Ian Shepherd is a British mastering engineer and MD at Mastering Media Ltd. Over the course of his career he has worked on thousands of CDs, DVDs and Blu-rays for all of the major record labels, TV stations and independents, including several number one singles and award-winning albums. He also runs the popular Production Advice website, and hosts The Mastering Show podcast.He is a fierce critic of the so-called Loudness Wars, and in 2010 founded Dynamic Range Day, an online event intended to raise awareness of the issue.He has developed several acclaimed mastering plugins with MeterPlugs: Perception AB, which received an AudioMedia Gear Of The Year Award; Dynameter which helps users achieve optimal audio dynamics for their music and the Loudness Penalty website, plugin and Studio desktop application.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:Common mastering mistakesWhy a “one size fits all” method doesn’t work in masteringSimplifying your mastering chainShould you factor in loudness during the mixing stage?How to find a good balance of loudness and volumeWhat to focus on in order to create consistency between tracks on an albumKeeping perspective and objectivity when mastering your own musicWhat does “translation” really mean? What you need to be listening forMaking “one master to rule them all”: How does this account for various listening scenarios (eg. non-normalized streaming and/or clubs)?Dynamics vs. loudnessHow to know if your tracks have a good dynamic rangeThe problem with aiming for “target levels”To learn more about Ian Shepherd, visit: http://www.productionadvice.co.uk/abouthttp://www.themasteringshow.comPlugins mentioned in this episode:Dynameter - https://meterplugs.idevaffiliate.com/112-3.htmlLoudness Penalty - https://meterplugs.idevaffiliate.com/112-5.htmlPerception AB - https://meterplugs.idevaffiliate.com/112-2.htmlK Meter - https://meterplugs.idevaffiliate.com/112-4.htmlLCAST Loudness Meter - https://meterplugs.idevaffiliate.com/112-6.htmlLooking for 1-on-1 feedback and training to help you create pro-quality mixes?Check out my coaching program Amplitude and apply to join: https://masteryourmix.com/amplitude/  Want additional help with your music productions? For tips on how to improve your mixes, visit https://masteryourmix.com/ Download your FREE copy of the Ultimate Mixing Blueprint: https://masteryourmix.com/blueprint/ Get your copy of my Amazon #1 bestselling books: The Recording Mindset: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Pro Recordings From Your Home Studio: https://therecordingmindset.com The Mixing Mindset: The Step-By-Step Formula For Creating Professional Rock Mixes From Your Home Studio: https://masteryourmix.com/mixingmindsetbook/ Check out our Sponsors:Download Waves Plugins here: https://waves.alzt.net/EK3G2K Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/master-your-mix-podcast/id1240842781 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5V4xtrWSnpA5e9L67QcJej  Have questions you’d like answered on the show? Send them to questions@masteryourmix.comPlease leave a rating and review:https://masteryourmix.com/review/ Thanks for listening!