MasterinG

so how do u guys master?
i sometimes build my own chain:
mix->eq->comp->eq->reverb-> stereo imager->eq->master

sometimes when the mix is too low i compress it like 5 times before even starting to do anything else with it (in order to do this i bounce the mix 4-5 times while processing it in racks and daw fx)

and the quickest way is to use software:
like izotope Ozone or the Waves plug-ins

i get "ok" results but it's either not loud enough or notr bassy enough and when it is bassy it's too muddy (not talking about the mix being muddy), i know the key to a good master track is a good mix to start with but mastering is a different story u know?
feel free to share anything you've experienced implemented, mastered, discovered.....whateva

peace

Home mastering tip:

If your mix is muddy, try using an eq as the 1st step in your chain and cut between 320-400hz. This is where the mud lives.

With the same eq, use a hpf and roll off between 20-40hz.

Intead of a compressor, try a limiter. This is what they use to get the signal real hot.

I get outstanding results with Ozone.

question. What are you trying to achieve on the 5th compression pass that you couldn't achieve on the first?

I use software......

Tape Saturation fx
EQ
Sidechain Compressor(if necessary)
Multiband Compressor
Limiter

I try to compress individual channels but I try to avoid it on the master buss, I like having the levels right and then EQ and limit on the master, but I am not a fan of hard compression anymore, I like it to be fast but slight so it keeps the dynamics but still smacking when I need it to.

ddot_SFV wrote:Home mastering tip:

If your mix is muddy, try using an eq as the 1st step in your chain and cut between 320-400hz. This is where the mud lives.

With the same eq, use a hpf and roll off between 20-40hz.

Intead of a compressor, try a limiter. This is what they use to get the signal real hot.

I get outstanding results with Ozone.

question. What are you trying to achieve on the 5th compression pass that you couldn't achieve on the first?

thanks for the limiter tip i guess that's what i need, and that's why i've been using 25 compressors

I've been using a combination of TC powercore eq and masterx. I also use elemental audio's free inspector plug in to help keep a track of the overall phase, level and equalisation of my piece. Important for me right now is getting a good cross frequency range without an inbalance of top end. Using the inspector has really honed my mental image anbd understanding of frequencies. - 110% recommended and it's free.

I have stopped adding a seperate limiter to my "mastering rig" as the masterx pretty much covers it.

I have found that if I get my tracks right and levels good in the mix, then mastering is really just a process of giving back a little sparkle or clearing out some mud with a touch of eq.

I have been over the top with mastering processors in the past, and always hated the results, so backing off on all processing helps me to retain the original mix sound better.

Currently reading about mastering (cheers El) and trying to learn as much as possible. So far, I've taken on board the g"et the mix right and as hot as you want it before adding any mastering processing" ethic.

yeah, I found the less processing I do the better it sounds. too much crap on it and you just lose it.

yeah, I gotta read that too.

scizz wrote:

ddot_SFV wrote:...With the same eq, use a hpf ...

newbie question: whats a hpf?

high pass filter

elma I got another challenge for you

you say......

I try to compress individual channels but I try to avoid it on the master buss, I like having the levels right and then EQ and limit on the master

and

yeah, I found the less processing I do the better it sounds. too much **** on it and you just lose it.

try skipping the comp on the channels and just using the comp on the 2-bus

A-B it with the mix using comps on all channels


btw, no need to thank me

yeah you're right, but I don't compress every channel, just the ones that need the leveling, or the punch

but you know, next time I'll engage a compressor on the master and start the mix with in on and see if it makes a difference.

Thanks for the tip.

^^^^^^^

Mixing and mastering are two dfferent animals.

yeah but step one to mastering, get your mix right!

every enginner and mastering house IVe ever spoken to or used all said the same thing, in bold capital letters...

"DO NOT EVER PUT A LIMITER ON THE MASTER BUS".

TicToc wrote:every enginner and mastering house IVe ever spoken to or used all said the same thing, in bold capital letters...

"DO NOT EVER PUT A LIMITER ON THE MASTER BUS".

This is true, mastering houses can't do much with a track that's peaking at -.01 db, they need headroom to work


I never mix and master in the same day(or week for that matter). I mix a session with no fx on the master bus to get it sounding the way I want it to sound. I come back later in the week and check the mix again, if all is well I bounce the mix down to stereo. Then I open the stereo track in a new session and apply mastering fx as needed.......