Mastering??

  • Thread starter Thread starter Animaniac
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Animaniac

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OK, my two options are :

1) Computer
2) External processor

Now, what are your sugestions?
About the external processor, is that behringer mastering processor any good? Anybody using it?

thanks guys
 
Well, you've got more than two options, actually - I mean, you could get your project mastered by a pro, right?

But I'm going to continue to be irritating, and say: Alesis have a unit to consider as well, the Masterlink ML-9600.

Tell you what, though. My impression is that mastering is less a matter of gear, and more a matter of a different set of ears listening and then applying judicious amounts of EQ and compression to pull the whole thing together. And if that's the case, then you have to stop worrying about equipment and start thinking about *who* might master your project. A different set of skills is required, in other words - you have to deal with people instead of gear.

There are three parts to my response. Feel free to reply to any or all. I'm interested in this issue as well. :)
 
Well,

mastering must have been not the proper word althought i am interested in it very much as well.

My main concern is multiband compression. I am trying to make the mix sound as loud as possible and i was really thinking of multiband compression. Not so much the eq's. Just volume. Not that i am not interested in eq's of course.

Mastering in house is not such a good idea, on the other hand i am a bit scared by the fact that somebody else has the final say on my music. I ll try to get my levels up and then see what happens.
 
I guess I'd go with the computer. You buy an external processor, and you've got... an external processor. But get a good audio production suite, and you've got a TON of tools. Noramalize, MP3 conversion, frequency analysis, PREverbs, etc. Not to mention that many will let you see a multiband array graphically! I use Cool Edit Pro, and it has worked well in my experience. I have yet to find a multiband compressor, but I can always "split" the song into three or four (or twenty) different frequency ranges, compress/expand/normalize these, and then put them all back together again for limitless multiband effects. And if I don't find what I'm looking for, I go to the net and find some free downloads (I think. Dobro, will ANY DirectX plugin work for CEP?).

Hope this helps. It sure helped me!
 
We have an excellent debate going on in the Alesis forum (go to the Masterlink thread) about this very thing.

Go computer.... :) Way better bang for the buck right now.

Ed
 
Question: why do you need a multiband if all you need is volume
Do you want to a certain section of freq's to be louder or that is not a concern for you?

[This message has been edited by Shailat (edited 06-20-2000).]
 
Multiband compression is desirable for similar reasons that make bi or tri-amping a PA an improvement.When compressing an entire mix,when loud sounds rich in low frequency content cause the compressor's threshold to be crossed,it tends to "suck" down other high frequency sounds,like the vocal,in a monoband compressor.Not good.In a multiband scenario,the kick and bass guitar can be compressed at will,and minimal negative consequences on vocals and guitars will occur,provided the frequency bands of the multiband comp are well chosen. It's also useful for creative effects,like making cymbals get louder as they decay etc, without having too much effect on other elements of the mix.
 
Well, i am leaning heavilly towards the computer side. I think the ability to have a complete software suite in the computer outweights the external processor. The thing for me now is to find a good soundcard and the appropriate software. I hate the hiss produced by the computer and i am a bit concerned on the dacs of the soundcard. Is anybody using the ISIS soundcard? Is it any good? what about the version of logic audio that comes with it?
plus...whats the best/cheapest software suite for mastering?

ps: i am getting over the alesis mastering thread to check the discussion there now.
 
Virtual Ray.

The reason I had asked him about the multiband was becuase he mentioned that EQ is not his concern and so what I was asking him was - why must he invest good money in a multiband when all he wants is to boost volume with out regarding the EQ issue.
 
Virtual ray
has covered me on the multiband issue.

Shailat,

are you suggesting boosting the eq`s to increase volume? I cant see how that compares with multiband comp, since i dont just need louder peaks.
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Animaniac:

My main concern is multiband compression. I am trying to make the mix sound as loud as possible and i was really thinking of multiband compression. Not so much the eq's. Just volume. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

It was my understanding that all you wanted to do is make the whole mix louder and for that you don't need a multiband compressor. Thats all
 
Shailat,

how can i increase perceived loudness without a multiband and not encounter the effects described by V.ray?

thanks, in advance

ps: i am new to this, dond mind me asking stupid questions. ;)

[This message has been edited by Animaniac (edited 06-23-2000).]
 
A multiband is a great tool - in the hands of a great mastering artist.
You have to set it right (thats 3 or more compressors, with the right settings on a wide dynamic mix). You need a good multiband ( they cost a fortune ). The cheap ones dont cut it. Quite a handfull for me - the common man.

I dont know much about the waves C1.

You can sidechain a compressor with a EQ. You can during the mix process, compress different groups.

I have seen thousands of mixes in my life done with out multibands and they sounded damm good.

In short try to fix all imbalanced parts in the mix.

To do all this you don't have to buy a multiband.
If you feel that you can handle a multiband and pump your mix with out causing more damage then go for it.

I use 2 mastering suites for the stuff I do and one refuses to use a multiband and prefers a compressor and EQ with great results. The other does use one with great results.

First use a light compression and see if you cant get what you want before you move on to the multi.

Good Luck



[This message has been edited by Shailat (edited 06-23-2000).]
 
The Beringer "Combinator" is great!! Its a multiband compressor/limiter. It will give you smooth compression or full "Brick wall" limiting.
 
no I don't own it - I got the studio I work at to buy it!!Previously I used an Aphex Dominator and the Combinator works just as well. I wouldn't compare it to the waves ultramaximizer which isn't really a compressor at all in my opinion but is a great unit. I prefer the computer based units because they can read ahead and know what's coming up.
 
I have the ISIS, great card. My studio is of a pro nature so i've never record a whole band using it so i couldn't rate it on that. but i did a vocal comp with it. it worked great. the version of logic audio that comes with it is great if you're a home user.but pro owners know that it doesn't compare to the glory of Logic Audio Platinum. You might wanna consider using Cubase over Logic. Logic is very CPU demanding and can be slightly sluggish if you're not using a good computer. I usually use Cubase for doign any MIDI work and sync it up to my adats and 48 track or whatever. but some guys favour logic. it's up to you.
-rox
 
Consider T-Racks if you're on a budget and want to master on computer. it has Tube Compression emulation, Multiband limiter (which is ace), and a great eq. it's top stuff. GET IT.
-Rox.
 
I have a Behringer Ultramizer, is that the Behringer master processor you are talking about?

I just bought it at the start of this week, and this is my first impressions:
It has two separate channels with a two-band compressor, a stereo widener an exciter and a megabass-thingy (kinda like an exciter for bass). You can use each channel separately. It's pretty cheap, and it was a sale so I got it even cheaper.

Multiband compression makes compressing the mix much easier, but I noticed two bands just doesn't do the trick for me. Almost whatever setting I use I get pumping. I would probably need 3 or 4 bands to do this properly. :)

So far each time I tried it I decided not to use it. I am very fond of clean and bright mixes though, and usually have pretty minimalistic arrangements.. :) I might use it as a limiter on mixes and add some brilliance with the exciter. Also the Stereo widener works very well. The Ultrabass thingy I didn't like one bit...

All in all: No, I don't think it does very well as a mastering processor. It does seem to be an OK stereo compressor, and the exciter is nice.
 
I think i am leaning heavilly to the ISIS side of things.

I ll probably buy an ISIS and T-Racks. I have a question though, (a silly one) can i change the colors of the interface in the logic version that comes with isis so to much the original logic look (which i find very very nice!!). Logic really inspires me with that interface. As far as i am concerned it's the easiest interface to learn, no frills just the job and not hard to the eyes too. Not Loads of text based buttons as i 've seen in cakewalk and other sequencers.

Btw: how does ISIS performs, what's the best thing about it and whats the worst thing about it?

ps:sorry for the loads of questions but i think many people would like to know too.

ps2:thank you all guys for your input
 
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