Man.......I can only imagine what it would feel like if I was a professional mastering engineer 10 years ago and then BAM now theres all these pre sets and shit........Those mastering dudes must be HURTIN!
Not really, Anybody who would consider using a
preset to master there own stuff usually wouldn't have a clue on how to get stuff sounding
good and loud at the same time anyway.
When was the last time you bought a cd or digital download from a
successful artist who had recorded, mixed and mastered it themselves. Can you name
one?
When considering how much time, effort, and money has been put into a recording and how much time effort and money still would have to go into marketing and promoting an album that is destined for a serious release, most people tend to get it professionally mastered. The $500 to $1500 it cost is not a big drop in the bucket, when compared to the alternative.
If it's just for friends and family, ozone and t rex in a home studio might do.
The other thing to consider is that there is a lot home recording and mixing going on now a day's in less than ideal acoustic environments.............. When people try to also diy master in those same conditions, same speakers, same set of ears... often, the results are less than stellar.
Professional mastering is the last place to get it right. So anybody who is good at it is not really hurtin per say.