The information in this article applies to:

• SONAR (All Versions)
• SONAR Home Studio (All Versions)
• Music Creator (All Versions)
• Guitar Tracks (All Versions)
• Home Studio (All Versions)

CDs released on major record labels are always “mastered”.  This is the final step before publishing.  It involves applying equalization and dynamic processing (compressors/limiters/expanders) to your final mix to add an even volume and “punch”.  You can certainly accomplish this in Cakewalk products, but bear in mind that it is a technique that is just as advanced as mixing. 

If you are looking for a quick solution, consider exporting your project to a single stereo wave file, importing it into a new project and applying a limiter.  This video will show you how to use Boost 11, the limiter that comes with SONAR Home Studio 6 XL.

If you would like to read more on mixing and mastering, check out our Mixing and Mastering guide here.