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

[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.