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

[beingmf]

What kind of music for which medium are you going to process? I think, a "good" master just cannot be done without a nice bunch of analog monsters AND a really good monitor system - except for trance/techno maybe (well, the good monitors are even more important then ). E.g. those so called "Final Master" plugs by Yamaha are total crap - they may fit for those who want to sound like an overcompressed radio station.

[Nels]

beingmf,

I tend to agree. Yamaha's Final Master plug-in, being crap, would explain why I've been tweaking and tweaking and tweaking some more. Some months ago, I purchased Yamaha's O1X. Shortly there after, I took it back.(Driver issue) The Final Master plug-in remained, so from time to time I give it a whirl. I like DP'S Master Works plug-ins much better.

Still, as I wrote previously, I'd like to know which/what to use that would produce a better Final Master. So that like with commercial CDs, you only have to turn the volume up a bit to hear the whole mix/ all the instruments.

As to what type of music & which medium... Rock, Reggae, R&B, Funk and a little Jazz all rolled up, using....

Alum. Powerbook G4 1.25Ghz / Motu's 828mkII / Digital Performer 4.12(update on it's way), Technics WAS1 Modeling Synth(Midi), Trilogy and real bass guitar, Stylus, Guitar Rig(Great Tool) w/Strat, Blue Series DBX 160SL Stereo Compressor/Limiter and some outboard effects as well / Fostex DMT-8VL that I use to route mics/vocals.


Thanks for the input. It's much appreciated.

[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

[Nels]

Orion,

Great post! As with a lot of articles that I've read on the subject of Mastering, you seem feel that the L3 is definitely worth it's weight in gold.


Sincere thanks for taking the time,
nels

[beyaRecords]

Nels,
try iZotope Ozone........

beya

[Nels]

Beya,

I downloaded the iZotope Ozone Demo. ...Pretty Cool!

Thanks,
Nels