What is CD Mastering

To obtain a polished sound in line with commercial record releases.
Make tracks sit side-by-side.
Brings balance to uneven acoustics.
Sound recorded in a flawed acoustic environment can be treated.
Mastering offers overall consistency between different studio / location recordings.
Initial perception of sound can be skewed by different rooms and monitors, and this can be revealed during the mastering process and therefore corrected.
Professional mix engineers also send their pre-mastered mixes to a mastering house prior to pressing and releasing commercially.

Ensure that you have decided and finalised your track order in advance of the mastering process, as this will save both time and cost.
Note that gaps / timings between songs also need attention; in order that they sound right.
Consider the energy of each song and how the album should ebb and flow, as well as how every track relates to the others.
If you are trying to emulate a certain sound or indeed one of your favourite artists, then it may be an idea to bring a couple of CD examples with you to use as a measuring exercise. This will also give the mastering engineer a good indication of what you are trying to achieve. Please do however consider the fact that an internationally renowned recording artist may spend up to £300,000 making an album, so please be realistic with regard to quality.

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