masterVolume

Master volume, or master output level, is the overall amplitude of an audio signal as it exits a system or project. It controls the final loudness sent to the playback chain, whether through a hardware mixer, a digital audio workstation, or a software library. The term is often used interchangeably with master fader, main out, or master bus.

In recording and mixing, the master volume sits after the individual tracks and buses. It should be adjusted with headroom in mind and monitored with output meters showing peak and average levels. In digital systems, levels are typically expressed in dBFS, with careful avoidance of clipping at 0 dBFS. A common practice is to leave some headroom during mixing (for example, peaks around -6 to -3 dBFS) and apply limiting or compression during mastering to achieve consistent loudness without introducing distortion.

Mastering uses compression, limiting, and equalization to shape tonal balance and perceived loudness. The master volume is the final stage of the signal chain and interacts with these processes; the goal is to maximize loudness and tonal clarity while preserving dynamic integrity, rather than simply making the mix louder.

On hardware devices, the physical master volume knob controls the overall signal level to the speakers or headphones. In software contexts, a masterVolume control or global gain is a common parameter that applies a single multiplier to all audio in an application, enabling global level adjustments without altering individual track settings.