Master_Me
Key Features
- Complete mastering signal chain with pre-processing, gate, EQ, leveler, knee compressor, multiband mid/side compressor, limiter, and brickwall — all in a single plugin
- Easy mode with one-click presets for YouTube, Apple Podcasts, EBU R128, speech, and music broadcast standards
- Expert mode exposing full parametric control over every module in the chain for hands-on mastering
- Zero-latency processing designed for live streaming, podcasting, and real-time audio applications
- Automatic leveler that maintains target loudness levels, acting like a virtual hand on the volume knob
- Stereo correction and mid/side processing with phase switches and side-EQ boost for stereo image refinement
- Open-source (GPL-3.0) with active development — modeled after a professional Berlin mastering studio's signal chain
Description
Master_me is an open-source automatic mastering plugin developed by Berlin-based mastering engineer Klaus Scheuermann. Built with nearly 20 years of professional mastering experience, it replicates the signal chain of Scheuermann's own studio and delivers polished, broadcast-ready audio with zero latency.
The plugin was born during COVID-19 lockdowns when streaming events needed better sound quality. Funded by Germany's Prototype Fund (a government-backed open-source initiative), it has since grown into a full mastering chain covering pre-processing, gating, EQ, leveling, compression, and limiting.
Master_me offers two distinct modes. Easy mode provides one-click mastering with built-in presets for YouTube, Apple Podcasts, EBU R128, and general music, while Expert mode exposes the full signal chain for manual control over every parameter.
The signal flow follows a professional mastering topology: pre-processing (gain, stereo width, phase correction) feeds into a noise gate, then a tilt EQ with side-channel boost, followed by an automatic leveler that maintains target loudness. Dynamics processing includes both a knee compressor and a multiband mid/side compressor, capped by a limiter and brickwall module for true peak protection.
Closely modeled after a real mastering studio's processing chain, master_me bridges the gap between one-click simplicity and deep parametric control. It has earned praise for making broadcast-standard loudness management accessible to streamers, podcasters, and musicians who lack dedicated mastering experience.
Video Preview
Frequently Asked Questions
Is master_me designed for music mastering or just live streaming?
While master_me was originally built for live streaming and internet radio, it works well for music mastering too. The signal chain follows a professional mastering topology with EQ, compression, and limiting, and the Expert mode gives full control over every parameter for more demanding music production tasks.
Does master_me introduce latency when used in a live stream?
No. Master_me was specifically engineered for real-time use with zero latency. This makes it ideal for live streaming through OBS, internet radio broadcasts, and podcast recording sessions where any processing delay would be unacceptable.
How does master_me compare to iZotope Ozone?
Master_me provides a similar all-in-one mastering signal chain concept with EQ, dynamics, and limiting. However, Ozone offers AI-assisted mastering, more advanced spectral processing, and deeper controls. Master_me excels at automated loudness management for streaming and delivers surprisingly polished results for its simplicity.
Can I create and save custom presets in master_me?
Master_me includes built-in presets for common streaming standards but does not have a native preset saving mechanism. However, when used as a plugin inside a DAW like Ardour, Reaper, or Ableton Live, you can save and recall your settings through the DAW's own preset management system.
