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

[formatj]

I think the reason people talk about mastering in ProTools is because it use to have all the best plugins. Now with TC Powercore and Universal Audio UAD-1 cards and also some high end VST plugs (Waves, PSP etc...) it doesn't really have so much advantage.

I know some people who think that Pro Tools sounds better than Logic; different algorithms etc... I also know former ProTools preachers who have sold their systems and are now using Logic with RME gear and have never looked back.

Don't forget ProTools will obviously sound better with the TDM or HD versions (US$10000+) than with a Digi 001 with it's version of ProTools Software.

Mastering is an art in itself, having and knowing how to use the tools is of course necessary, however learning how to use your ears is the most important thing.

For some great value plugins (much cheaper than Waves) try http://www.pspaudioware.com/

Some info on mastering.

beginner's guide to mastering at:

http://www.computermusic.co.uk/tutorial/ma.../mastering1.asp

and a guide by Bob Katz (The Secret of the Mastering Engineer) at

http://www.tcelectronic.com/static.asp?page=bob_katz

Matt