#174: The Art of DIY Mastering: Tips and Strategies to Master Your Own Music with Eric Mitchell

In this episode of Inside the Mix , we dive into the world of DIY mastering. Whether you're curious about mastering music fundamentals, the basic steps of mastering, or simply want to understand what mastering a song really is, this episode has you covered. Join me as I sit down with mastering engineer Eric Mitchell to uncover the techniques, tools, and insights needed to achieve professional-quality results, even in a home studio. Learn about gain staging, overcoming the limitations of home mastering setups, and why experience plays a critical role in achieving the perfect sound. What you’ll learn in this episode: - Understanding the feasibility of DIY mastering in home studios - Importance of ear training and room acoustics - Common pitfalls, such as poor gain staging - Mastering workflow tips and essential tools - The significance of reference tracks in mastering - Addressing misconceptions about loudness and streaming - Eric’s approach of using project files instead of stereo mixes - Advice for those wanting to pursue a career in mastering - The need for patience and dedication in developing mastering skills Got feedback? I’d love to hear from you! Click here to leave a review, share your social media handles or website, and get featured in a future episode. Plus, one lucky reviewer will win a Starbucks voucher each month! Send me a message Support the show Ways to connect with Marc : Listener Feedback Survey - tell me what YOU want in 2026 Radio-ready mixes start here - get the FREE weekly tips Book your FREE Music Breakthrough Strategy Call Follow Marc's Socials : Instagram | YouTube | Synth Music Mastering Thanks for listening!! Try Riverside for FREE