Mastering Presets is a free collection of master bus Mixer channel configurations for FL Studio on Windows. Each preset loads a complete mastering chain — EQ, multi-band compression and output limiting — built with stock FL Studio effects to prepare a mix for final output.
What Are Mastering Presets in FL Studio?
Mastering presets in FL Studio are Mixer channel state files (.fst) that load a complete master bus processing chain onto FL Studio Mixer track 1 — the Master channel — on Windows. A mastering chain typically includes an EQ for tonal balance, a compressor or multiband compressor for dynamic control, and a limiter for output ceiling.
This collection covers trap-style mastering, balanced output chains, loud modern masters and reference-flat chains for mixing contexts.
What Stock FL Plugins Are Used?
All mastering presets in this collection use stock FL Studio plugins available on any Windows FL Studio installation:
- Maximus — multiband compression and loudness maximisation
- Parametric EQ 2 — high-shelf air boost, sub-bass tightening, mid-range balance
- Fruity Stereo Enhancer — width control and mono compatibility check
- Fruity Limiter — true peak ceiling at -0.3 dBFS or -1.0 dBFS for streaming
How to Use Mastering Presets in FL Studio
Open the FL Studio Mixer with F9 on Windows. Click the Master channel (track 1). Right-click and choose Load state, then navigate to the mastering preset .fst file. The full mastering chain loads onto the Master bus. Adjust the Limiter ceiling and Maximus input drive to match your specific mix level and loudness target.
Inside the Library
Related Preset Categories
Frequently Asked Questions
The master bus in FL Studio is Mixer track 1, labelled Master. All other Mixer tracks route their output to the master bus by default. Effects loaded onto the master bus process the final combined audio output of the entire mix before it is exported.
Set your output limiter ceiling to -1.0 dBFS or -0.5 dBFS for streaming platform delivery. Spotify, Apple Music and most streaming services apply loudness normalisation to approximately -14 LUFS, so extremely loud masters will be turned down. A ceiling of -1 dBFS prevents intersample peaks during encoding.
Yes, but with caution. Some producers load a light mastering preset early in the mix to hear an approximation of the final sound. Keep the limiter ceiling high enough (such as -6 dBFS) during mixing to leave headroom. Finalize mastering settings only after the mix is complete.
Mixing involves balancing and processing individual tracks within the project — levels, EQ, compression and effects per channel. Mastering is the final stage applied to the stereo output, focusing on tonal balance, dynamic consistency and loudness for distribution. Both stages use similar tools but at different points in the signal chain.