Filters in master output section

[classic dave]

Hi everyone,

Just a very simple question. I don't do a lot of complex routing in Tracktion and and most of the discussions re aux sends ,returns,racks etc. go completely over my head so if you experts out there could tell what is the purpose or reason for dropping a filter into the master output section as opposed to an indivdual track or clip as I normally do?

Cheers

[Scooner]

You would put mastering plug-ins in there, rather than "mixing" plug-ins.
ie multiband compressors, limiter, EQ.
No expert myself though.....

[classic dave]

That makes a lot of sense to me as I use Tracktion mainly for editing and mastering stereo files. So if I render say six mono files to a stereo file and then drop mastering filters into the master output I assume I can render this stereo file again and create a new file containing the effects of the mastering filters??

[kenjkelly]

Whether Mastering or Mixing, when you render an edit, the output of each track and each track's effects go through the master filters/effects to become the stereo track. For Mixing, you can put filters in the master area that you wish to apply more globally to music.

For example, you can add reverb to each track and/or you can add reverb at the master level to affect all of the music equally (which can help blend the various tracks). You can compress each track to, for example, get a guitar's levels under control. Then you can add compression to tame the volume spikes that happen when two or more of your tracks's signals add together (the same note, for example). Or to create that overall "compressed" effect.

So, you can use master filters to create your stereo mix. To "Master", you can take your stereo mixed file and, in a new edit put it through whatever filters it needs, including Final Mix. Mastering, among other things, often includes balancing the various selections (your stereo mixes or CD tracks) to each other to create a uniform sounding CD compilation. That is best done after all the mixes, in a separate step (and some argue that is should be done in a separate room with a separate set of ears)..

Hope that helps,
ken

[rich_h]

One thing to remember, though, is that the master plug-ins are pre-fader, so if you're using something like a dither plug-in the master section, you should leave the main fader at 0dB. If you need to do a fade, drop in a volume/pan filter before the dither plug and use that to fade.

[classic dave]

Thanks everyone who replied. I think I have it now. Good tip about the master plug-ins being pre-fader.

Cheers