Mastering Software

[Mountainmirrors]

What kinds of mastering software are you guys using these days?
I want to get some idea of user-friendly, kickass mastering software...or is it recommended to just have it done professionally??
Thanks!
Jeff

[fenix]

i'm using T-racks. It rules! And really has done wonders.

www.t-racks.com I think.

[Mountainmirrors]

Yes! I've heard PLENTY of great things about it...
Is it compatible with any software...or just Pro-Tools?
Thanks!

[mixmkr]

T racks is a stand alone audio software program that allows you to play with your mixes when they are done. It is in the users opinion whether it is actually comparable to professionl results or not....but in general is thought of as a consumer level product, that does well FOR WHAT IT IS, but is NOT a replacment, for a professional mastering job. T racks is extremely user friendly, but it is also VERY possible to make your stuff ending up sounding worse than when you started...especially if your playback system is skewed, and your ears are not really *trained* to do such a "final icing" kinda task. Being compatable with ProTools, is kinda a strange statement, as Protools is a completely different style of program, geared for other tasks, in general. T racks can handle a .wav file created from ANY software program. Many of these software programs have demos you can download, and that would be the suggestion....to see if you like it on a trial basis first, before you go out and buy it.
Personally, I have T racks, but have NEVER had success in making a final mix actually sound better using it...and believe me, I've tried using it alot. I am a firm believer that a good mix usually is not helped with programs of the quality. I think there are much better programs, albeit more costly, such as the Waves bundles, that do a far superior job.
If you are serious about your music, and plan commercial release of it, your kidding yourself to think you can skip a professional mastering job. You can get close at home...but that's the entirety of it...you just get close.

[chessrock]

Daw setups and plugins have their uses even in professional mastering houses. The key, obviously, is quality monitors, skillful use of what's available, and good ears.

[VotaIdiota]

IK just recently released a version of T-Racks that operates within pro tools..... a lot more options than the stand alone program.... if you already have pro tools and don't yet have t-racks, might as well check it out.

[PaulB]

You can't do it...you aren't qualified...don't try it. Sorry, I'm
spouting the standard stock answer when people ask about
mastering. But I think there is all kinds of mastering. For example, I don't think anybody sends demos out to be
mastered. I like T-racks myself. I've seen it described as
"cheesy mastering".

I think a major part of the mastering process is someone listening
with fresh ears---being able to spot problems the original mixer/
producer might not be able to spot. Much like a copy editor
might be able to spot mistakes the original writer couldn't
see.

PaulB

[esactun]

Originally posted by PaulB
[B} Much like a copy editor
might be able to spot mistakes the original writer couldn't
see.
--PaulB [/B]

I'm a copy editor... does that mean I can master?

[gamut1]

I have been using "ozone" from Izotope, since it came out several months ago. I think its great. Its also a lil cheaper than t-tracks if I'm not mistaken. It really cleans up the mix and adds some warmth with the reverbs. Its kinda easy to overdo things though, so you have to play around a lot and keep comparing the changes you've made to the mix before you did things. I haven't tried any of the other plugs out there, but I think for the money you can't beat it. Good luck.

[sondriven]

I use T-Racks.

THe thing is getting your song the way you want it (effects in the right spots, EQ'd the best you can get it, ect.)

Then I take that and add a small amount of compression to boost the volume and get the EQ the same throughout the whoe CD so people dont have to screw with the bass tremble buttons during songs. And its good to use so that all the songs levels match.

I think the software is best for cleaning up spots with its EQ. I have gotten some good results with the software.

Two more recent tracks that i used T-Racks with -

"Love and Happiness"
"Never Knew"

http://www.mp3.com/sondriven

Later,

john

[sjoko2]

I have tried T-tracks just because people talked about it a lot.
Depends on the quality you are after I suppose, but all I can say is YUCK!!
I'm afraid if you want anything that is sonically good (but might not be so easy to use), try TC's 3 or 5 band MasterX

[fenix]

it's very easy to screw things up with t-racks, but if you do it right, the mix really shines. I have an older version that is stand alone software and I dig it. I'm not too thrilled with the compressor on it, but everything else i love.

[P Hallin]

db-audioware´s mastering pack

[Mark VH]

Also, check out the free Endorphine plugin. It's a dual band analog-style compressor with some nice features.

http://www.digitalfishphones.com

[postalblue]

all i can say is DO NOT master your own recordings. if you're a seasoned pro with great ears, you might succeed, otherwise, there's a good probability you'll make it sound less than stellar. or at least not as good as it would sound if mastered by an experienced professional within a well-equiped mastering house.

just my 2 cents.
adriano

[Mountainmirrors]

Thanks for the advice, everyone...
Unless I'm just posting a quick mp3, to master with a minor tweek of some free software, I'll pay to have it done!

This seems to be the general consensus, right?

Your time is greatly appreciated!

-Jeff