Mastering is the process by which a recording is finalized for distribution on CDs and online music sites like iTunes and Amazon.  What happens during mastering, you ask?  The mastering engineer takes the finished mixes and adds EQ, compression and limiting to make the final mixes competitive with commercially released recordings. 

Mastering is particularly useful when audio from different recording sessions is to be compiled onto one CD.  Using the specialized mastering tools available to me, I can make these recordings "fit" together and sound more consistent.

Mastering generally takes approximately one hour for each ten minutes of program material and is billed at the normal hourly rate for my Cleveland recording facility.

Mix Magazine recently ran an excellent article on the subject of audio mastering.  Check it out here.