Materizing with iZotope Ozone

[Djipy]

Before my question, here is the context.

I'm working on a big audio project (show with live vocals on backing track + pressed audio CD).

I'm working in a home-studio.

I have created my own loops in Acid for each song, and recorded vocals.

Now, I'm going to mix and masterize in Acid.
I want the final result to be as close as possible to a commercial CD.

I have tried iZotope Ozone. I have read the manual carefully. I have used the "match EQ" feature in conjunction with the spectrum analyzer to masterize a final stereo file.

I'm not happy with the results : I can't reach the target spectrum snapshot. Even at 100%, the new spectrum data stay far away from the reference values and the sound quality is worse.

Finally, my question : should I use Ozone spectrum analyzer during the MIX instead (I mean as a master effect) ? Maybe I could adjust each track volume and EQ individually for the global result matches the reference spectrum, without too many artifacts ?
Does anybody work that way ?

[bduffy]

Try this, you won't be dissapointed:

http://curioza.com/

I've had amazing results with this. It's a great choice for someone who needs to do everything themselves, plus the developer is a big Ozone user; so you can let this program analyze and you set Ozone as it suggests.

Check it out, it's a fully-functioning demo and it's cheap as hell too!

[JackDark]

There is no "magic bullet" when it comes to mastering.

Ozone has to be tweaked just like anything else to get the results you want. Trust your ears, not EQ presets. I find the whole idea of EQ matching from song to song shoddy to say the least anyway, considering the exclusive spectral harmonics inherent to any individual song...

Ozone is a great program, IMHO.

[bduffy]

I totally agree about the magic bullet - but - you're forgetting the first golden rule of mastering: don't master your own mixes!. I've tried, and it's hopeless. I spend literally all day mixing, my ears have nothing left for mastering; and even if they did, you are not supposed to do it yourself! You need fresh ears.

I'm not suggesting that auto-mastering could replace the real, human process, I've just had very impressive results that hold up far better on different systems than just my raw mixes or presets from software plugs. It gave my mixes the boost I need to compete. When it comes time to release an album, I'll be submitting to human beings, just like usual.

[Djipy]

Thanks for all your answers.

I partially agree. When mastering, trusting one's ears is the first rule to follow.

However, I mix my songs in a home studio : the acoustic of the room is not as good as that of a professional studio. It means that I don't hear what I get in all cases, the room can add some "color" to the sound, boost or drop some frequencies.
That's why I need to check with a spectrum analyzer if what I hear is "correct", compared to a good commercial CD.