Ever play a sub note so low you might as well be able to feel the room shaking — except, it doesn’t?

Problem:

In a world where music is made at home, many ask themselves whether mastering is really necessary. The answer: absolutely. Whether you’re a bedroom producer or an established act, mastering is the finishing step that raises your track above the mix. Here’s why it’s so important.

Mastering is the last polish that can be the making or breaking of your track. But self-mastering can easily fall into common traps that degrade sound quality. Here are five common pitfalls, with tips for avoiding them.