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

[Synthetic]

LOL... nope... actually found that link on www.prosoundweb.com while browsing around and didn't even realize that it was posted before... Duhh (smacking myself in forehead as I type). Guess it helps to read sometimes

So much incredible info. Checked it all out.

RE: The Mastering Genius...

I do agree as with any art, that it's ultimately not the instrument but how the artist uses it.

( It's not as much the paint as it is how the painter sees....in Mastering, what the artist hears)

This in mind, can anyone point to the Michaelangelo of Mixing? Are there those that are admired by the Mix Masters as Mastering Genius?

ioGirl

[filarion]

Bob Katz certainly is very well respected and about the only thing close to a "mastering guru" that I have heard of. He wrote a brochure touching some advanced mastering topics in a PDF that is available on TC´s website (it came bundled with the TC Finalizer). His website is http://www.digido.com/ I think. Not pretty, but some good content if I remember correctly. He also reviews gear for several mags - his writing style is very entertaining and doesn´t lecture at all despite being very informative.

[damann]

bob ludwig, herb powers, tom coyne, bernie grundman...
i feel blessed just mentioning these guys names.

What is that peculiar backround image on Bob Ludwig's site?

http://www.gatewaymastering.com/gwclients_list.asp

Oh...that's just his list of clients.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks for the names. Will check out all these guys. Starting with Bob. Pretty insightful article:

http://www.digitalprosound.com/2002/06_jun.../bob_ludwig.htm

It's unfortunate that industry has so much impact on art...but I guess that's life in a commercial world.

My next question would be; "Are there guys out there with artistic integrity...that could care less what the industry wants?"...but I'd rather go and remix all my stuff...you know, make it real loud.

ioCandy

[damann]

these guys all have artistic integrity. but as true pros, always find a way to keep the customer satisfied as well.
i read a great interview with bernie grundman. he was critical of the modern trend towards LOUD masters. but had been considerate enough to build a custom limiter so discreet that it could function as a volume knob!
check out herb"the pump"powers, this guy has mastered almost every black american artist's records for many years.
this guy does stuff with compressors that should carry a health warning...

I was truly just being silly with that "integrity remark". Especially regarding Bob Ludwig. A true artist grows to greater heights within confines such as these.

With Mixing/Mastering especially for Pop culture/Mass America (and beyond), I would imagine that these confines are a given.

When we're in that ivory tower we can turn the music down. But ivory is so expensive....

So let's crank stuff up and let the SMASHING begin.

Talk about unsung heroes. These guys are all so impressive.

Not feelin' so good about T-Racks anymore.

[damann]

t-racks is kinda like alcohol.
makes you feel great about yourself...
until you wakeup the next day!
having said that, i'd like to see what bob, herb, tom, and bernie can do with it.

It's the next day. Just wakin' up. No dinosaur hangover today.
Giving T-Racks a break. Stayin' on the wagon this time. After Barney, I said I'd never trust another Purple dinosaur anyway. I don't know what happened.

Can anyone give pointers on mastering for different genres. What are some things to take note of for each. ie Jazz will have a much more dynamic range than hip-hop or pop. How are each of the genres best approached? (Jazz, Hip-Hop, R&B, Rock, Pop, electronic etc...)

Also are there guys that have a feel for and master better in one particular genre?