"mastering" tips

[Massive Master]

Jason - I simply think that this is one of those unanswerable quesitons...

It's not too different than presenting "I've got a painting that just isn't quite right... It needs some more color somewhere, but I'm not sure which color or where."

That, and the fact that we can't even see the painting...

Now if you had something like "I think I need some green in it, but I have no green paint" someone could then say "Maybe you could mix some blue and yellow together and see where that gets you."

This is a situation where only you can decide what the mix needs. If you're not sure, then the only thing that will help you is experience and experimentation with the tools that you have.

That's not a bad thing - That's just learning. Learning is good.

And Bear's just a little cranky because it's coming up on hibernation season.

 

[gasal69]

Thank you guys!
I have to admit this thread was very useful to me.

I don’t now how many of you write songs and play all instruments while recording at home.
I understand that engineers who do recording, mixing and mastering for someone else have a little different approaching angle to this issue.
They are making a product which is specified by costumer.

I do just the same thing at work using professional 3D tools.
My products are hydraulic valves.
When I come home I make my music. The thing is that I am costumer too.
I do it for myself. I have authority to change text, rhythm, instruments, sound, everything.

I never intended to buy expensive tools and do everything by book just to make everything perfect.
Even then it will never sound perfectly.
The perfect song needs best author, best guitar player, bass player, drummer … best engineer, producer etc.

I am none of them.
The biggest fun is this never ending learning process.
Improvising with cheap tools and instruments is really challenging.

I know that our questions often sound stupid but that’s why we do have forums like this one.

See you!

 

[lpdeluxe]

Forget perfection!

Go for expressiveness, personality, and emotion.

Of course, that's no excuse for not knowing what you are doing.