AI-powered mastering systems allow endless tweaking (mastering engineers generally offer a specific number of revisions). They return results within a minute (mastering engineers might need up to a week).
They are comparatively cheap (mastering engineers might charge anywhere from $30 up to a few hundred bucks a track, depending on their experience). And now they can sound better than humans?
In a recent exploration by Ars Technica, the spotlight turns to the evolving landscape of music mastering, particularly through the lens of AI-powered solutions like LANDR.
Traditionally seen as an art form requiring the nuanced touch of experienced human ears, mastering is the final polish that makes a track sound cohesive and professionally finished.
The article, titled “AI can now master your music—and it does shockingly well,” delves into the author’s personal journey and the broader implications of AI in music production.
The author shares an anecdote about a guitar teacher, a veteran musician with a preference for the analog and the human touch in music production, who has recently been experimenting with LANDR, an online service offering AI-powered mastering.
This service, for a monthly fee, provides a platform where artists can upload their tracks and receive a mastered version that meets modern loudness standards and enhances clarity, EQ, stereo width, and dynamics—all within a minute.
The teacher’s endorsement of LANDR, noting its comparable, if not superior, quality to professional mastering, underscores a significant shift in the music production landscape.
Further exploration into this domain is highlighted by Apple’s release of Logic Pro version 10.8, which includes Mastering Assistant, an AI-powered mastering tool integrated into the digital audio workstation.
This development, coupled with the author’s own experiences in building a home music studio and venturing into songwriting and recording, frames a narrative of accessibility and quality in music production that was once out of reach for many.
The article not only showcases the technological advancements that make AI-powered mastering a viable option for musicians but also reflects on the broader implications for the music industry.
It raises questions about the role of human expertise in an era where AI can replicate or even surpass the quality of professional mastering, offering endless tweaking capabilities, rapid turnaround times, and affordability.
This exploration into AI-powered mastering presents a fascinating glimpse into the future of music production, where technology and creativity intersect in new and unexpected ways.
It suggests a democratization of music production, where the barriers to achieving professional-quality sound are being lowered, not just for seasoned musicians but for anyone with a passion for creating music.
Source: AI can now master your music—and it does shockingly well | Ars Technica
