Mastering Dilemma, Mastering Tools & Techniques? Options

[Nels]

Hi all,

I've been trying to get a good master just within Digital Performer's Master Works Limiter, Master Works Compressor, the 2-4-8 band EQ and Yamaha's Final master plug in. I also have an outboard Blue Series DBX 160SL, but even with all of the above, I still find myself tweaking & tweaking............

So, the questions are, ..IS IT A BETTER IDEA TO JUST GET WAVES L3, T-RACK, iZotope's Ozone Mastering System, ETC.? Do they really make that much of a difference? Will Waves Multi-Maximizer really lessen the work load?

Or is getting a good master with your sequencers bundled plug ins doable?

Thanks guys

[hardtoe]

Yo,


I have worked on many home mastering jobs (for myself and other clients) using the Waves L1, L2 and L3 as well as using the T-Racks stuff and Ozone. My impressions are as follows:

Waves: The L1, L2 and L3 are all great maximizers. The L1 has a punchy, tight sound (the most "character" like sound of this series) - the L2 gives more volume maximization with greater transparency and detail (less "character") - the L3 is a different beast altogether...it is very flexible and will provide amazing results on almost anything due to it's multiband architexture - it is also relatively easy to use and intuitive to adjust.

T-Racks: I have always been in love with T-Racks, but only use this program if you really want to give your mix that "T-Racks" sound. Particularly good if you have a limp track that needs some beef. Also a good set of presets to begin from for various set-ups. I often use the separate T-Racks elements (eq, compressor, limiter, clipper) as individual plug ins on various instruments to give a more "tape" kind of sound. I rarely use T-racks to master a mixed track as it almost always is too much character...NOT for great for transparent mastering, but excellent for adding flavour.

Ozone: I haven't used this plug as much, but I must say I am very impressed by its great clarity of sound. Definately in the same league as the L3 (with even more options for processes) Ozone would be harder for a beginner user, and it is harder to get "instant" perfection. Once you know what you are doing this contends for title of best sounding mastering plug - used correctly it can give volume, clarity, depth and personality (it even includes a master reverb, exciter and imager). The cost is also quite reasonable....although I have only used it it demo form so far, I have already pressed Ozone into use on mastering a couple of tracks for a cd project I am working on...the Ozone had EXCELLENT results - sounding as good or even slightly clearer than the L3 (though this, is of course, very subjective). I am considering making it my primary mastering software.

By the way I have never liked DP's plug-ins for mastering and any of the 3 options will take you miles ahead of where you got with those tools. There really is a significant difference between the bundled plugs and dedicated software.

Good Luck

Orion

This post has been edited by hardtoe: Thu 2 Dec 2004, 16:40