Outline the critical steps involved in mastering an EDM track, specifically addressing the use of limiting, compression, and EQ to achieve a target loudness level and overall sonic polish suitable for professional distribution.

Mastering an EDM track involves a series of critical steps that aim to transform a well-mixed track into a polished, commercially viable product, ready for distribution on various platforms. It’s not about fixing a bad mix; rather, it’s about adding the final layer of refinement that enhances the track's overall loudness, clarity, and cohesion. This process typically involves the strategic use of limiting, compression, and EQ, among other techniques. The first critical step is to prepare the mix for mastering. This means ensuring that the mix is properly balanced, and that there is sufficient headroom. It’s important that any technical problems in the mix such as clipping, phase issues, or muddiness are resolved before the mastering stage. Aim for a peak level of around -3 to -6 dBFS to leave room for the mastering process, this is very important. Next, the mastering chain usually starts with subtle EQ adjustments. At this stage, the goal is to make broad, gentle adjustments to the overall tonal balance. This is not the place to surgically fix mix issues but rather to enhance the track's overall character. For instance, a low shelf boost might add warmth and fullness to the low-end while a high shelf boost can add clarity and air to the top-end. Alternatively, a slight cut around 200-400 Hz might reduce muddiness. The important idea here is that the mastering EQ should be very broad and subtle to avoid changing the mix character dramatically. For example,....