How to Master in Logic Pro with the Mastering Assistant

Working in Logic Pro? Then you have a handy tool to master your own track: the Mastering Assistant. It analyzes your mix and makes a suggestion right away. Here's how to use it, and how to make sure your master is ready to go out.

Before you start

  • Your mix needs to be done. Mastering doesn't fix mix problems. If your vocal is too quiet or your 808 is booming over everything, fix that in your mix first.
  • Check what's already on your Stereo Out. A limiter you left on while mixing should come off.
  • Is your Stereo Out already hitting the red? Turn down your tracks, not just your master.

1. Open the Mastering Assistant

Click the Mastering slot. According to Apple, that's the last effect slot on your Stereo Out channel strip. Logic analyzes your whole project right away, including your instruments and effects. Want it to listen to a specific part, like your hook? Set the locators around that part.

2. Choose a Character

On a Mac with Apple silicon you also choose a Character. According to Apple:

  • Transparent: suits most genres and is based on classic analog mastering chains.
  • Clean: made for EDM and acoustic music, with some punch.
  • Valve: deep low end and refined highs, for acoustic music or hip-hop.
  • Punch: an aggressive sound with emphasis on the mids, mainly for rock.

For rap, Valve and Transparent are a logical place to start. Listen to both and pick what fits your track.

3. Set the loudness

The Loudness knob sets how loud your master sounds. In the center position you're around -14 LUFS according to Apple, which is the target for many streaming platforms. You can go louder, but watch out for distortion. More in how many LUFS you need for Spotify.

4. EQ: automatic or manual

The Auto EQ slider sets how much of the automatic EQ you use. You can also move the three points yourself. According to Apple, each band goes up or down by at most 6 dB. If you have to adjust a lot, the problem is probably in your mix.

5. Stereo width

The Width knob makes your mix wider or narrower. All the way left, it turns mono. Don't overdo it: a lot of people listen on a phone, and your beat and vocal still need to sound good there.

6. Compare honestly

With the Loudness Compensation button and the Bypass button you compare your mix with and without the Mastering Assistant. That way you hear whether your master really sounds better, or just louder.

7. Export

Changed something after the analysis? Click Reanalyze first. Also turn off Loudness Compensation before you bounce your track. Then export your master as a WAV and check it with the free Master Checker.

Working in FL Studio? Read how to master a song in FL Studio. In Ableton Live? Read how to master in Ableton Live. No beat yet? Read how to make a trap beat in Logic Pro.

FAQ

Is the Mastering Assistant good enough?

For demos and a lot of releases it gets you far. If a song really has to hit, or you can't tell what's good anymore after ten listens, a second pair of ears helps.

Which Character suits rap?

Apple mentions hip-hop for Valve. According to Apple, Transparent suits most genres. Try both.

Does my master need to be exactly -14 LUFS?

No. It's a guideline. Spotify turns louder tracks down, so mastering louder often doesn't get you much.

Source: Apple on the Mastering Assistant in Logic Pro.

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