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