# Audio Mastering 101
The difference between amateur and professional audio isn't expensive gear—it's mastering.
## What Is Mastering?
Mastering is the final polish on your audio. It ensures:
- Consistent volume across episodes
- Clarity on all playback systems
- Professional loudness levels
## The Three Essentials
### 1. EQ (Equalization)
- Cut the mud (200-400Hz)
- Add presence (2-5kHz)
- High-pass filter at 80Hz
### 2. Compression
- Ratio: 2:1 to 4:1
- Attack: 10-30ms
- Release: Auto or 100ms
### 3. Limiting
- Target: -16 LUFS for podcasts
- Don't over-limit (keeps dynamics)
## Tools We Recommend
- **iZotope RX**: Industry standard
- **FabFilter Pro-L 2**: Best limiter
- **Waves plugins**: Budget-friendly
Back to BlogAudio
Audio Mastering 101: Make Your Podcast Sound Pro
Learn the fundamentals of audio mastering and why it matters for your content. Your listeners will thank you.
Sam ChenJanuary 22, 20245 min read

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