LANDR is an online audio mastering service that leverages AI algorithms to master songs automatically without needing a professional recording engineer. The platform analyzes your music's waveform to optimize EQ, stereo imaging, compress dynamics, and add polish.
But how well does LANDR's AI mastering actually work? This extensive LANDR review will assess the platform's capabilities, quality, pricing, and overall value for music producers, Mixing Engineers, and Podcasters.
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Overview of LANDR
LANDR is a cloud-based mastering platform that provides:
- Automated AI mastering powered by machine learning
- Manual mastering by professional engineers
- Music distribution to major streaming services
- Royalty collection and analytics dashboard
- Collaborative music tools for comments, feedback, and project management
The company was founded in 2012 and is based in Montreal, Canada.
LANDR is used by over 1 million musicians and audio producers worldwide. It aims to democratize quality mastering by making it fast, affordable, and accessible.
AI Mastering Process on LANDR
LANDR's AI mastering works by having you upload your music as a WAV, FLAC, or MP3 file.
Their algorithm then analyzes the audio and makes adjustments to EQ, compression, stereo width, and limiting to optimize the track’s playback quality.
You can select a genre like Pop, Hip Hop, or Jazz and choose an Intensity level of Low, Medium, or High to influence the mastering applied.
Once mastered, you can preview the results and re-run the algorithm if desired.
The AI master typically takes 1-2 minutes to complete. You then download the mastered file or submit the track for distribution.
Manual Mastering Option
For more precision, LANDR also offers optional Mastering Engineers you can hire starting at $49 per track.
A professional engineer will manually master your song and provide comments and feedback. This takes 2-3 business days but guarantees expert human results.
Adding a Mastering Engineer is best for important releases where quality is paramount.
Additional LANDR Features
Beyond AI mastering, LANDR provides these additional capabilities:
Distribution
You can distribute your LANDR-mastered tracks directly to all major streaming platforms including:
- Spotify
- Apple Music
- YouTube Music
- Amazon Music
- Deezer
- TikTok
Analytics
Their dashboard provides royalty tracking, streaming analytics, audience insights, and sales metrics across all connected platforms and distributors in one place.
Collaboration
LANDR offers comments, feedback, and project management features to collaborate with team members and clients on mastering orders.
Publishing Administration
You can enter publishing metadata for registration with performance rights organizations and song databases.
LANDR Pricing
LANDR offers these subscription tiers:
Free
- 2 free masters per month
- 1 track upload at a time
- 100 MB max file size
Basic
- $9 per month billed annually
- Unlimited masters
- 1 track upload at a time
- 100 MB max file size
Pro
- $19 per month billed annually
- Unlimited masters
- Bulk uploading
- 500 MB max file size
- Distribution to stores
- Advanced analytics
They also offer discounted educator and non-profit pricing.
Overall, the free tier is extremely limited. But the Pro plan provides good value with full unlimited use of their AI algorithms and distribution network.
Get the only music production suite with mastering, music distribution, plugins, samples and collaboration tool
Pros of LANDR
Here are the major advantages of using LANDR:
- Affordable – Much cheaper than human mastering engineers
- Fast turnaround – AI masters tracks in 1-2 minutes
- Easy batch processing – Queue up bulk tracks to master
- Distribution – Song publishing to all major platforms
- Analytics – Royalty tracking and streaming stats
- Collaboration – Comments and feedback on projects
- Developing AI – Steadily improving mastering quality
For $20/month, you get automated polish for an unlimited amount of tracks.
Cons of LANDR
Some downsides to consider:
- AI quality – Algorithms don't match human mastering fully yet
- Limited control – Less customization compared to pro tools
- No stem mastering – Must master complete mixed stereo track
- Ownership concerns– Files hosted on LANDR servers
- Overall loudness – Often maximizes loudness excessively
Serious or commercial projects still benefit more from custom professional mastering.
Who is LANDR Best Suited For?
Based on its capabilities and pricing, LANDR provides the most value for:
- Musicians on a budget needing quick demo masters
- Beginners wanting easy distribution to streaming platforms
- Mixing engineers who still do final masters themselves but want streaming publishing
- Podcasters needing basic mastering to polish voice tracks
- Creators needing a quick master for lo-fi demo music
- Artists wanting easy access to cross-platform streaming analytics
For professional release mastering, a dedicated ME is still recommended. But LANDR suits more casual hobbyist use cases well.
Should You Use LANDR?
LANDR provides worthwhile AI algorithms that continue getting better with time. While not a true replacement for skilled mastering engineers yet, it does enable fast, affordable polish for demos and web-destined music.
For serious mastering needs, a Pro Mastering Engineer using precision tools like iZotope Ozone will achieve noticeably warmer, punchier, louder results.
But for experimental low-stakes projects, LANDR offers a quick automated mastering solution to explore.
The bottom line – LANDR is best used with managed expectations. Leverage its AI capabilities for demo masters and streaming distribution. But rely on a dedicated professional for any important masters where quality is paramount.
LANDR Review – FAQ
Does LANDR work on mobile?
Yes, LANDR offers iOS and Android mobile apps synced to your web account. You can master tracks and distribute on mobile.
Can LANDR master multitrack stems?
No, their AI currently only masters complete stereo mixes. For stems, you need a human mastering studio.
Do I retain rights to my LANDR masters?
You retain ownership but also grant LANDR license to host and stream your files to provide their services.
Can LANDR accommodate any audio file type?
LANDR only supports common file formats like WAV, FLAC, MP3, AIFF and M4A. More obscure types may not work.
Is the AI mastering really instant?
It takes about 1-2 minutes per song for the AI to process and optimize the waveform. So nearly instant compared to MEs.
LANDR provides a useful service for casual mastering and streaming distribution needs thanks to the convenience of AI. But for professional release quality, rely on seasoned Mastering Engineers.
