Abstract
Audio mastering, as a bridge or a gateway between production and consumption, is particularly sensitive to changes related to technology and modes of production. As the boundaries between production and consumption have become exceptionally permeable, the analysis of mastering is especially relevant, in that it allows taking a closer look at how those boundaries are negotiated. Mastering can be understood as a fluid discourse synthesizing creativity, technical knowledge, and social capital. In the New Economy, the engineer’s reputation becomes especially relevant as a way to cope with forces such as automation, individualization and uncertainty. This chapter investigates shifting attitudes in the way mastering engineers view themselves, the way they construct their online presence, and community attitudes towards their craft. The methods used involved surveys to mastering engineers working in the UK and media analysis of websites and music production magazines.