Can mastering fix my tracks??

[adamdrastic1]

Hi, I've got my bands demo sounding really good in Logic... The mix is great, in my (amateur) opinion. BUT... a lot of things are clipping (probably cause we're amateurs and we turned things UP instead of others DOWN)

It sounds fine in Logic, but the guitars crackle after bouncing.... Can I compress/limit the final stereo track to fix this, or do I need to redo the mix? Is there a good way in Logic Express of bringing everything down (we have automation on...) without changing the mix?

thanks a lot

[cusebassman]

What is clipping?

Are any of the original tracks clipping? If so, then the clipping is set in stone.

If you are just getting a stereo mixdown that is clipping because the summed tracks are all too loud after the fact, just go back into the mix and decrease the output volume of all the tracks.

Putting a limiter might also help, but I'd say try both. Can't hurt since you can undo just about anything in software

[Robert D]

Yes, you need to redo the mix. Applying compression or limiting to a file that already contains distortion from clipping cannot remove it. You already know the cause, so next time I'm sure you'll keep away from the ceiling. Dbl verify that there's no clipping on the individule tracks though.
Everytime I've had to reconstruct a mix that I was happy with, I've ended up even happier, so go with it!

[TerraMortim]

Originally Posted by adamdrastic1

Hi, I've got my bands demo sounding really good in Logic... The mix is great, in my (amateur) opinion. BUT... a lot of things are clipping (probably cause we're amateurs and we turned things UP instead of others DOWN)

It sounds fine in Logic, but the guitars crackle after bouncing.... Can I compress/limit the final stereo track to fix this, or do I need to redo the mix? Is there a good way in Logic Express of bringing everything down (we have automation on...) without changing the mix?

thanks a lot

I'd recomend an amazing plugin to get. PSP Vintage Warmer, even just throwing it on a channel with the initialized settings can work to keep the percieved level around the same (or louder) and keep it far from audible clipping.

[adamdrastic1]

There are virtually no clips in the recordings, save for a few *practically* unavoidable pops in the vocals.
We were working with 4 days, and limited resources and funds, so my job as computer owner (and drummer!!!!) is to work with what's there!

[therage!]

Originally Posted by adamdrastic1

There are virtually no clips in the recordings, save for a few *practically* unavoidable pops in the vocals.
We were working with 4 days, and limited resources and funds, so my job as computer owner (and drummer!!!!) is to work with what's there!

Fix those spikes. How hard is that to do in Logic? Piece of Cake in Sonar. Can be a little time consuming but you can do it.

I learned how to do it in Sonar by hanging out at the Cakewalk forum on their site. Do the Logic folks have an active user forum?

[adamdrastic1]

Holy shit.... I turned down the Output 1-2 to -7.9 db and it's f)(*&ing awesome now... IT DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE... no crackling, popping or otherwise....
But, now, should I 'master' the stereo track with compressor in Logic ???

What's sonar? We left very few pops in the vocals (maybe 1 or 2 in 5 songs) and just used track automation to lower the volume...

[adamdrastic1]

oops, i didn't turn it down TO -7-9, i LOWERED it 7.9 dB

[scrouch]

'Mastering' basically just means getting the mix into it's final form for reproduction. It can include compressing, eqing, limiting, etc but only if it's required. It more depends on what needs to be done to the song to finalize it. ie: unless there's problem with dynamics you shouldn't compress it. Before running it through a compressor decide what you're trying to accomplish with the compressor. It's easier to damage the sound of a song using compression than it is to improve it. Moreso if you're compressing the entire mix. It's best to compare your finished product to a commercial CD that has a simlar style of music and decide what you think sounds wrong with yours. If you make a list of issues it will be easier to answer what you should do to your mix. There's no single answer of what to do to 'master' a song but people will be able to give you tips if you let them know what you're trying to fix.

[TerraMortim]

Originally Posted by adamdrastic1

Holy shit.... I turned down the Output 1-2 to -7.9 db and it's f)(*&ing awesome now... IT DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE... no crackling, popping or otherwise....
But, now, should I 'master' the stereo track with compressor in Logic ???

What's sonar? We left very few pops in the vocals (maybe 1 or 2 in 5 songs) and just used track automation to lower the volume...

Yeah, I would. The channel faders in logic have allot more headroom than the master fader. I ususally throw a Vintage Warmer, or something like that on the master channel to just help to fill out the mix and to help with the master channel clipping. It'll make your mix a little "bigger" and "fuller" if you mix into it. I'd recommend putting the compression and/or limiting on the master channel before you start so you mix and record into it.. it just works a lot better than putting it on after the fact. Remember, also that adding something that emulates an analogue channel strip on the master chan, will help just that much more to distance you from the sterile digital sound, unless that's what you want.

[TerraMortim]

Originally Posted by adamdrastic1

Holy shit.... I turned down the Output 1-2 to -7.9 db and it's f)(*&ing awesome now... IT DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE... no crackling, popping or otherwise....
But, now, should I 'master' the stereo track with compressor in Logic ???

What's sonar? We left very few pops in the vocals (maybe 1 or 2 in 5 songs) and just used track automation to lower the volume...

that's probably one of the best ways to do it after the fact of recording it (won't effect the frequency.)

[RedStone]

Originally Posted by TerraMortim

Remember, also that adding something that emulates an analogue channel strip on the master chan, will help just that much more to distance you from the sterile digital sound, unless that's what you want.

The only way digital is sterile is if you have crappy converters or crappy dsp. If both of those things are good in your set-up, then you can focus on making sure it sounds the way you want - use channel emulation only if you need it, not as a rule - that's my humble advice.

[adamdrastic1]

I ended up using the Vintage Warmer only on guitar tracks, as no matter what it seemed to distort the guitars when applied to the master output... Good suggestions though, thank you

[scrouch]

Originally Posted by RedStone

The only way digital is sterile is if you have crappy converters or crappy dsp. If both of those things are good in your set-up, then you can focus on making sure it sounds the way you want - use channel emulation only if you need it, not as a rule - that's my humble advice.

I agree. For some stuff the analog distortion will sound good but only if that's the sound you're going for with that particular song. Some people want the analog sound so they use it on everything. That's fine but not required for everyone. It's like saying that you need to use a tube preamp rather than a transparent solid state all the time. Depends on what you're going for.

[YellowMatter]

If things are clipping in Logic, there is a simple solution. Turn everything down. I would actually turn all the individual faders down rather then overloading the master buss and turning it down.

[flatfinger]

The answer to your question.........

"A great master begins with a great mix "

B. Katz

Mix like you've never even heard of mastering!!
Mix like it's going straight to the distribution/release stage. You should keep everything away from the maximum level (0 dBFS) Especially if you mix ITB!! your peaks should be no higher than -6 dBFS!!!!


Then take it to a M.E. who is'nt merely a monkey with a limiter!!! ( if you look around you can find a good one who won't charge mega bananas!)

That's if you care about your audio!!

Best Fishes, FF