Ian Shepherd
@ianshepherd.bsky.social
Audio, video but mostly music. Mastering engineer, http://LoudnessPenalty.com, Perception AB & Dynameter plugins. Podcast http://themasteringshow.com
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Ian Shepherd
@ianshepherd.bsky.social
· Dec 14
BlueSky for Musicians and Audio Nerds - a Quickstart Guide - Production Advice
Suddenly this week everyone is talking about BlueSky, for some reason.
www.productionadvice.co.uk
Updated all the #audioproduction Starter Packs with new people I’ve found.
Please check them out and suggest anyone I’ve missed !
More info: www.productionadvice.co.uk/BlueSky/
#musicproduction #audiosky #mixingandmastering #musiciansky
Please check them out and suggest anyone I’ve missed !
More info: www.productionadvice.co.uk/BlueSky/
#musicproduction #audiosky #mixingandmastering #musiciansky
Most music streaming services have a Distribution Loudness of -14 LUFS.
So if you master above that, the level will be reduced so it’s important to check you’re happy with the results of that situation, IMO
But also, many people in have questions about how loud things “should” be mastered…
So if you master above that, the level will be reduced so it’s important to check you’re happy with the results of that situation, IMO
But also, many people in have questions about how loud things “should” be mastered…
What prompts this question exactly, I see people here using it in video game and music contexts and all I can ask is, WHY would you do that to yourself?
November 15, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Most music streaming services have a Distribution Loudness of -14 LUFS.
So if you master above that, the level will be reduced so it’s important to check you’re happy with the results of that situation, IMO
But also, many people in have questions about how loud things “should” be mastered…
So if you master above that, the level will be reduced so it’s important to check you’re happy with the results of that situation, IMO
But also, many people in have questions about how loud things “should” be mastered…
Interesting, I was thinking mainly of music but of course dialogue is another important use-case. And yes, in broadcast we have no choice but to pay attention 👍
Charles Pateman just gave an excellent presentation about the perils of using LUFS for dialogue mastering in games. And here's the bit that I can't stop thinking about: with increasing stress, the human voice becomes increasingly midrange.
While useful, one can't set-and-forget LUFS on dialogue.
While useful, one can't set-and-forget LUFS on dialogue.
November 15, 2025 at 12:52 PM
Interesting, I was thinking mainly of music but of course dialogue is another important use-case. And yes, in broadcast we have no choice but to pay attention 👍
Love that you put the course to such great use, Steve !
This was also the project where I learned to master records. Having just done @ianshepherd.bsky.social's home mastering course, which not only taught me how mastering works but also how to listen better as a musician, I had these ten albums to try it all out on. Still sounds great :)
November 14, 2025 at 7:52 PM
Love that you put the course to such great use, Steve !
Do you find LUFS measurements useful ?
If not, what's your biggest frustration or challenge?
If not, what's your biggest frustration or challenge?
November 14, 2025 at 12:37 PM
Do you find LUFS measurements useful ?
If not, what's your biggest frustration or challenge?
If not, what's your biggest frustration or challenge?
New post:
Decoding the Loudness Paradox
Decoding the Loudness Paradox
Decoding the Loudness Paradox - Production Advice
These two facts are both true - even though they seem to flatly contradict each other !
productionadvice.co.uk
November 12, 2025 at 7:08 PM
New post:
Decoding the Loudness Paradox
Decoding the Loudness Paradox
Trust me, dither has no effect on POW 😛
Ha. Yeah. Think I went POW2 for louder and POW3 for quieter. Maybe needed 3 for louder as “more POW!” 🤣
October 23, 2025 at 7:27 PM
Trust me, dither has no effect on POW 😛
For 24-bit the choice of dither doesn’t matter - just simple triangular is fine.
For 16-bit it still doesn’t matter very much, there are so many exotic varieties at this point you may as well just choose one you like the name of 😛
Most DAWs have plenty of options & lots of people like Good Dither
For 16-bit it still doesn’t matter very much, there are so many exotic varieties at this point you may as well just choose one you like the name of 😛
Most DAWs have plenty of options & lots of people like Good Dither
October 23, 2025 at 7:11 PM
For 24-bit the choice of dither doesn’t matter - just simple triangular is fine.
For 16-bit it still doesn’t matter very much, there are so many exotic varieties at this point you may as well just choose one you like the name of 😛
Most DAWs have plenty of options & lots of people like Good Dither
For 16-bit it still doesn’t matter very much, there are so many exotic varieties at this point you may as well just choose one you like the name of 😛
Most DAWs have plenty of options & lots of people like Good Dither
Great question - it depends if your goal is to match the loudness of the reference.
If it is, I wouldn’t touch the level, I’d just set the limiter at -1, and still match the loudness (peaks tell us nothing about loudness)
I’d suggest a different approach though - details in the next reply !
If it is, I wouldn’t touch the level, I’d just set the limiter at -1, and still match the loudness (peaks tell us nothing about loudness)
I’d suggest a different approach though - details in the next reply !
Hi Ian. Great listen on my way home. A quick one about references. Mine are ripped from CDs so close to 0 True Peak. If I’m trying to peak at -1 as I think you recommended, is it as simple as turning the reference down a bit and setting my limiter at -1 to balance from there? Thanks in advance.
October 23, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Great question - it depends if your goal is to match the loudness of the reference.
If it is, I wouldn’t touch the level, I’d just set the limiter at -1, and still match the loudness (peaks tell us nothing about loudness)
I’d suggest a different approach though - details in the next reply !
If it is, I wouldn’t touch the level, I’d just set the limiter at -1, and still match the loudness (peaks tell us nothing about loudness)
I’d suggest a different approach though - details in the next reply !
New episode - What IS 'translation' in mastering, and how do you achieve it ?
The Mastering Show #102 - What IS 'translation' in mastering ?
Quickly and easily listen to The Mastering Show for free!
player.captivate.fm
October 23, 2025 at 3:23 PM
New episode - What IS 'translation' in mastering, and how do you achieve it ?
This is why I love Endlesss
September 27, 2025 at 10:07 AM
This is why I love Endlesss
Great advice from Steve as always
Friends in Music Education, I wrote this 'tips for music students' post for the beginning of term 7 years ago. I reshare it and use it with my students every year. Feel free to share if it's helpful.
www.stevelawson.net/2018/09/tips...
www.stevelawson.net/2018/09/tips...
Tips for Music Students
Serious about studying music? Here's some tips. Take or leave them as you find them useful. Your college years are both very limited and very expensive.
www.stevelawson.net
September 27, 2025 at 10:06 AM
Great advice from Steve as always
Last time EVER at this price...
Heads-up - the current early-bird discount on my mastering course ends today, and then goes away forever!
If you've ever thought of giving it a try, NOW is the perfect time.
Use coupon code HMMINTRO - maybe I'll see you in there 👍
www.homemastering.com/hmm-open
Heads-up - the current early-bird discount on my mastering course ends today, and then goes away forever!
If you've ever thought of giving it a try, NOW is the perfect time.
Use coupon code HMMINTRO - maybe I'll see you in there 👍
www.homemastering.com/hmm-open
The Home Mastering Masterclass
Get mastering results you're proud of, using professional techniques that really work - even in your home studio. Gain the skills, understanding and confidence you need, using the tools you already ow...
www.homemastering.com
September 26, 2025 at 12:54 PM
Last time EVER at this price...
Heads-up - the current early-bird discount on my mastering course ends today, and then goes away forever!
If you've ever thought of giving it a try, NOW is the perfect time.
Use coupon code HMMINTRO - maybe I'll see you in there 👍
www.homemastering.com/hmm-open
Heads-up - the current early-bird discount on my mastering course ends today, and then goes away forever!
If you've ever thought of giving it a try, NOW is the perfect time.
Use coupon code HMMINTRO - maybe I'll see you in there 👍
www.homemastering.com/hmm-open
OK this could be legitimately life-changing
What’s an unusual skill you’re proud of having?
I have two:
1. Wiggling my eyebrows independently of one another.
2. This ->
youtu.be/skH36Frh-rI
I have two:
1. Wiggling my eyebrows independently of one another.
2. This ->
youtu.be/skH36Frh-rI
How to fold a t-shirt like a pro - in 8 seconds or less!
YouTube video by Penfriend
youtu.be
September 26, 2025 at 10:52 AM
OK this could be legitimately life-changing
Any OpenCore ninjas on here ?
For some reason my Blue Yeti mic isn't being recognised under Monterey, even though it's visible in System Profiler. It still works normally booting back into Mojave though.
(This is a 5,1 using Martin Lo)
Thanks for any ideas !
For some reason my Blue Yeti mic isn't being recognised under Monterey, even though it's visible in System Profiler. It still works normally booting back into Mojave though.
(This is a 5,1 using Martin Lo)
Thanks for any ideas !
September 26, 2025 at 10:48 AM
Any OpenCore ninjas on here ?
For some reason my Blue Yeti mic isn't being recognised under Monterey, even though it's visible in System Profiler. It still works normally booting back into Mojave though.
(This is a 5,1 using Martin Lo)
Thanks for any ideas !
For some reason my Blue Yeti mic isn't being recognised under Monterey, even though it's visible in System Profiler. It still works normally booting back into Mojave though.
(This is a 5,1 using Martin Lo)
Thanks for any ideas !
Finally succeeded in upgrading my ancient cheese-grater to Monterey this week, but it was even more painful than anticipated - and there were 2 sets of cables in this box that made it possible ! Never throw anything away…😂
September 19, 2025 at 10:17 PM
Finally succeeded in upgrading my ancient cheese-grater to Monterey this week, but it was even more painful than anticipated - and there were 2 sets of cables in this box that made it possible ! Never throw anything away…😂
This is so cool !!! ❤️🐉
COVER REVEAL!
I feel like this cover needs the mightiest dragon roar drum roll ever
Please welcome Tomas and Lolli in
The Boy Who Grew Dragons - A Christmas Delivery
Written by me & illustrated by amazing SARAH WARBURTON !!!
Out Oct 9th with the fabulous team at @templarbooks.bsky.social
I feel like this cover needs the mightiest dragon roar drum roll ever
Please welcome Tomas and Lolli in
The Boy Who Grew Dragons - A Christmas Delivery
Written by me & illustrated by amazing SARAH WARBURTON !!!
Out Oct 9th with the fabulous team at @templarbooks.bsky.social
August 12, 2025 at 12:42 PM
This is so cool !!! ❤️🐉
Very excited about the launch of Version 2 of my Dynameter plugin, which we announced last week !
I’ve had lots of questions about the new features, so here’s a short video showing you how they work 👍
Explainer vid: www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhQP...
I’ve had lots of questions about the new features, so here’s a short video showing you how they work 👍
Explainer vid: www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhQP...
Dynameter 2 Explainer
YouTube video by MeterPlugs
www.youtube.com
August 11, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Very excited about the launch of Version 2 of my Dynameter plugin, which we announced last week !
I’ve had lots of questions about the new features, so here’s a short video showing you how they work 👍
Explainer vid: www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhQP...
I’ve had lots of questions about the new features, so here’s a short video showing you how they work 👍
Explainer vid: www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhQP...
Discover the density and dynamics of your music – and why they matter !
I’m running a free livestream on Friday 25th showing you several different ways to increase the density of your music, why you might want to, and how to know exactly how much you need:
www.homemastering.com/register
I’m running a free livestream on Friday 25th showing you several different ways to increase the density of your music, why you might want to, and how to know exactly how much you need:
www.homemastering.com/register
Join the Livestream !
www.homemastering.com
July 24, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Discover the density and dynamics of your music – and why they matter !
I’m running a free livestream on Friday 25th showing you several different ways to increase the density of your music, why you might want to, and how to know exactly how much you need:
www.homemastering.com/register
I’m running a free livestream on Friday 25th showing you several different ways to increase the density of your music, why you might want to, and how to know exactly how much you need:
www.homemastering.com/register
Such a great evening celebrating my amazing @andyshepherdwriter.bsky.social ‘s new book ! ❤️
What an utterly magical evening!
Thank you so much to everyone who came to help celebrate the launch of The Wood Where Magic Grows and everyone who wished me well.
So many highlights and such a joy to be surrounded by so much love.
Thank you so much to everyone who came to help celebrate the launch of The Wood Where Magic Grows and everyone who wished me well.
So many highlights and such a joy to be surrounded by so much love.
July 5, 2025 at 8:25 AM
Such a great evening celebrating my amazing @andyshepherdwriter.bsky.social ‘s new book ! ❤️
Great day on Tuesday at the @solidstatelogic.bsky.social Oracle desk launch at Real World Studios
Catching up with people like Emre and Julian IRL (plus so many others !) and nerding out is always fun, especially in such beautiful surroundings !
Thanks to @recordprod.bsk.social for the invite !
Catching up with people like Emre and Julian IRL (plus so many others !) and nerding out is always fun, especially in such beautiful surroundings !
Thanks to @recordprod.bsk.social for the invite !
June 26, 2025 at 12:42 PM
Great day on Tuesday at the @solidstatelogic.bsky.social Oracle desk launch at Real World Studios
Catching up with people like Emre and Julian IRL (plus so many others !) and nerding out is always fun, especially in such beautiful surroundings !
Thanks to @recordprod.bsk.social for the invite !
Catching up with people like Emre and Julian IRL (plus so many others !) and nerding out is always fun, especially in such beautiful surroundings !
Thanks to @recordprod.bsk.social for the invite !
THIS. IS. AMAZING ❤️
(He’s my boy so clearly I’m biased but is really IS, isn’t it ?!)
(He’s my boy so clearly I’m biased but is really IS, isn’t it ?!)
My lovely son has made me the most wonderful gift to celebrate #TheWoodWhereMagicGrows being published.
A photographic collage printed as a cyanotype on fabric.
Me in silhouette conjuring words from my books, feet firmly held in the roots of storytelling.
Pure magic!
A photographic collage printed as a cyanotype on fabric.
Me in silhouette conjuring words from my books, feet firmly held in the roots of storytelling.
Pure magic!
June 25, 2025 at 10:13 PM
THIS. IS. AMAZING ❤️
(He’s my boy so clearly I’m biased but is really IS, isn’t it ?!)
(He’s my boy so clearly I’m biased but is really IS, isn’t it ?!)
Thanks to @mattboudreauaudio.bsky.social for asking me back on the @workingclassaudio.bsky.social podcast !
We talked about the current state of mastering, AI’s growing role, work/life balance, and in-the-box vs. out-of-the-box mastering.
Full episode:
www.workingclassaudio.com/wca-549-with...
We talked about the current state of mastering, AI’s growing role, work/life balance, and in-the-box vs. out-of-the-box mastering.
Full episode:
www.workingclassaudio.com/wca-549-with...
June 25, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Thanks to @mattboudreauaudio.bsky.social for asking me back on the @workingclassaudio.bsky.social podcast !
We talked about the current state of mastering, AI’s growing role, work/life balance, and in-the-box vs. out-of-the-box mastering.
Full episode:
www.workingclassaudio.com/wca-549-with...
We talked about the current state of mastering, AI’s growing role, work/life balance, and in-the-box vs. out-of-the-box mastering.
Full episode:
www.workingclassaudio.com/wca-549-with...
Because there’s much more to perceived loudness than the LUFS value.
Things like the performance, arrangement and choice of sounds, EQ balance, density, intensity, internal dynamics, saturation, distortion, stereo image etc etc…
Things like the performance, arrangement and choice of sounds, EQ balance, density, intensity, internal dynamics, saturation, distortion, stereo image etc etc…
June 21, 2025 at 12:11 PM
Because there’s much more to perceived loudness than the LUFS value.
Things like the performance, arrangement and choice of sounds, EQ balance, density, intensity, internal dynamics, saturation, distortion, stereo image etc etc…
Things like the performance, arrangement and choice of sounds, EQ balance, density, intensity, internal dynamics, saturation, distortion, stereo image etc etc…
Because we don’t have a target. *They* have a Distribution Loudness (usually-14) that *they* reduce loud songs (to prevent user complaints) but we don’t need to pay attention. Master it so is sounds great, and let them adjust the playback level.
Music question. When we master our songs we have, what we’re told, is a target of -13db LUFS of loudness correct? And streamers adjust to their thresholds and such. So why the frig to my songs always sound lower than all the other songs I hear? #logicXPro
June 21, 2025 at 12:06 PM
Because we don’t have a target. *They* have a Distribution Loudness (usually-14) that *they* reduce loud songs (to prevent user complaints) but we don’t need to pay attention. Master it so is sounds great, and let them adjust the playback level.
June 21, 2025 at 11:11 AM