Mastering can be done in different ways.
Bus mastering. Making the best from a (stereo) bus.
Stem mastering. Having some more (stereo) stems to go even deeper.
The classic way to master a track is from its stereo sum. Making subtle adjustments to width, tonality, distortion, and dynamics will make a master
more competitive, matching, assertive, or loud.
Using stems opens up another level of opportunities for the masting engineer to apply his magic. Being able to target mastering techniques to individual stems.
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