/release ane track a month). And it's without the support and opportunity for revision, personalisation and mix feedback that you lot'd get from working with a professional mastering engineer.
Also, if you demand different versions of the same track, you need to pay extra for each file which hikes upward the price. Compare this to a mastering engineer, where you'd go Hd WAV files and mp3s every bit part of standard deliverables.Hither's a summary of their payment options (every bit at December 2020):
allows you to upload an mp3
Landr allows you lot to upload an mp3 when mastering your rail, even though this is something definitely not recommended due to lower quality. It's surprising that there are no alarm signs or notifications telling you not to do that!
No level matched loudness selection for before and after comparison
At that place is no option to listen to a level matched track before and later on mastering. This is very important to hear the exact changes happening during mastering and if the song sounds better or non! Without level matched comparison by and large the louder version volition always be perceived as better sounding, but this might not be the case.
How does the sound compare?
Hither's how the track turned out with Landr:
MIX & Primary level matched at -14LUFS
LANDR
LANDR (-14LUFS)
2. emastered mastering review
Similar to Landr, emastered is one of the major algorithm based online mastering services out there. Information technology was founded by Grammy Winning Co Founder Smith Carlson.
Easy to use
It was very simple to upload the track – n o sign up needed to get started.
Once you lot started mastering, the mastering process itself was fast, only taking about 2 to three minutes. Once the rails was mastered yous could also easily preview the mastered track and compare it with the original. Unlike Landr, you can heed to your whole track, not just a snippet.
customisable
Another pro is that there were quite a few options available to customise the mastering including: compressor intensity, mastering strength, stereo width, book, equalisation. These settings can be saved as presets – good pick if you're mastering several tracks through the platform.
No extra costs for downloading HD WAvs
Unlike Landr, at that place was no actress cost to download Hd WAVs.
Affordable
Very affordable service, especially if y'all have several tracks yous would like to master, as they offering unlimited masters.
Can't buy a runway one-off
Need to sign upwards to a plan to apply the service. All the same, they exercise offer a 14-day money-back guarantee in case you lot alter your listen.
No anthology mastering service
Unlike Landr, in that location's currently no pick for mastering a album. This is a big drawback if y'all have an EP or album that needs mastering, as y'all need to ensure consistency between tracks.
allows you to upload an mp3
eMastered allows you to upload an mp3 when mastering your track, even though this is something definitely non recommended due to lower quality. It'southward surprising that at that place are no warning signs or notifications telling you not to do that!
no level matched loudness option for before and afterward comparison
There is no selection to listen to a level matched track before and later mastering. This is very important to hear the exact changes happening during mastering and if the song sounds better or not! Without level matched comparing more oft than not the louder version will always be perceived as ameliorate sounding, but this might not be the case.
how does the sound compare?
Here's how the track turned out with eMastered:
MIX & Master level matched at -14LUFS
eMastered
eMastered (-14LUFS)
iii. bandlab mastering review
BandLab is a social music platform that in 2016 added a gratuitous automatic online mastering service.
Easy to use and very fast
It was very simple to upload the rails – north o sign up needed to get started.Once yous started mastering, the mastering process itself was very fast, simply taking about twenty seconds.
customisable
Though there were slightly less options for customisation compared to eMastered, BandLab withal offered some settings you could choose depending on your preferences. This included: CD Quality, Bass Boost and Enhance Clarity. Once the track was mastered y'all could likewise easily preview the mastered rail and compare information technology with the original. Unlike Landr, yous can listen to your whole rail, non simply a snippet.
Gratuitous!
Band lab is completely free. This is quite good if you only want to test out the service with no commitment and see what mastering could do for your runway.
no album mastering service
Unlike Landr, there's currently no choice for mastering a anthology. This is a big drawback if you lot have an EP or album that needs mastering, every bit you demand to ensure consistency between tracks.
allows y'all to upload an mp3
BandLab allows you lot to upload an mp3 when mastering your rails, even though this is something definitely not recommended due to lower quality. It's surprising that there are no warning signs or notifications telling you not to do that!
no level matched loudness choice for before and subsequently comparison
In that location is no choice to listen to a level matched runway earlier and afterwards mastering. This is very important to hear the exact changes happening during mastering and if the vocal sounds better or not! Without level matched comparison more often than non the louder version will e'er be perceived every bit ameliorate sounding, but this might not exist the case.
how does the audio compare?
Here's how the track turned out with BandLab:
MIX & MASTER level matched at -14LUFS
BandLab
BandLab (-14LUFS)
iv. cloudbounce mastering review
Since 2016, CloudBounce, based out of Finland and the United kingdom, has provided instant online mastering services.
Easy to use
Similar to other services, it was very uncomplicated to upload the runway – n o sign up needed to get started. It only took 2-3 minutes in total to master the track. Once the track was mastered you could likewise easily preview the mastered rails and compare it with the original. Unlike Landr, you can listen to your whole track, not just a snippet.
customisable
Lots of options to customise the master based on genre.
affordable
CloudBounce is definitely affordable, with plans bachelor from merely $19.90 per calendar month. This is a good pick if yous take lots of tracks you plan on releasing regularly. Some other bonus is that you can buy tracks one-off for $9.95 per track.
only 7 days to download the track
If you buy a rails one off, you only have 7 days to download the track, otherwise it'll be deleted. This likely won't be an result for most people, but something to keep in mind.
no album mastering service
Unlike Landr, at that place's currently no selection for mastering a anthology. This is a big drawback if you lot take an EP or album that needs mastering, as you demand to ensure consistency between tracks.
allows you to upload an mp3
CloudBounce allows y'all to upload an mp3 when mastering your runway, even though this is something definitely non recommended due to lower quality. It'southward surprising that there are no alarm signs or notifications telling you not to do that!
no level matched loudness option for before and subsequently comparison
There is no option to mind to a level matched track before and after mastering. This is very of import to hear the exact changes happening during mastering and if the song sounds ameliorate or non! Without level matched comparing more ofttimes than not the louder version will always be perceived as better sounding, simply this might non be the case.
how does the sound compare?
Here'southward how the track turned out with CloudBounce:
MIX & Principal level matched at -14LUFS
CloudBounce
CloudBounce (-14LUFS)
5. called masters review
Based out of Vancouver, Ch osen Masters describes itself every bit a semi-automated, professional grade online audio mastering tool that adds colour, warmth and brilliance to your tracks.
Easy to use
Similar to other services, it was very simple to upload the track – due north o sign upward needed to become started. You can even upload your track direct from Dropbox. Very fast service – only took ii-4 minutes in total to master the track. They also have a user tutorial which takes you through all the features.
affordable
Very similar pricing to CloudBounce and definitely affordable, with plans available from simply $19.90 per month. This is a practiced choice if you accept lots of tracks you plan on releasing regularly. Another bonus is that you can buy tracks one-off for $9.99 per track.
customisable
There were slightly less options to customise the master based on your preferences, but yet some options available including: dynamic, balanced and powerful.
no album mastering service
Different Landr, at that place's currently no option for mastering a album. This is a big drawback if you accept an EP or album that needs mastering, as y'all need to ensure consistency betwixt tracks.
allows you to upload an mp3
Although Chosen Masters flags in their tutorial that they recommend 32 chip WAV uploads, they still don't stop you from uploading mp3s!
no level matched loudness option for before and after comparison
There is no option to listen to a level matched track before and after mastering. This is very important to hear the exact changes happening during mastering and if the vocal sounds improve or not! Without level matched comparison more often than not the louder version will always be perceived as ameliorate sounding, just this might not be the case.
how does the sound compare?
Here'southward how the rail turned out with Called Masters:
MIX & MASTER level matched at -14LUFS
Chosen Masters
Called Masters (-14LUFS)
6. Major Decibel mastering review
Maj or Decibel is an independently owned and operated automated online mastering service that launched its Mastering Engine 2.0 in 2018.
Easy to utilise
Similar to other services, information technology was very simple to upload the track – n o sign up needed to get started. Very fast service – but took 3-iv minutes in total to master the track.
can master 2 tracks for free per month
This is one of the nearly affordable platforms – yous tin can get ii tracks for free per month and a yearly subscription for only $25. However, it'south worth noting yous can only download MP3s with the costless account.
Customisable
Though there are less options to customise than other mastering platforms, yous tin can still choose betwixt low, medium and high mastering intensity. There is also a before/later on player to allow you lot to compare the results.
no anthology mastering service
Dissimilar Landr, at that place's currently no choice for mastering an album. This is a big drawback if you lot take an EP or anthology that needs mastering, as y'all need to ensure consistency between tracks.
allows you lot to upload an mp3
Although Major Decibel recommends yous upload your rail in WAV format, they notwithstanding don't stop you lot from uploading mp3s!
no level matched loudness option for before and after comparison
There is no pick to listen to a level matched track before and afterwards mastering. This is very important to hear the exact changes happening during mastering and if the song sounds better or not! Without level matched comparison more oft than not the louder version volition e'er be perceived as amend sounding, just this might not be the case.
how does the sound compare?
Here's how the track turned out with Major Decibel:
MIX & Primary level matched at -14LUFS
Major Decibel
Major Decibel (-14LUFS)
seven. aria mastering review
Ar ia Mastering is an automatic analog online mastering service that was congenital by mastering engineer, Colin Leonard.
A little slower than other mastering platforms but overall quite fast
Information technology took nearly 2 minutes to upload the runway and another 5 minutes for the mastering procedure, which was a little slower than the other platforms we tried.
customisable
Aria Mastering provided a lot of options for customising the track. When uploading the track you can choose the mix blazon, and customise settings such as low frequency, loftier frequency, width and output level. You tin can also choose a specific LUFS when exporting the track (at actress cost).
Process a picayune cumbersome
Compared to other services, there were more than steps to get started i.e. you need to register an account, confirm email, and log into the account earlier y'all tin can beginning mastering.
need to pay before you can hear the full mastered runway
Unfortunately, you tin but preview for complimentary 15 seconds of the mastered track.
toll
Out of all the options we compared, Aria Mastering was the most expensive service. There was as well an actress fee for downloading loftier quality files.
no anthology mastering service
Dissimilar Landr, there's currently no option for mastering an anthology. This is a big drawback if you have an EP or album that needs mastering, as you lot need to ensure consistency between tracks.
allows you to upload an mp3
Aria Mastering allows you to upload an mp3 when mastering your track, even though this is something definitely not recommended due to lower quality. It'south surprising that in that location are no warning signs or notifications telling you not to do that!
no level matched loudness option for earlier and afterwards comparing
At that place is no selection to listen to a level matched track before and later on mastering. This is very important to hear the exact changes happening during mastering and if the vocal sounds amend or non! Without level matched comparison more often than not the louder version will always exist perceived as better sounding, but this might non exist the case.
how does the sound compare?
Here'south how the track turned out with Aria Mastering:
MIX & MASTER level matched at -14LUFS
Aria Mastering
Aria Mastering (-14LUFS)
8. maztr review
Established in 2016, Maztr was prepare by a group of audio engineers and musicians who saw the need to assistance the home recording creative person master songs and podcasts in the cloud.
Easy to utilise
Like to other services, it was very simple to upload the rail – northward o sign upwards needed to go started. Very fast service – just took ii minutes in total to master the track.
Very customisable
Out of all platforms, Maztr provided the most choice for customisation. You lot can make minor adjustments based on the below:
or you can use the advanced customisation which allows yous to tweak the beneath settings:
very affordable and have a free program too
Maztr offer a free plan, allowing y'all to master unlimited tracks for costless! Notwithstanding, you can only download low-res tracks ($iv.99 for each HDWAV rails). Paid plans which include high res formats are very affordable, starting at $9.99 per calendar month.
No earlier and after comparison
Maztr don't offer a before/later player allowing you lot to compare the mastered version versus the original.
no album mastering service
Unlike Landr, there's currently no option for mastering an album. This is a large drawback if yous accept an EP or album that needs mastering, as you lot need to ensure consistency between tracks.
allows you to upload an mp3
Maztr allows y'all to upload an mp3 when mastering your track, even though this is something definitely non recommended due to lower quality. It's surprising that there are no alert signs or notifications telling you non to exercise that!
no level matched loudness option for earlier and after comparing
There is no pick to heed to a level matched rails before and after mastering. This is very important to hear the exact changes happening during mastering and if the song sounds better or not! Without level matched comparison more than oftentimes than not the louder version will always exist perceived as better sounding, but this might not be the example.
how does the audio compare?
Here's how the track turned out with Maztr:
MIX & MASTER level matched at -14LUFS
MAZTR
MAZTR (-14LUFS)
9. mastering box review
Masteri ng box is a drag and driblet online mastering service that uses bogus intelligence to chief a song.
Customisable
Though there are less options to customise than other mastering platforms, you lot can nonetheless customise the loudness and EQ. There is besides a earlier/after player to allow you to compare the results.
Very quick
Information technology took only two minutes to master in total. One of the fastest services– but taking two minutes to principal in total.
affordable
Mastering Box offers free masters (you can just download MP3s though). Otherwise, you tin purchase WAVs and Hd WAVs for a one off price, besides as subscribe to a regular service. Pricing in line with similar services.
procedure a piffling cumbersome
Compared to other services, there were more steps to get started i.e. you need to register an account, ostend electronic mail, and log into the account earlier you can start mastering.
no album mastering service
Different Landr, in that location'due south currently no option for mastering a anthology. This is a big drawback if you have an EP or album that needs mastering, as you lot need to ensure consistency between tracks.
allows yous to upload an mp3
Mastering Box allows you lot to upload an mp3 when mastering your rail, even though this is something definitely not recommended due to lower quality. Information technology's surprising that there are no warning signs or notifications telling you not to do that!
no level matched loudness option for before and afterwards comparison
There is no option to listen to a level matched rails before and after mastering. This is very of import to hear the exact changes happening during mastering and if the vocal sounds ameliorate or not! Without level matched comparing more often than not the louder version will always exist perceived equally better sounding, but this might not exist the case.
how does the sound compare?
Hither's how the track turned out with Mastering Box:
MIX & MASTER level matched at -14LUFS
MasteringBox
MasteringBox (-14LUFS)
x. schnalz mastering review
Established in 2019, Schnalz is an online mastering service that was created by a dedicated team of music enthusiasts.
Customisable
Though there are less options to customise than other mastering platforms, you can withal customise the intensity, and settings such every bit bass, treble and width.
Can compare two different masters
Scnalz allows you to endeavor two different masters and compare the difference. This is a great feature for determining what settings piece of work best for your rails.
free!
Schnalz is completely free. This is quite good if you but want to test out the service with no commitment and see what mastering could do for your track. You also accept the choice to brand a donation.
a little bit slower than other services
Compared to other platforms, Schnalz was the slowest – taking the states 8 minutes merely to upload the track.
process a trivial cumbersome
Compared to other services, in that location were more steps to get started i.e. you need to register an account, confirm email, and log into the account before you tin showtime mastering.
no anthology mastering service
Dissimilar Landr, there's currently no option for mastering a anthology. This is a large drawback if yous have an EP or album that needs mastering, as you need to ensure consistency between tracks.
allows yous to upload an mp3
Schnalz allows yous to upload an mp3 when mastering your rails, fifty-fifty though this is something definitely not recommended due to lower quality. It's surprising that there are no alarm signs or notifications telling you not to exercise that!
no level matched loudness option for before and afterward comparison
There is no pick to listen to a level matched track before and after mastering. This is very of import to hear the exact changes happening during mastering and if the vocal sounds better or not! Without level matched comparison more than often than non the louder version will always be perceived as ameliorate sounding, but this might non be the instance.
how does the sound compare?
Here'south how the track turned out with Schnalz:
MIX & MASTER level matched at -14LUFS
Schnalz
Schnalz (-14LUFS)
11. soundcloud mastering review
Powered by Dolby, Soundcloud's online mastering service allows you to main your rail direct within SoundCloud'southward platform.
Customisable
Though in that location are less options to customise than other mastering platforms, you lot can still customise the intensity, and cull betwixt four different mastering styles Thunder, Sunroof, Aurora and Clear Sky. For the purposes of this test, nosotros chose Sunroof.
can exercise album mastering
This is a large plus for SoundCloud, as at the time of writing it'due south i of the just services that allows for album mastering i.e. information technology checks for consistency between tracks. We didn't exam this out, as we just did one rails, only it'south adept to know it has this feature.
affordable
To get admission to the mastering service, yous need to sign up to Pro Unlimited which is around $ten per month. As part of this, you get iii free masters and $3.99 per master thereafter.
need to sign up to sound cloud to become admission to mastering
At the time of writing, there's no way to effort the mastering service without signing upwards to SoundCloud's platform overall.
allows you lot to upload an mp3
SoundCloud allows you lot to upload an mp3 when mastering your track, even though this is something definitely not recommended due to lower quality. Information technology's surprising that in that location are no alert signs or notifications telling you not to do that!
no level matched loudness choice for earlier and after comparison
In that location is no option to mind to a level matched track earlier and after mastering. This is very important to hear the exact changes happening during mastering and if the song sounds improve or non! Without level matched comparison by and large the louder version will e'er exist perceived as better sounding, but this might not exist the instance.
how does the sound compare?
Here's how the rails turned out with SoundCloud:
MIX & MASTER level matched at -14LUFS
Soundcloud
Soundcloud (-14LUFS)
Final verdict
when to choose an online mastering service
Algorithm-based online mastering services may take some drawbacks, only when you're pressed for time, they often tin can't be beaten. This is because many algorithm-based mastering services can process tracks within minutes since in that location isn't an in-depth review involved.
Algorithm-based mastering can also come up in handy when you merely desire to get a glimpse at the potential for your rail or when you desire to check a mix confronting standardized processing. You may have a quick demo mix that you think sounds good, and perhaps you just desire to add some overall pinch and limiting to get that "radio sound" through a volume boost.
Basically, algorithm-based online mastering services are often the go-to selection for musicians who desire a preview of how good their tracks can sound in the mastering process. These services are often a adept stepping rock on the musical journey betwixt a crude mix and a radio-set track.
when to choose a mastering engineer
In most cases, you'll want to piece of work with a mastering engineer when you demand to ensure that your music will be treated with personal attention. Working straight with a mastering engineer gives you the chance to set expectations regarding what you want to get out of the terminal upshot, and your engineer can brand changes based on these expectations.
A mastering engineer can also make specific adjustments after the fact. This is a do good that frequently isn't bachelor through algorithm-based online mastering services simply because no bodily human is listening. Working with a mastering engineer gives yous more control over the concluding product, and this can go a long manner in allowing you to take more freedom to limited your art.
then what's best for your music?
When deciding on whether to work with a mastering engineer or become with an algorithm-based service, it really comes down to how much control yous desire to have over your own music. An algorithm-based online mastering service may be faster and less expensive, but these services do tend to work by applying a rubber stamp to each rails because no one is actually listening.
When you partner with a professional person mastering engineer, you'll receive the personal attention your music deserves, as well every bit the experience and specialized equipment that come along with a mastering engineer'south touch. Additionally, a mastering engineer will be far more likely to be able to offering the ability to make changes to a master after the first laissez passer, giving y'all more than freedom in getting the sound yous're after.
I promise you found the reviews useful. If you take whatsoever questions, please become in touch on, and I'd be happy to help. If you'd like to see how your track sounds and compares to an algorithm-based service,request your free mastering sample here.
P.S. here'southward the final master Caleb and I worked on. If you enjoyed Caleb's music, you can listen and buy his EP on Apple Music here .
MIX & MASTER level matched at -14LUFS
Cefe Flynn Mastering
Cefe Flynn Mastering (-14LUFS)
What Is The Best Sounding Online Mastering Service?,
Source: https://www.cefeflynnmastering.com/online-mastering-services/
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