Which mastering gear comes first?

[dblock]

Hi,
I have a finalizer (the original one), L2 maximizer (hardware version) and I just brought the box in with my brand new stereo distressor.
Question is, I will be using these as my mastering back end but dont know which is the best order going to the tascam cd recorder. I want my music sounding like a record with loud competitive levels. Any suggestions?
Thanks!
dblock

[ryanlikestorock]

1. Finalizer
2. Distressor (I assume this is a tape simulator?)
3. L2

[dblock]

Yes, tape simulator is correct. I'm hooking up everything now. I appreciate your response!
dblock

[Massive Master]

Keep in mind that "LOUD" is easy.

"GOOD" is the challenge.

[xstatic]

Also, a stereo distressor is WAY more than a "tape emulator". Personally, I would try Distressor - Finalizer - and then L2. Start using that distressor a bit while you are tracking/mixing. You may find that you will start to need less and less of the Finalizer and L2 while you are "mastering".

[dblock]

I agree. I want it Good "And" loud!
I thought it was already god but I couldn't hear it.

[dblock]

Actually, I monitor my final mix as I compose through my tascam 202 monitor.
I'm going from my mackie 32 board to my BBE 832 to the finalizer (subject to change of course) to the empirical labs distressor, to the L2 maximizer to the cd recorder. I'm thinking about multing the distressor so I can also track with it giving it double duty without repatching and dealing with patchbays which I dont like.

[Massive Master]

Originally Posted by dblock

...to my BBE 832

[masteringhouse]

Originally Posted by dblock

Hi,
I have a finalizer (the original one), L2 maximizer (hardware version) and I just brought the box in with my brand new stereo distressor.
Question is, I will be using these as my mastering back end but dont know which is the best order going to the tascam cd recorder. I want my music sounding like a record with loud competitive levels. Any suggestions?
Thanks!
dblock

L2 would be last in the chain. What you are doing with the finalizer will determine where to place the distressor. For example if you are using the Finalizer to EQ or de-ess it should in general be placed before compression, if you are using it for stereo expansion, probably doesn't matter. If you are using normalization or limiting, after compression.