Reuben Cohen emphasizes the importance of volume automation during mastering to enhance a song's dynamics and musicality. By manually adjusting bus levels, particularly from verse or bridge to chorus, Cohen builds tension and lifts the chorus, creating a more engaging listening experience.
These subtle volume rides are designed to be imperceptible to the listener, yet they significantly contribute to the song's emotional impact. Cohen also integrates EQ adjustments into the process, ensuring that all elements work cohesively to maintain the song's dynamic flow and overall impact.