Mastering Chain Stages Explained: EQ, Dynamics, and Limiting Order

Mastering chain stages in order: corrective EQ, tonal EQ, compression, stereo processing, limiting, and dither for release.

A typical mastering chain moves from corrective fixes to tone shaping, gentle dynamics, stereo adjustments, and final peak control. Not every song needs every stage — the chain should serve the mix, not apply a preset blindly.

Key takeaways
  • Corrective EQ first, character EQ second
  • Compression in mastering is subtle — mixing compression is heavier
  • Limit last for loudness and true peak safety
  • AI Mastering applies style-aware chains automatically

Common order

EQ → multiband dynamics (if needed) → stereo width → limiter → dither (when reducing bit depth). See Dithering Guide.

Hear a full chain

Master a premaster online.

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