mastering-chain

Mastering chain (Main track)

Build a conservative mastering chain on the Main track. Goal: glue + perceived loudness without audible pumping or clipping. When in doubt, do less.

1. Pre-flight — always do this first

1. get_master_devices — see what's already on the Main track.
   • If a Limiter (or Glue Compressor) is already loaded, adjust it instead of stacking a second one. Never end up with two limiters.
2. get_master_volume — set to ~0.85 (unity / 0 dB) via set_master_volume if it's been pushed higher. Loudness must come from the limiter's Input Gain, not the master fader.
3. If the mix is playing, spot-check the loudest tracks with get_track_state: output_meter_level pinned above ~0.95 means the mix itself is too hot — pull those track volumes down before mastering. Mastering cannot fix a clipping mix bus.

2. Choose the devices — don't reflexively reach for stock

Each chain stage is a role (glue compressor, EQ, limiter), not a fixed device. Pick the best available tool for each role before loading:

1. Check what the user owns. list_plugins for third-party mastering plugins (FabFilter Pro-L/Pro-C/Pro-Q, iZotope Ozone, Waves, etc.).
2. Honor an explicit request. If the user named a plugin ("master with Ozone", "use Pro-L 2"), use it — find it via list_plugins and load it with load_browser_item_on_master(node='plugins', path=...).
3. Otherwise prefer the user's plugins over stock when one clearly fits the role (same principle as preferring packs over stock instruments — it's what keeps results from sounding like default Ableton). A dedicated mastering limiter like Pro-L beats stock Limiter when present.
4. Match the genre when choosing between options:
   • EDM / pop / anything needing max loudness → transparent brickwall limiter (Pro-L, or stock Limiter pushed).
   • Hip-hop / lo-fi / rock → favor character: glue compression and a touch of saturation over clinical transparency.
   • Acoustic / jazz / classical → minimal: gentle glue, little to no limiting, preserve dynamics. Consider skipping the limiter.
5. When two options are equally valid and the user gave no preference, briefly say which you're choosing and why (one line) rather than silently picking.