Mastering in the Box

Learn How to Get Great Sounding Mastering Results In Your Home Studio — 100% In The Box

In this 3-hour course, Ian Vargo teaches you how to get great sounding mastering results at home using exclusively plugins in the box. Includes thirteen topic-specific workshops and eight different genre walkthroughs, plus all the song files so you can practice along with the course.

What is mastering and the roles of a modern mastering engineer
Mastering walkthroughs in eight different genres using only plugins
The role of loudness and dynamics in modern mastering
Essential types of plugins and processing for mastering in the box
The best types of EQ for additive vs subtractive processing
How to use additive EQ to increase energy, clarity and low end
How to use subtractive EQ to clean up and enhance the sound
How to add energy to the bass and kick drum in a stereo mix
How mid-side processing can be extremely useful for mastering
When to use tape saturation or compression instead of EQ
When it's a great idea to use EQ before compression
Overview of client interaction, file distribution and more
Learn the ideal compression ratios for a mastering context
The basics of multiband compression and when it’s most helpful
Tips for using exciters, enhancers and saturation in mastering
Fun and obscure tricks for coloring a sound using tape emulation

Buy Now — $67

Learn techniques for using EQ to fix harshness, rumble, and other mix issues — or to enhance, brighten and embellish.

Learn the functions and characteristics of various plugins that are particularly valuable for an in the box mastering chain.

Demonstrations using stock plugins as well as the same processing on more sonically colored analog emulations.

How to use saturation and why saturation or compression can sometimes be a better choice than EQ for manipulating tone.

Learn about different types of dynamics processing plus the characteristics of various higher-end compression plugins.

Learn the basics of mastering

Ian covers essentials like EQ, compression, limiting and more. Whether you're an aspiring mastering engineer or just looking to level up your mixes, this course teaches you how to get there.

Watch the genre walkthroughs

Watch and learn how Ian improves the sound of eight different songs. He takes you through the choices he's made and what to watch out for when practicing along with the included songs.

Practice alongside the course

All eight of the songs Ian uses as source material for the genre walkthroughs are included in your download folder so you can practice alongside the tutorial or anytime after watching it.

About Ian Vargo

Ian Vargo is a musician, engineer, and educator currently living in Los Angeles, California. He has worked on dozens of major label and independently produced records, in a variety of roles including producer, recording, mixing and mastering engineer. He also enjoys binge watching television while sitting on the couch with his wife Erin, Italian Greyhound Luigi, fluffy cat Babycita, and baby daughter Vera. You can hear examples of his work at ianvargo.com

100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

We're confident you'll love this course, but we want you to be absolutely satisfied. If you’re unhappy for any reason at all, simply email us within 30 days and we’ll give you a full refund.