So I have a mixed down stereo file - now what?
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Posted on May 14, 2009 09:26 am
Indellable
Music Afficionado
Member Since: Aug 12, 2008
I'd like to start messing around with some Mastering tools. I'll still elave it to the pros for now, but would like to start experimenting a little bit.
If I have a mixed down stereo file that I load up as Track 1 in a multi-track program do I apply effects to the Track or the Master fader (pre-fade, post-fade)? Name alone obviously makes me think Master but I have been enlightened so many times on this site, I figured it was at least worth asking.
Also, is there a reccomended order of applying effects to a mixed down stereo track when mastering? i.e. compress, then eq, then....
Thanks.
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May 14, 2009 11:12 am A) MasterING and the master fader have nothing to do with each other. The chain is the chain you need.
B) There are no starting points and no hard rules on the chain. You do what the mix is asking you to do. If the mix isn't telling you what to do, stop.**
** Of course, this is why self-mastering is generally a self-canceling issue. The mix should've been telling you what to do while you were mixing. Anything else is experimentation. Experimentation is great - But objectivity is paramount - And there is no objectivity to be had on your own mixes.
Recommended order of ANYTHING -- Correction first. That said, we go back - If something wasn't corrected during *tracking* then it's a bit odd to be trying to correct it during mixing. If it wasn't corrected during *mixing* then it's just nonsensical to try to correct it during 'mastering' - again, especially on your own mixes.
CptTrippsCzar of Turd PolishMember
Since: Jun 20, 2006
May 14, 2009 11:20 am Only thing I do on the master fader is roll off at 30-40hz (I do rock and normally don't need anything from that range) and throw a limiter to get a couple extra db out of the mix without squashing the crap out of it.
IndellableMusic AfficionadoMember
Since: Aug 12, 2008
May 14, 2009 01:22 pm MM -
I appreciate the response but I guess I wasnt clear enough. I realize mastering is best left for the pros and that one should never master his/her own mixes. So, for conversational sake, lets say I have a stereo mix-down (other than my own) that I want to experiment with.
I take the mixdowned track and import it into a stereo track in a multi-track program.
If I want to add an EQ and then a limiter, do I insert that on the individual stereo track on the multi-track program? Or, do I apply it on the Master fader track on the multi track program?
If I want to bring out the low range(most common thing I come across) would I generally look to EQ and then compress or limit?
If I wanted the strings to stand out a bit more, would I look to apply EQ here as well?
Like you mention on your site "A qualified audio mastering engineer can then elevate the project to compete with the big boys..." By no stretch do I expect to be a qualified audio mastering engineer soon but I figure everyone has to start somewhere. The process itself really intrigues me so I figured I could start messing around to see what works (in certain situations) and what doesnt. I, too, like most people on this site would like to start decreasing the gap between me, the home recording enthusiast, and "the big boys".
CptTrippsCzar of Turd PolishMember
Since: Jun 20, 2006
May 14, 2009 01:31 pm Generally I eq before compressing. I like to eliminate the freq's I don't want before the compressor.
armack5Enter title hereMember
Since: Apr 13, 2009
May 14, 2009 10:17 pm here is what i do. but i suck.
multi-band compression
eq
limiting
dither
remember less is better. to much level will make your ears tired and no one will want to listen to it more than once. so the level comes from the limiter and the multiband, so dont put them on 11.
since it is your mix then if you need to eq the mixdown, you may as well do a remix and eq an individual track or lower/boost an individual track.
one other thing you could add if you need it is digital radiance, it adds harmonics to make it sound less digital and more natural.
May 15, 2009 12:37 am [quote]If I want to add an EQ and then a limiter, do I insert that on the individual stereo track on the multi-track program? Or, do I apply it on the Master fader track on the multi track program?
If I want to bring out the low range(most common thing I come across) would I generally look to EQ and then compress or limit?
If I wanted the strings to stand out a bit more, would I look to apply EQ here as well?
[/quote]
Limiter: "It depends" -- With one track? It won't matter where you put the limiter.
Low end: Neither. If it's your own mix, go back to the mix. This is the whole conundrum - If you're not happy with the low end, why wait until "now" when you could've fixed it "before?" And if you have access to the mix, change the mix. Don't subject the entire mix to EQ changes when maybe pushing the bass guitar or the low end on the kick is all you need.
That said - Correction first. 99% of the time.
Same with strings or what not. If they're not standing out properly, go back to the mix and fix it there. If you push 5k to bring them out, you're pushing 5k in everything.
The most important part is to have an "end game" in mind.
(This is the part no one ever wants to believe, but almost any engineer will readily try to explain over and over and over again)
You need to *LISTEN* and *KNOW* what you have vs. what you want. If you *KNOW* your tools, the chain, the settings, everything will reveal itself.
And let me clarify my position on this - I'm NOT trying to tell people "don't learn - send it off to the pros" or what not. I'm trying to push the EXTREME need for objectivity. If you don't have "instinct" with your own mixes, you're NEVER going to develop it working on your own mixes.
I can think of at least one place where you can probably "swap mixes" with people to mess around with (in case anyone isn't reading me, I'm talking about the forum here).
I can't guarantee that anyone "has the ear" for audio - But if you want to develop your listening skills and your technique with tools, I can pretty much guarantee that the way to develop those skills is to reach beyond your own work. Objectivity is everything - And you only get to listen to something for the first time once.
cooloFrisco's Most UnderratedMember
Since: Jan 28, 2003
May 15, 2009 02:00 am I have mastered my own mixes and other people's music. I put all the effects that I want to use on the FX for the track, not the master bus. Since I'm usually mastering a project (multiple songs) I put each song on it's own track and the requisite effects for each song on it's own track.
Effects to experiment with would be eq (to possibly fill out/even out the sqectrum). I like to use some light compression most of the time on the master and I generally will use a multiband compressor (despite massive's distaste for the things). Every once in a while I'll add a touch of verb, but this is pretty rare. And of course a hard limiter to boost the signal.
But that's just me. Also, I like to toggle an effect on and off while the audio is playing to hear what the difference is. In this manner, I can get some reference to what that particular effect is doing, and sometimes it will let me know that the effect is actually making the audio sound worse than without the effect.
I think the main thing for you, starting out, is experiment. Work with it and see what happens. Learn what changes produce which effects. Give it a try. Like the Brothers Johnson said, "It ain't gonna hurt nobody... to get on down".
IndellableMusic AfficionadoMember
Since: Aug 12, 2008
May 15, 2009 10:24 am Awesome thanks guys - all makes sense.
MM - always appreciate the time you put in to your posts.
Have a good weekend.
