The first one is only for cutting the low and high frequencies that are inaudible. The first thing I do is add 2 Parametric EQ's to the master channel. I use FL Studio to create all the music I produce, so the plugin's I'm going to describe may not be what you have but try to find something similar. Export your mix as a 24bit WAV and throw your mixed music into your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). My personal preference is around 5-6db of head room.

Now the first step to mastering is making sure your mix sounds as good as it can be and not so loud it clips. Hopefully you can use it as a guide for your own music. I'm going to go over the plugins I use and how I use them to master. The steps I use to master are also pretty similar, but every track is uniquely done. Those plugin's are Parametric EQ2, Maximus, Thrillseeker XTC Blue, Transient Processor and Fruity Limiter. I master using the same 6 plugins all the time. Now I just finished mastering and releasing a new rock track: From the Moon to the Sun.

You can check out the article Difference Between Mixed Music and Mastered Music to hear the difference between mixed music and mastered music. Unlike mixing, mastering is about getting entire levels of the music balanced, adjusting the total volume of the track, and bringing out the details to really make the music come alive. Probably the most important first step is to really understand what is going on during mastering. Mainly because it's kind of hard to find solid resources to help learn how to do it. A lot of times, mastering your music seems very challenging.

Fl studio maximus mastering