Before you bounce
- Route every track you want to the main output (Output 1-2) and unmute them. The format of the bounce follows the output channel strip: Output 1-2 gives a stereo file.
- Take a limiter or maximizer off the master bus (or bypass it) so the master does the final limiting, and leave peaks around −6 to −3 dBFS. Keep any bus compressor that is part of your mix sound.
- Check that Cycle mode is off, unless you want only the cycle area: with Cycle on, only the part of the project inside it is bounced.
The Bounce dialog, step by step
- Choose File, then Bounce, then Project or Section.
- In the Destination area, select the uncompressed file type (older versions call it PCM).
- Pick WAVE as the file type, 24-bit as the Bit Depth, 44.1 or 48 kHz as the Sample Rate and Interleaved as the Format.
- Set Mode to Offline (faster), or leave Automatic and let Logic choose; use Realtime only when a plug-in or an external source needs it.
- Tick Include Audio Tail, so an instrument release and an effect tail are not cut.
- Set Normalize to Off, and leave Dithering off: it is for a 24-bit recording bounced to 16-bit.
- Click Bounce.
| Option in Logic Pro | Set it to | Why |
|---|---|---|
| File Type | WAVE | AIFF, WAVE and CAF are offered; WAVE is the one any tool reads |
| Bit Depth | 24-bit | Options run from 8-bit to 32-bit float |
| Sample Rate | 44.1 or 48 kHz | The rate of your project; options run from 11.025 to 192 kHz |
| Format | Interleaved | One stereo file; Split would write a left file and a right file |
| Mode | Offline or Automatic | Offline can be faster than real time and cannot capture MIDI tracks or audio channel inputs |
| Include Audio Tail | On | Extends the file to include any instrument release and effect tail |
| Dithering | None | Apple recommends it when bouncing 24-bit recordings into 16-bit files |
| Normalize | Off | You want the level you mixed, with the headroom you left |
Mistakes that Logic makes easy
- Bouncing with a limiter or an automatic mastering plug-in still on the Stereo Out channel strip. Bypass anything whose job is to make the song louder; the mastering step does that.
- Bounce range too short: set the End a little past the last region so the reverb is not cut.
- Surround Bounce ticked in a stereo project: it bounces every output in the project's surround format.
- Bouncing an MP3 or M4A for "quick sharing" and mastering that. Master from the uncompressed file.
Drop the file into OBRA
- Open obra.art/mastering and drop in the WAVE file from Logic. It is read in your browser; nothing is uploaded.
- Wait a few seconds: you get three masters, Natural, OBRA and Loud, with every move explained.
- Switch between them while the song plays, and against your original at the same loudness (OBRA matches it so louder does not fool you).
- Open the Platforms view to see how Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube will play the master.
- Download the 24-bit WAV or FLAC. Two songs a day are free with no account.
Logic's bounce is a 24-bit WAVE; OBRA reads it in your browser and gives back a 24-bit WAV or FLAC (44.1 or 48 kHz free; 88.2 / 96 kHz and 32-bit float with a paid song or OBRA PRO).
If the mix itself is the problem
A master cannot fix a mix that is out of balance. If you hear that, upload your tracks to OBRA ULTRA: an OBRA engineer mixes and masters the song and sends a WAV and a written note, $19 / €19 / £19 per round, back within 72 hours (limited spots each week).
Frequently asked questions
What bounce settings should I use in Logic Pro for mastering?
File, Bounce, Project or Section; uncompressed WAVE at 24-bit, 44.1 or 48 kHz, Interleaved, Offline or Automatic, Include Audio Tail on, Normalize off, Dithering off.
Should I normalize my bounce in Logic Pro?
No. Leave Normalize off so the bounce keeps the level and the headroom you mixed with.
Offline or realtime bounce in Logic Pro?
Offline is typically faster and can bounce internal audio and software instrument tracks. Realtime is needed for MIDI tracks, audio channel inputs, external sources and DSP-based audio hardware, which cannot be bounced offline.
Can I master a Logic Pro song for free online?
Yes. Bounce a 24-bit WAVE and drop it into OBRA Audio Mastering: two songs a day free, no account, nothing uploaded.