In the LANDR threads, I was taken aback by how many people think mastering is just about applying a preset with EQ and dynamics processing. It's not that simple. It involves analysis of a recording, the ability to identify deficiencies, and the knowledge of what processing or waveform surgery will fix those deficiencies.
 
At least year's Sweetwater GearFest, I did a workshop on what I call "mastering with a small 'm'" (e.g., no waveform-level work, no restoration). I took files from the audience at random, and mastered them on the spot in the minimum amount of time possible. The following video doesn't show waveform surgery, but gives some insights into the thought processes behind mastering decisions. After watching it, I think it becomes clear that if a preset works for you, it's by coincidence. I hope you find it interesting.
 

Good reminder. 

Thank you, Craig!
 
I am mastering my own mixes, all in Sonar, and so I have the luxury of going back to the mix if needs be, which is often the case.  Therefore, my mastering processing is subtle.
 
Listening/watching what you did with these mixes, I'm on the right track.  No pun intended:)

Thanks for sharing Craig. Made me a little less overwhelmed when it comes to mastering
All the best.

I really liked this video when I watched it the first time and again now.

I had a client that went "Wow! Yes, like that!" when all I did was apply some Concrete Limiter.
 
This video demonstrates aesthetically driven mastering, more than what would make
GoPro, Church sermon and Wedding videographers happy.
 
...I did benefit from this video, I hasten to add...

I was at Craig's workshop and it was fantastic.  There were several notable forumites (I am not one of them) in attendance as well.
 
Thanks for the video.  I plan on watching it this weekend.

I like to think of mastering as of magnifying glass, that reveals the naked truth of the record. It just makes apparent how good the song/arrangement/performance really is.

Count me in as someone who enjoyed the video .
One thing that I noticed that actually surprised me was when the first song was playing right around the 2:38 ish area
it sounded like the whole mix got loose ....
During the second take of the song Craig had Mastered I noticed that the whole section of that song I mentioned was so much tighter and gelling ..I can say the same for the whole song too..
That must be due to what ever EQ Mojo and years of experience  Craig used to dial the song ...
What a transformation .
 
Kenny

Great comparison and I appreciated all the notes and settings screenshots in the video.  Thanks Craig!
 
Also, a note regarding presets. They are a great starting point, especially for attack and release settings in a compressor. But they don't know the level of your track, so threshold / input / gain reduction need to be set manually - ALWAYS.
 
I actually really like the presets in the Sonitus Multi-band compressor, but always tweak the thresholds and the makeup gain of each band to suit the song. I usually leave attacks, releases, and ratios as the presets have them.