A question on mastering.

[NLAlston]

If an individual already has a software sequencing program (in my case - Cakewalk PA9) why would there be a need for a mastering program - such as WaveLabs, Sound Forge, Waves, etc. - as opposed to a stand alone compressor/limiter program? The reason that I ask is due to my being informed that the above mentioned programs are also sequencers. Having that part of it, already, I was thinking that a dedicated comp/limiting program - such as 'T-Racks' - might fit the bill & save me a little money, to boot. I don't know what the actual cost of that program is, but am reasonably sure it is less than the other mastering programs mentioned. I would appreciate any enlightenment, here, and information on any other good dedicated programs of this nature.

[xfinsterx]

t-racks is a kick ass little psuedo-mastering plug.
it also has alot of track to track uses.
its like 250.00, and right now ik's got a deal that if you buy t-racks you can have sample tank or amplitube for free!

buy 1 get 1 i love that company man, i got all theyre plugs.

anyway, yadda yadda yadaa.......

[xfinsterx]

waves sells the masters bundle too.
but thats a shade under a 1000.00 bucks.
id only buy that if your doing mastering for ppl on a reg. basis.

[masteringhouse]

Originally Posted by NLAlston

If an individual already has a software sequencing program (in my case - Cakewalk PA9) why would there be a need for a mastering program - such as WaveLabs, Sound Forge, Waves, etc. - as opposed to a stand alone compressor/limiter program? The reason that I ask is due to my being informed that the above mentioned programs are also sequencers. Having that part of it, already, I was thinking that a dedicated comp/limiting program - such as 'T-Racks' - might fit the bill & save me a little money, to boot. I don't know what the actual cost of that program is, but am reasonably sure it is less than the other mastering programs mentioned. I would appreciate any enlightenment, here, and information on any other good dedicated programs of this nature.

1. How are you going to burn CDs?
2. If you wanted to re-sequence the CD how difficult would that be with Cakewalk versus something like CD Architect?
3. Does Cakewalk have plugins for dither and other functions normally used during mastering processing?
4. How easy is it to apply different settings to songs, and edit songs individually? How about recalling settings for each song later?
5. How can you insert analog gear into the chain if needed?

You can probably get it to work for the above (other than CD burning) just a question of what functionality you need/want and how easily you want to get to it.

[crosstudio]

you need a program that can put together multiple songs and set the levels of each song such that the relative volumes of the composite give an even level so that you don't have to change the volume on your radio.

[NLAlston]

Originally Posted by crosstudio

you need a program that can put together multiple songs and set the levels of each song such that the relative volumes of the composite give an even level so that you don't have to change the volume on your radio.

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So what type of program are we talking about, that would present such an opportunity? As stated before, I presently have Cakewalk PA9. I got it from my brother when he bought SONAR 2.0, and he had lost the manual. Now, I am thinking about getting SONAR Producer, which has many more embellishments/features - and a user manual, to boot. Would this program fit the bill for what you have mentioned?

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From the Masteringhouse:

1. How are you going to burn CDs?
From my CPU's internal burner, with either EasyCD Creator Platinum 5, or Nero 6.

2. If you wanted to re-sequence the CD how difficult would that be with Cakewalk versus something like CD Architect?
I have never traveled far enough to know anything about this.

3. Does Cakewalk have plugins for dither and other functions normally used during mastering processing?
I don't know what 'Dithering' is, and am really in the dark regarding what the actual 'mastering process' is comprised of.

4. How easy is it to apply different settings to songs, and edit songs individually? How about recalling settings for each song later?
I don't have have an answer for this, either. I am currently sequencing my music on my MotifES7, and recording vocals into my AW16g. The reason that I wish to delve deeper into software is because of hearing about the greater editing/mastering capabilities of such. Then too, I am also looking toward getting my feet wet with soft synths, sometime in the near future.

5. How can you insert analog gear into the chain if needed?
There won't be a need for this.

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One poster wrote about the 'Waves' mastering package, and suggested that it only be considered if I was doing mastering for other people. I am a true fledgling in this area, and am only concerned with getting my music sounding as good as I possibly can. Believe me, I really do appreciate everyone's help, and am looking to hear from someone as to the best route, for someone in my position, to take. I don't have a heckuva lot'a money to spend, here, but am reasonably sure that there must be something out there which would work fine for me - without warranting a really deep reach into my pockets.

[masteringhouse]

Originally Posted by NLAlstonOne poster wrote about the 'Waves' mastering package, and suggested that it only be considered if I was doing mastering for other people. I am a true fledgling in this area, and am only concerned with getting [I

my[/I] music sounding as good as I possibly can. Believe me, I really do appreciate everyone's help, and am looking to hear from someone as to the best route, for someone in my position, to take. I don't have a heckuva lot'a money to spend, here, but am reasonably sure that there must be something out there which would work fine for me - without warranting a really deep reach into my pockets.

I would go in one of 2 directions judging from your reponse. Start looking into plugins that will work with your existing software AND any potential candidates you may be looking at in the future. The Waves mastering bundle is what I would consider a very good "starter kit" and includes 2 types of EQ, a multi-band compressor and the L2 limiter.

The other option is (depending on the number of releases you plan to put out per year) sending your material out for mastering. This has the benefit of someone (hopefully) with more experience in this process, gear that costs much more than you can currently afford, at a cost less than purchasing the software and hardware needed to do it on your own. The additional benefit is having an objective view on how your material may be improved.

Sorry if I'm sounding like a salesman with option 2, but if my house needed electrical repair work I would prefer to trust someone who does this daily for a living than do it myself in order to save a few dollars and risk burning my house down or getting electrocuted

[NLAlston]

Originally Posted by masteringhouse

The other option is (depending on the number of releases you plan to put out per year) sending your material out for mastering. This has the benefit of someone (hopefully) with more experience in this process, gear that costs much more than you can currently afford, at a cost less than purchasing the software and hardware needed to do it on your own. The additional benefit is having an objective view on how your material may be improved.

Hey again, Tom V. ~

You know, this is - undoubtedly - going to sound strange to you, but I am not really that concerned about releasing my music to the public. I mean, if someone (as I've mentioned elsewhere) were to show an interest in my creation(s), and was desireful of doing something with/for my works, then I wouldn't take a stand against it. In fact, such a situation would find me highly pleased. My music is mainly for my own listening pleasure, and that of family & friends. Every once in a while I will get contacted for some demo work, and I wouldn't mind being well-heeled enough (knowledge wise) to take someone's work to the next level, if & whenever that need arose. I have heard songs playing on the radio which did not sound half as good as mine, even with the limited resources that I have, and I know that there is a good possibility of there being a need to take this matter to a higher plane. But even if it were to be for nothing more than the listening pleasure that I gain from my works - that would be enough. I am very critical of my stuff, and - as earlier stated - want it to sound as professional as I can make it. So I will check into the "Waves" plugins, as well as looking deeper into the "T-Racks" offering.

Thanks to all.