WCA #549 with Ian Shepherd – Mastering Democratized, AI, Physical or Virtual Gear, and Empty Nests

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back mastering engineer and host of The Mastering Show, Ian Shepherd. They dive into the current state of mastering, AI’s growing role, work/life balance, and in-the-box vs. out-of-the-box mastering.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Companion podcast episode

Advances in mastering technology

The rise of AI mastering

Shift toward releasing singles

Impact of social media

Mastering now democratized

Lower barrier to entry

AI lacks human context

AI results often bland/generic

Humans provide taste and nuance

Networking challenges in rural areas

Technology removes many practical limits

Career hasn’t suffered despite changes

Facing an empty nest soon

Focus on intentional, joyful work

Known as the "loudness guy"

Links and Show Notes:

Ian's 100th episode

Ian on WCA #132

Matt's Rant: Building Things

Credits:

Guest: Ian Shepherd

Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau

WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell

The Voice: Chuck Smith