Newbie questions on digital mixing and mastering

[ofajen]

OK, so I've been using analog gear for, what, 23 years? Now I'm starting to learn more of the digital side.

So, I'm tracking and mixing and whatever with Live 5.2 on a Mac G4. When I mix, I can either "Render to Disk" or use the S/PDIF output to mix to my MicroTrack and then port the .wav file back in via USB.

Question 1: Is there any particular reason to expect things to sound much different between using those two methods, in terms of the stereo output file?

OK, now I have a 24-bit, 44.1 kHz stereo mix. I tend not to want to mess with things much toward the end; I try to do smart things up front. But still, I need to process a bit, dither down to 16 bit and produce files I can listen to in a CD player.

Question 2: Any recommendations for Mac-savvy software for mastering? I could spend $300, maybe $500 for good reason, but not much more.

Finally, as a compensation for selling some of these fine, wide-track analog machines which have useful meters on every channel, I'm planning to buy myself a Dorrough meter. I could connect the digital version via the same S/PDIF I will use if I'm mixing to the MicroTrack.

Question 3: Can an S/PDIF output be multed to two inputs (mix recorder and digital meter) or is there a buffer that could enable that?

Question 4: Would I be better off to just get an analog Dorrough meter and feed the +4 analog mix out to it?

Oh yeah... My G4 machine is enormously loud relative to my studio, which is way quiet. I isolate my 1" 8 track via a custom built housing to keep the transport and fan noise off my recordings.


Question 5: If you track in the room where your computer is located, how do you isolate the fan noise from the mikes when tracking? I'm thinking of building a similar, heavy housing for the G4 box that can be closed when recording, except for a muffling port out the back that will allow some airflow from the fan but damp out the noise using fiberglas insulation and a bend.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Otto

[noisewreck]

Originally Posted by ofajen

Question 1: Is there any particular reason to expect things to sound much different between using those two methods, in terms of the stereo output file?

Unless there is something terribly wrong with your connections, they should sound identical, bit for bit. Now, of course if things were terribly wrong, you'd have a hard time transfering the audio from the computer to the MicroTrack to begin with!

Originally Posted by ofajen

Question 2: Any recommendations for Mac-savvy software for mastering? I could spend $300, maybe $500 for good reason, but not much more.

Bias Peak.

Now that I got the easy questions out of the way, hopefuly the more savvy digital demigods around here will be able to shed some light on these questions that I am myself interested in hearing answers on.

Cheers

[Emusic]

Originally Posted by ofajen

Question 5: If you track in the room where your computer is located, how do you ...

Hi and welcome to the digital side.
I track in the same room as I mix. It isn¨t "treated" yet.
You can move the mac away - possible to a different room, if you have that option. Some smart (and long) cabling might be needed. I see several studiosetups that has the Mac in the machineroom or ditto.
Things you HAVE to have at your fingertips can be brought there by external devices such as an USB-hub, and external DVD-burner and your keyboard/mouse by a long extension cable.
When all this is said - I for one hasn´t moved mine yet. I´m using a G5 and an AKG C 414 mainly, and don´t find the leakage/noise big enough a problem. They are about 70 cm from each other when recording. My biggest concern is a football training area outside my house. They yell an scream like there is no tomorrow. Looking forward to get a better room.
Good luck on your tracking/mixing. Hoping to get some wonderful hints and tips from your 23 years of experience in later threads.