AI Mastering Put to the Test: Benn Jordan Challenges Man vs. Machine – But Who Wins?
Can Artificial Intelligence Replace the Professional?
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AI Mastering Put to the Test: Benn Jordan challenges man versus machine-but who wins? · Source: Benn Jordan / YouTube
In his YouTube video, Benn Jordan presents a comprehensive study he conducted on the quality of AI mastering compared to human mastering engineers. His conclusion: although AI methods are much more affordable, human mastering engineers still deliver the best results. What do you think about AI mastering vs. real mastering?
All About the Human vs. AI Mastering Shootout
Artificial Intelligence vs. Human: Benn Jordan’s AI Mastering Experiment
For the test, Jordan sent his track “Starlight” through various AI plug-ins, online mastering platforms and, of course, to real human mastering engineers. In the ensuing blind study of 472 participants, the various AI mastering tools performed differently, but two human engineers, Max Hosinger and Ed the Soundman, took the top two spots. That was to be expected, wasn’t it?
In his video, Benn Jordan also explains how important mastering is for the final quality of a track. And he is definitely right. Through comparative listening, the participants evaluated various mastering approaches in terms of clarity, presence and depth. But first check out the video before we discuss and vote below.
Can Artificial Intelligence Replace a Professional?
Despite advanced AI mastering techniques and platforms such as iZotope Ozone 11 or Kits.ai, the results showed that human mastering engineers consistently produced more accurate and detailed sonic images – with more of a “human feel”. Particularly surprising was the disqualification of LANDR, a very popular online mastering platform, which did not meet Jordan’s requirements because (subjectively speaking) every master produced poor results. He also removed the online mastering results from Bandlab, Waves, Virtu and Mixea.
Over the course of the experiment, the original twelve mastering approaches were narrowed down to seven acceptable ones so as not to overwhelm listeners. In the end, the evaluation of the finalists showed that while advanced AI mastering technologies such as Compound Audio Stereo Mastering and Matchering 2.0 can deliver solid results, they are inferior to human experts like Hosinger and Ed the Soundman when it comes to the nuanced presentation of music.
The mastering duel – save money or go for quality?
Jordan also pointed out the cost of professional mastering engineers, which can run into thousands of dollars per album. However, AI mastering platforms offer a cost-effective alternative that can improve the sound to a satisfactory level for the average user if the demands are not too high.
As criteria for comparison, Benn Jordan mentioned aspects such as sound density, depth and musical presence. While some AI mastering tools delivered creative and fast results, he found that the real mixing and mastering experts produced the most coherent and technically convincing results.
Conclusion and your verdict
And that concludes the Top 7 of this mastering study:
- Max Hosinger
- Ed the Soundman
- a) Ozone & Neutron / b) Matchering 2.0
- Compound Audio stereo mastering
- Kits.ai
- iZotope Ozone 11
How would you decide? Do you use AI mastering for your finished songs or do you prefer a real second opinion and expertise?
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One response to “AI Mastering Put to the Test: Benn Jordan Challenges Man vs. Machine – But Who Wins?”
Great video from Benn Jordan, someone I didn’t know before. Throughout this contest he provides lots of useful tips and references in SW and HW. Ideal for me as I’m planning to finally start mastering my tracks.