Mastering, Sound Design and Arrangement

Priya Raman · 10 Aug 2026 · 12 min read

Advanced-level decisions that separate a finished record from a good demo.

At this level, every remaining problem is an arrangement problem wearing a mixing costume.

Mastering Do less. Two dB of gain reduction is usually two dB too much.

Priya interviews artists about process rather than press cycles.

Tracks, buses, sends and the four windows you actually need.

Gain staging, room treatment on no budget, and why your take is more important than your mic.

Making a mix that holds up on phone speakers, car stereos and headphones.