At Sweetwater's GearFest 2015, I did a workshop called "How to Master in Your DAW" and asked for some files from the audience to master on the spot. The object was to show how a few tweaks could improve the sound of the mix, even without going through extensive mastering work. Of course, this was based on using SONAR . The seminar went long so wasn't able to do them before it was time for the next workshop, so I took the files home and mastered them under the same constraints of trying to do quick and simple tweaks.
 
This video (hosted on the Harmony Central YouTube channel) plays the "before" and "after" versions, and includes some screen shots of the processing used as well as some commentary on the techniques used for mastering. I hope you find it helpful.
 
https://www.youtube.com/embed/-VOl9bwKV_U
 
 

Really excited to watch this when I get home. Thanks!

I like what you did to the first song, I think the improvement was noticeable and added to the overall listenability. I also thought you made a good call regarding the reverb, it did seem a touch dry (particularly the vocals, and your reverb made them sit better with the instruments). I thought the vocals on both songs were a touch low and could have been brought forward by a better mix, particularly on the second song.
I was particularly interested in your ideas regarding cuts and boosts of EQ bands, and your reasons for these. Thanks for sharing this.

Hi Craig, I've learned a lot from you and really appreciate all you do, With regards mastering in Sonar have you any advice on how to set up a mastering session within Sonar for mastering an EP or album. Is their a way using a screenset and setting it up in such a way that could replicate whats offered in Studio one for mastering?
Thanks,
Andrew

Nice.thanks.

Thanks Craig!

Excellent!

Interesting Graig and useful information but I have to ask could all of these "Fixes" not of been resolved by better attention to detail in the mix its self?  I am aware you did not have anything to do with the source mixes.

Thank you for sharing this!
 
I realize that you only had the tracks after the mix but if you had the mix, would the eq adjustments typically be made during mixing?
 
Thanks

Cool stuff.  thx.  enjoyed watching that.