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

[bigheaven]

If i'm mastering a bunch of songs for a CD i put the songs in toast or jam
and in the right order and create a disk immage.Then i open it up in Peak VST.The trak markers or index points are visible and i do fade ins @outs and time between songs all non destructve. I can also compare songs for continuity and level so as to get a feel and flow for the finished CD.I like Peak better than Logic for audio editing.The Waves plugs are great but dont overdo loudness. As a rule digital is the go for corrective eq and analogue for sweetening.I use an avalon 747 for this and it makes my mixes sound more lush. Ive also used a pair of quad ( british valve hi fi
preamps and much cheaper than the avalon) to get nice or over driven sound.I have a budget monitoring setup that workes well.I use a sansui AU555 hi fi amp.They are good and at the back you can bypass the pre-amp and plug directly into the power amp stage.(purer signal).I use B@W
601 hi fi speakers.They handle the punchy sounds well @ are accurate but lack a bit in the mids.I check the mids with Mordant Short MS 10s .On an old mac i run a spectrum analyser and compare Bernie Grundman or other professionaly mastered CDs to the job i'm doing.I enjoy mastering but have to work within a budget as we do so i hope these tips help