Compression Software question

  • Thread starter Thread starter jcmm
  • Start date Start date
jcmm

jcmm

Kwality
I am looking for software dedicated to mastering, mainly compression and anything else to pretty up the finished signal.
My problem is that I am using Acid Music 3.0 (I know I am cheap) and I have no access to plug ins.
I record on a Boss BR-8 and at first I wanted to stay out of the PC entirely if I could. My system is 3 years old and I knew it would require a hefty sum to update. Since then I realized that if I used the PC and software I would no longer be limited by the Zip drives memory (Amen!) The ability to load infinite tracks seemed to be a great way to control the mixing process instead of punching different things into the same track on the zip. So I bought an external zip drive, boosted my ram from 64meg (I said it was old!) with an additional 256meg. I have a Pentium II 400mhz processor. :( Acid is doing the trick for my since I record with the sounds I am after from the start, the only thing I wish for is the ability to compress at the end!
I understand the limits I have and I am not trying to write epics, just good old Rock'n Roll.
Is there any stand alone software that would suit my needs without costing me my kids lunch money for the next year??
If I had the $$$ I would do it right.........and I am sure that I will gradually work my way up. It's not like the finished product I have sounds like crap, actually it is pretty clean, I am just wondering if I can make it better on a budget!

Last thing (Yeahhhh!!!) :)
I wish to Thank all of the people who take the time to post their experience, and music here. It has been a HUGE help for me to understand the process!! That goes for the Big Guns down to the Newbies!

Any help is appreciated!
Thanks,
Joel
 
My list is short but not cheap. The Waves bundle are very powerful tools. The L-1 is pretty decent as is the C-1 and C-4 compressors.
I especially like the opto compressor in the C-4.
Timeworks mastering compressor is another fav for two track stuff. Whenever I do a metel band that has to have the loudest CD on the block, this is the one I reach for.
 
After alot of searching I see a couple choices to make. Which of these options would be the better "next step" for me to take.

1. If I upgrade to say Acid Pro, or Sound Forge 6.0 I will have access to direct x plugins and at least will be able to use any that help.

2. If I buy a waves bundle, or T-racks, Ozone, or any of the mastering stuff out there my situation would be solved.

My question is am I better off purchasing "mastering" software rather than the upgrade? I basically understand the differences and should do both at some point but which one first? If I knew enough to start I would have gone straight to Acid Pro instead of Music :(
Again this is a budget thing, and I know it doesn't come easy for anyone else!

Thanks for your responses!!!
Joel
 
sound forge comes with Wave Hammer, which is a mastering compressor, limiter, and volume maximizer. i have izotopes ozone as well and find myself using both quite frequently, depending on the application or music style. note that, ozone requires a host application such as sound forge, vegas, cool edit pro, cakewalk, or whaterver. it is not stand alone. i would upgrade to acid pro and sound forge 6 first, then look into more elaborate pluggins. as for t racks, i have tried it and prefer ozone.




lynn
www.therecordinghouse.com
 
jcmm said:
....
1. If I upgrade to say Acid Pro, or Sound Forge 6.0 I will have access to direct x plugins and at least will be able to use any that help.

2. If I buy a waves bundle, or T-racks, Ozone, or any of the mastering stuff out there my situation would be solved.

My question is am I better off purchasing "mastering" software rather than the upgrade?.....
Click to expand...
Joel,

Upgrade your software first. It’s the backbone of your mixes and no amount of plugins will improve its deficiencies.

Acid Pro and SF 6.0 are REAL recording apps and not toys like Acid Music. However, if you’re recording Rock, I’m not sure Acid is your best choice unless your rhythm sections are primarily loop/sample based. For electronic music like I make, I can’t recommend Acid enough. For Rock, you might look elsewhere.

barefoot
 
I'm not that familiar with Acid stuff. I use Sound Forge on just about every music project so far - both individual tracks and stereo mixes. SF also has a lot of plugins included and, as foreverain4 wrote, it comes with Wave Hammer which may do the trick for now. I'd go buy SF. If you can't afford 6.0, you should be able to find 5.0 at a cheaper price. I still have 5.0.
 
If cost is an issue, then get yourself a copy of N-tracks for $60.

Load the files you need compressed on to that and use directX plugins for that chore. CompressorX is a good one that comes to mind for individual tracks.

If all you need is a mastering compressor, then load up the mixdown to N-tracks and get a copy of Timeworks Mastering Compressor. I love that plug. Very similar to L1 but not as mild.

$179 for Mastering Compressor.
$60 for N-tracks.

You could set yourself up nicely for about $240 or so.

Eventually, you'll probably start loading up the individual tracks from the BR8 to your computer on the Zip drive, and you'll be mixing and mastering everything on N-tracks, using the BR8 only for the initial tracking. (That's really all it's good for, although some of the COSM amp models are pretty cool and the reverbs aren't bad)
 
I dont know why steinberg's loudness maximizer isnt talked about anymore but I find it better on transients than waves' L1 or any of the others mentioned. Sonic timeworks is very good (possibly the loudest??!) but doesnt add the crispies or preserve transients the way the loudness maximizer does. The loudness maximizer is located midway bet the L1 (softknee) and more aggressive hard knee plugs like sonic timeworks. Its available on its own for around $140 or with steinberg's mastering edition set for around $300.
 
WHOOPEEE !!

My situation just took a turn for the better!!!!!!

I just receieved my invitation from Sonic Foundry to upgrade my Acid Music (toy) to Pro 4.0 for a measly 99 bucks.

Pinch me!!!!!

Thanks for the replies !!!

4.0 will get me by until I can save for something serious like Samplitude or Ozone or?

Thanks again
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top