Load the file you wish to master by selecting "Open" from the File menu and apply the iZotope Mastering Bundle by selecting "Mastering Effects Bundle" from the Effects menu. The iZotope Mastering Effects bundle is integrated into Sound Forge Version 9. While iZotope ships with a variety of presets, the point of mastering is to make adjustments unique to the song.
Enable the multi-band compressor by clicking on the icon on the lower dialog screen of the iZotope Mastering Effects Bundle. The multi-band compressor controls the dynamics and compression of specific bandwidth, or EQ, ranges. By adjusting the threshold, at what volume the compressor engages, the ratio, how much compression is applied, and the release (how long until the compress disengages), you can add snap to the bass range or sustain to the mid-ranges interdependently.
Enable the mastering limiter by clicking on the icon on the lower dialog screen of the iZotope Mastering Effects Bundle. The mastering limiter works like a compressor, adjusting the dynamics, or loudness and softness, of your song as a whole. Make minor adjustments in threshold, margin (or release) and character to reduce the peaks and lows until you have an even mix.
Enable the mastering EQ by clicking on the icon on the lower dialog screen of the iZotope Mastering Effects Bundle. The mastering EQ adjusts the frequency ranges of the entire mix, either increasing or reducing a specific range, and provides a visual reference for the EQ peaks of the song. Adjust the EQ by selecting a point on the graph, up to six, and making minor changes to decrease errant peaks and increase lows until you have an even, or flat, mix.
Enable the mastering reverb by clicking on the icon on the lower dialog screen of the iZotope Mastering Effects Bundle. The mastering reverb adds a subtle amount of reverb to the entire mix. When using reverb less is more and adding several milliseconds of reverb can open a track up, giving it a more natural or highly stylized feel.
Enable the harmonic exciter by clicking on the icon on the lower dialog screen of the iZotope Mastering Effects Bundle. At the mastering level the harmonic exciter replicates and enhances in the digital environment the natural harmonics, or sonic artifacts, associated with analog mastering. While minor changes in the middle and higher EQ ranges can improve the energy and tone of your master, overuse of the harmonic exciter results in hiss, which is undesirable for a final master.