What Audio Mastering Software Should I Choose? Options

[WhoForTheJoy]

Hi, just so you know, I'm definitely a newbee. I've been making some demos using Garageband 3.0, and have gotten to a good place on a couple of the songs, and I want to add warmth, fullness, sparkle and volume. I'm running OSX on an iMac. It would be ideal to get one that's user-friendly, but still with good quality.

Any reccomendations?

Thanks in advance!

[JoshuaDrums]

Hi, just so you know, I'm definitely a newbee. I've been making some demos using Garageband 3.0, and have gotten to a good place on a couple of the songs, and I want to add warmth, fullness, sparkle and volume. I'm running OSX on an iMac. It would be ideal to get one that's user-friendly, but still with good quality.

Any reccomendations?

Thanks in advance!

IK multimedia has a deal where if you buy any product over 200 dollars and register it before the 31st of january, then they will give you T-Racks 24 for free. T-Racks 24 is a standalone mastering suite. It is usually 200 bucks as well. It is all modeled after analog gear. I dont know if you play any instruments or anything, but some of IK's modeling software like Amplitube 2 is really good. I use amplitube 2 on pretty much everything even though it is a guitar software. Just a thought. You should check it out. Good luck.

[mortalengines]

Izotope's Ozone is a really great buy as well.

[audiopl]

Hello to all
I use Magix sequoia for mastering and Plug in Like SSL plug from Wave and BBS somix maximazer but the best is still outboard Like Manley MU COMP/LIMIT Or Weiss EQ1 LP and Sysytem 6000 from TC electronic and the Avalon comp/limit.
And you also need a very good sound card Like Apogee or Lavry engineeering
I thing T-rack is very bad and too rought I call it the cruching machine and azone make everything sound the same and kill the soul of the sound.
But one of the most important is monitoring and you ears.(you got to listen like a mastering emgineer.)
I hope this is some help to you
C
http://ww.audioplexus.com
http://ww.audioplexus.co.uk
http://www.idmastering.co.uk

This post has been edited by audiopl: Thu 7 Dec 2006, 12:59

[gdoubleyou]

There are some mastering plugs already installed on your system in the form of the Apple audio units.

Place them over your master track, you can select them from the dropdown menu located on the track info screen. (click on the (i) icon). They will be found under the apple heading.Multiband compressor,various eq, apple matrix reverb and limiter.

[Mac Daddy]

Quote:
[Hello to all. I use Magix sequoia for mastering and Plug in Like SSL plug from Wave and BBS somix maximazer but the best is still outboard Like Manley MU COMP/LIMIT Or Weiss EQ1 LP and Sysytem 6000 from TC electronic and the Avalon comp/limit. And you also need a very good sound card Like Apogee or Lavry engineeering I thing T-rack is very bad and too rought I call it the cruching machine and azone make everything sound the same and kill the soul of the sound. But one of the most important is monitoring and you ears.(you got to listen like a mastering emgineer.) I hope this is some help to you]

audiopl, your gear sounds divine. Some on my 'Dream List'.

I agree with you that Avalon can dominate. However you did not state which Avalon. I have the 747sp and find your remarks pretty accurate...

I tried accessing the Links you provided but was 'Not Found'.

[JoshuaDrums]

Hello to all
I use Magix sequoia for mastering and Plug in Like SSL plug from Wave and BBS somix maximazer but the best is still outboard Like Manley MU COMP/LIMIT Or Weiss EQ1 LP and Sysytem 6000 from TC electronic and the Avalon comp/limit.
And you also need a very good sound card Like Apogee or Lavry engineeering
I thing T-rack is very bad and too rought I call it the cruching machine and azone make everything sound the same and kill the soul of the sound.
But one of the most important is monitoring and you ears.(you got to listen like a mastering emgineer.)
I hope this is some help to you
C
http://ww.audioplexus.com
http://ww.audioplexus.co.uk
http://www.idmastering.co.uk

All that stuff sounds really nice. I bet it sounds really good. You have to remember that the guy that asked the question is completely new to all this and doing demo's in garageband. I dont know about you but when I started I have the resources to buy manely and avalon comps. Just a thought

Josh

[WhoForTheJoy]

Thanks everyone for your replies. It sounds like I need to first look into the software, and second into a new sound card, is that right?

[audiopl]

Hi All
The Avalon is the VP747 SP tube compressor and I also use the Avalon EQ 2077 and if you do hip hop the best compressor is the SSL GX serie
sorry for the links I missed a W so its
http://www.audioplexus.com
http://www.audioplexus.co.uk
Have a great Christmas and never let go the dream

This post has been edited by audiopl: Sat 9 Dec 2006, 14:33

[Mac Daddy]

Josh,
You can't go wrong with Manely or Avalon. Manely have been on more Hit Records than one could count. Great gear. I want one too!