Mastering/pre-mastering On Computer, hints Options

[lepetitmartien]

ioGirl Jul 21 2002, 21:53

I now use Nuendo for putting tracks down. All midi. Audio for vocals.
When there's a need, I slice and dice audio in Recycle.
But yes, I'm looking for a complete solution.
I'm happy with my setup except where it comes to mastering.
I've got MegaZigaGigs of songs that I'd like to mater. I suspect that the problem is more so my skill level but if you personaly know of a software that makes the process more intuitive, let it know that I'm out to get it and that i'll probably even give it a bad name.
I came across Sonic Studio but don't have much info on it. Pyramix and others as well, but they're all PC apps.
Is this all overkill and should I just master the mastering skills, or will a software package really make a difference?

Yukulele Jul 22 2002, 21:22

Unfortunately, you can't do a "real" mastering with your computer, untill you have all the very expensive equipment needed for this kind of work.
But you can do pretty cool pre-masterings ;-)
Have a look to T-Racks (from ik-multimedia) for an integrated solution, or look at some articles about multi-band compression and dynamic eqs, and play with the nuendo vst plugins, or others.
What's needed here is a good hear.

damann Jul 23 2002, 06:57

i'm biased, but logic audio or whatever apple are going to re-brand it as.  
ioGirl: you say you use nuendo for midi and vocals. on this basis, logic, cubase, and performer are a more logical choice of application.
whenever i've used cubase it's crashed, that's why i use logic!
logic and dp have some GREAT mastering plugins. T-racks is also very good, if you're gentle with it!
Yukelele is right, ultimately, your "master" will be as good as your "ears".
at the end of the day, what works for YOU, works for you...

ioGirl Jul 23 2002, 17:20

Thanks much guys
Now have T-Racks. Will cover all the nuances of it. May be back to pester you guys.
Will look into multi-band compression and dynamic eqs.
Now, about a good set of ears...where can I pick up a pair at a good price?

damann Ecrit le Jul 27 2002, 05:20

on the subject of eq/compression.
(sorry lpm, also too lazy right now!)

(spank spank spank)

iogirl, maybe start a thread in audio/hardware entitled "mastering tips" or"eq/compression".  
in the mean time, you should set aside an hour or two to checkout uaudio.com. there IS a good book, a friend has it, i'll get the name for you...

Now you can digress ok

[damann]

there are five main points here.
parametric eq...especially in the 12k kind of range.
a little peak limiting or as they call it, "brick wall compression".
stereo widening, be careful, check the mix in mono!
soft clipping (which is a type of digital compression) to make your mix LOUDER than anybody elses'
multi band, frequency concious compression, if you really want to "fry" the mix.
i get the feeling that this thread is 'gonna be popular, so i won't bother elaborating yet.plenty more to say...

um...why is everything in French?

2 Questions:

1. Why is "Mastering" in hardware? Can it not be done correctly with software?

2. Can you guys list what it is that "Makes a Mix" (What makes a particular genre) also does a Mastering Master usually work in a particular genre? If so, is this changing with all the remixing going on?

I hope this doesn't appear off topic but it would be cool to approach mastering by genre. You know touch on the subtleties.

(I know...basics first. Working on that. )


ioGirl

[lepetitmartien]

i get the feeling that this thread is 'gonna be popular, so i won't bother elaborating yet.plenty more to say...

Teaser!

[deleted]

1. Why is "Mastering" in hardware? Can it not be done correctly with software?

Maybe for a safest & traditionnal reason?
Theorically, with a high-end audio interface, and a strong computer, you sure could process as a Finalizer do. But i don't know of any software able to do this on the mac, do you? ie. dynamic filtering, etc.
TDM systems have such mastering plugins (names, someone?), but i never got a chance to "hear" them. Anyone here?
Maybe a dedicated real time mastering software for mac would be a hit?

Bye.

[Synthetic]

there is a group of plugins from Waves that should cover the whole spectrum of mastering and they come in VST and RTAS formats and they work on non-TDM systems. I have used them with ProTools LE. There is also a more simple solution called T-racks that will a lot of the same thing but without as much control and no spectrum analyzers... but it does help and is great for home hobbyist such as myself.

just throwing out some more info

[deleted]

there is a group of plugins from Waves that should cover the whole spectrum of mastering... I have used them with ProTools LE.

Are you speaking of the master bundle? How do they sounds?
Bye.

[Synthetic]

Ya know... I am not sure if they are the mastering bundle or not. Let's just say they kinda worked their way into my computer but didn't come packaged with manuals etc. I have spectrum analyzers, limiters, compressors, imagers, phase correction, and few more for FX.

well... I am no recording engineer by far but they seem to sound good to me and they are reputable because I have read about a few PT studios who use them as well. They are expensive though. Almost as much as a good mastering hardware unit or units.

[deleted]

well... I am no recording engineer by far but they seem to sound good to me and they are reputable because I have read about a few PT studios who use them as well.

You're right, i've just read a post from a french mastering engineer on macmusic, and he confessed he was using the waves plugins on a pro-tools system to masterize famous french artists (no A/D or D/A conversion, the whole chain is digital).
So this makes me think that what is important here are good hears, experience, and taste...

Bye.