Mastering Resources #1: Best Mastering Books And Blogs

Audio mastering is a complex field that requires a deep understanding of its many facets. Aspiring mastering engineers need to know how sound behaves in different contexts and which tools and techniques to use to achieve specific results. They also need to stay aware of broader and current genre and industry standards, which tend to shift rapidly as new technologies emerge.

Many music producers study mixing to maintain more control over their sound and tailor it to their vision. But when it comes to mastering, they often choose to outsource it to professionals, use online audio mastering tools, or dabble just enough to finalize a track somehow. While focusing on mixing is valid, it’s worth looking more closely at audio mastering. Developing a good understanding of the final step in the music production process can not only help you finish tracks on your own but also improve communication with professional engineers and give you a better sense of what to ask for.

But how do you even get started?

One approach is to look into mastering books and blogs that contain a lot of valuable information and knowledge on the many facets of the field. You might be questioning our suggestion and wondering why you should read about something as hands-on as mastering. To answer your question, let’s look into some tangible reasons why mastering books and blogs can be incredibly useful.

One reason why mastering books can be of great value is that mastering requires a good amount of theoretical knowledge. Although they don’t always focus on and visualize practical processes the same way videos do, books can introduce you to important terminology, teach you how sound works, and lay the groundwork for understanding the mastering process as a whole.

Books can also help beginners wrap their heads around the many steps, tasks, and tools involved in mastering more easily, since they bring a lot of essential information together in one place. That means you don’t have to jump from one source to another just to figure out what you even need to learn and where to begin.

Although in the era of self-publishing, not everyone who releases a book is necessarily an expert, books published through an established company are typically written by professionals with considerable experience and knowledge. Mastering books are also super useful for those who learn best through reading, but they work just as well as a complementary source for people who usually prefer audio or video-based learning.

That said, it’s fair to point out that some well-known books can, at times, feel a little outdated. This is a valid concern, which is why it makes sense to look into active blogs in addition to reading books. Blogs can help you stay current with recent developments, new tools, and changing standards in the field. That way, you gather solid fundamental knowledge from books and can double-check whether everything is still accurate or relevant, especially if the book is a bit older.

Mastering Audio: The Art and the Science is arguably the most frequently mentioned and recommended book on mastering. It was written by Bob Katz, a US-American mastering engineer with three Grammy-winning albums under his belt. Originally published in 2002, the book is now in its third edition, which was released in 2015.

Katz takes a balanced approach, offering both theoretical insight and practical advice. It covers virtually every aspect of mastering, from foundational audio theory and listening critically to gear selection, room setup, mastering techniques, and workflow, making it a great resource for anyone aiming to learn more about the craft.

It’s no surprise that it’s widely viewed as a go-to resource for anyone wanting to learn mastering. As one Reddit user points out, it is a “complete & comprehensive guide on audio (analogue/digital) standards, definitions, and techniques. I read it again recently just for a refresher. Can’t recommend it enough!”

That said, some believe that the information is somewhat dated. However, they still see much value in the knowledge that Bob Katz shares. Our suggestion? Read the latest edition, but keep in mind that the field has evolved since 2015 and that not every detail is up to date with current tech.

Who it’s for: aspiring engineers at any level; artists wanting to learn more about audio mastering.

The Mastering Engineer’s Handbook by Bobby Owsinski, best known for his mixing handbook, is another frequently recommended book on mastering. It blends technical knowledge with insights from other well-known engineers, giving readers both theory and real-world insight.

The book is structured into 13 chapters followed by numerous interviews, taking readers through the full mastering journey. Topics include digital audio basics, preparing tracks for mastering, tool selection, metering techniques, EQ strategies, dynamic control, mastering for different formats and platforms, and many more. The interviews with renowned mastering engineers help contextualize the theory and make it more applicable.

Its strength lies in showing not just the how, but also the why behind many decisions made in the mastering process. You can find an overview of what the book contains on Bobby Owsinski’s website, which features the table of contents and other useful information about his mastering handbook.

Who it’s for: aspiring engineers at any level; artists interested in mastering their own work and learning from industry voices.

The next book on our list, Complete Audio Mastering, was written by Gebre Waddell, a respected engineer who has worked with numerous artists, including Public Enemy, Ministry, and George Clinton.

The book covers a broad range of topics related to mastering—from gear and techniques to common issues that can come up during the process. The book includes chapters that address topics beyond the mere mastering process. For instance, one chapter outlines how to prepare a mix for mastering, while another one provides insight into starting your own mastering business.

In a Booksrun review, one reader says it’s perfect for anyone who “want[s] to learn about mastering and also the engineering steps one should take before the mastering process (...) This has been my audio bible since it came in the mail.”

That said, it only has one edition, which was published in 2013. While some parts may not reflect today’s tech, the core concepts and workflows remain highly relevant and useful.

Who it’s for: aspiring engineers at any level; artists looking to understand and maybe take on mastering themselves.

While not specifically about mastering, Ken Pohlmann’s Principles of Digital Audio is a great choice for anyone who wants to deeply understand the technology behind digital audio.

According to the description, the book outlines the “technologies behind today's audio equipment in a clear, practical style. Covering basic theory to the latest technological advancements, the book explains how to apply digital conversion, processing, compression, storage, streaming, and transmission concepts.”

If you’ve ever wanted to know exactly how your signal travels from microphone to DAW to the listener’s headphones, and why things sometimes go wrong, this book has the answers.

Due to its technical, academic character, it might not be the best choice for beginners, but it’s a valuable resource for anyone looking to develop a strong technical framework.

Who it’s for: engineers with some experience; readers who want to understand the theory and details of modern audio.

If you’re curious about mastering but don’t want to go through heavy theory or textbook-style writing, Audio Mastering Secrets by John Rogers might be the best choice. Published in 2017 and described as the best mastering book of 2020 and 2021, it focuses on mastering in home studio environments, independent of any specific DAW or gear list.

Instead of abstract theory or endless chapters on history, Rogers goes straight into practical solutions for common mastering issues, including thinness, muddiness, distortion, and harshness. He then outlines “which effects processors to use and their exact settings to solve these common problems.”

It also includes a step-by-step guide from importing to exporting files, tips for mastering different genres, and even advice on speaker placement and room setup. The book is a practical guide for those who want to get started mastering their own music without getting overwhelmed by too much theory or technical language.

Who it’s for: beginners and DIY engineers working in home studios; artists looking for practical guidance to finalize their tracks.

MasterYourTrack is a mastering-focused blog created by engineer Manuel Scaramuzzino. The site offers a mix of practical how-to articles and longer pieces on audio concepts. Topics range from how to prepare a mix for mastering to understanding the role of different types of distortion in audio. With new content being added in 2025, it's a solid resource for anyone looking to sharpen their mastering knowledge and stay up-to-date.

Who it’s for: mixing engineers and artists looking for practical mastering advice.

Music Guy Mastering's blog provides practical advice on various mastering-related topics. He covers fundamental concepts like bit depth versus sample rate and looks into commonly used tools, such as compression, EQ, and stereo imaging. His articles aim to help readers understand and apply these techniques effectively.

Who it’s for: Beginners and DIY artists seeking straightforward explanations and actionable tips.

While not strictly a mastering blog, iZotope's ‘learning’ section features a mastering category with useful insights from industry professionals. The renowned audio company regularly posts articles on the latest mastering techniques, plugins, equipment, and other practical tips, making it a great resource for everyone trying to stay up-to-date.

Who it’s for: Engineers and artists looking to stay current with industry trends and professional practices.