KVR Audio

Montana · Post by **Montana** » Thu Jun 03, 2004 2:34 am

Which on is superior for mastering + adding punch, clarity and seperation on a finished track? Thanks.

DevonB · Post by **DevonB** » Thu Jun 03, 2004 3:11 am

I'd say that has more to do with the guy in the chair than the tools, seriously.

Devon

Squids · Post by **Squids** » Thu Jun 03, 2004 3:14 am

T-Racks will give you great punch and clarity. Separation also depends on your mixing a great deal as well such as balanced panning and levels, recorded material and notes not competing with each other etc.

The BBE is a good "fix it" tool if you needed to but it's not something you'd want to use all the time like T-Racks. Can't say about Ozone.

Of course I am affiliated with IK so please know that bias. However, that's also given me a lot of experience using T-Racks and it is one of the best sounding suites of effect plug-ins as well as a mastering solution.

HHaynes · Post by **HHaynes** » Thu Jun 03, 2004 4:42 am

I did a remix of an cue for a sound library developer, and they commented that it sounded like I ran it through a Neve console...

... the pre-mastering plug I used?

iZotope Ozone

Rabid · Post by **Rabid** » Thu Jun 03, 2004 12:24 pm

I remember the day when this question would not have lasted 5 minutes on the Instruments forum before someone said "Move it to the effects forum where it belongs!"

Robert

Phaedo · Post by **Phaedo** » Thu Jun 03, 2004 12:30 pm

Devon's right.

The BBE isn't a complete solution like the other two. Voxengo's mastering suite is also pretty affordable.

But Devon's right. Did I say that already? I probably should say it again.

Devon's right.

whyterabbyt · Post by **whyterabbyt** » Thu Jun 03, 2004 12:31 pm

Move this to the effects forum where it belongs!

gmstudio · Post by **gmstudio** » Thu Jun 03, 2004 12:47 pm

I use T-Racks and really do like it quite a bit.

I've heard great things about the iZotope stuff, too, but I haven't tried them yet as I'm Mac-oriented.

simonw · Post by **simonw** » Thu Jun 03, 2004 1:24 pm

Ive actually found that I find a different product prodcues better results

DiscoDSP ThrillMe

Ive not looked back.

DevonB · Post by **DevonB** » Thu Jun 03, 2004 1:24 pm

I love Ozone too, it's wonderful! BUT, if your mix isn't there, no mastering tool in the world is going to polish a turd.

Devon

PeterL · Post by **PeterL** » Thu Jun 03, 2004 1:37 pm

DevonB wrote:I love Ozone too, it's wonderful! BUT, if your mix isn't there, no mastering tool in the world is going to polish a turd.

Devon

Wise words. Ozone is THE All-In-One Mastering solution. It has many more things in it than T-Racks. But be warned: Ozone uses a lot of CPU.

chagzuki · Post by **chagzuki** » Thu Jun 03, 2004 1:59 pm

BBE SM has nothing in common with the other 2 whatsoever!!!!
And no mastering tool is going to add 'clarity' in the most simple sense in which this can be taken. What multiband compression can do is bring up the levels of quiter elements, revealing more detail in this respect whilst simultaneously reducing the dynamic range of other elements. Overall, it's not a processing technique that I'm fond of for mastering, but without doubt the most versatile and superbly configurable multiband compressor is Voxengo's Soniformer2 - it beats the shit out of everything else.
For limiting, just get the free TLS maximizer.

Beardedone · Post by **Beardedone** » Thu Jun 03, 2004 2:00 pm

I am on a learning curve right now with mixing and masering. I am finding that the more careful I am in giving the individual parts proper placement with dynamics, eq and if needed limiting and/or compression, the less I have to process at the last step. This takes time and patience and respect for your ears. Always mix and master with fresh well rested ears, body and mind.

Regarding plugins the best advice I can give is to have a varied collection of plugins. I use TRacks, Ozone3, EAS Equium 2, PDP MixPack 1.7, WaveArts TrackPlug and the Sonitus FX suite. Then all need to do at te end of the project is polish with PSP VintageWarmer or Ozone 3.

Best,
Gordon

chagzuki · Post by **chagzuki** » Thu Jun 03, 2004 2:07 pm

By the way, though many people will disagree, I think that the BBE maximizer is a complete waste of time. If you place it over a well balanced mix it'll completely f**k up the EQ, i.e. give it a classic loudness smile curve. So then what? - counterbalance it with an EQ, and what is the result? The track sounds the same as it did before any processing. Try it and see. I know that the technology advertised for this product is to do with phase delay, but having re-EQ'd to compensate for the BBE EQ change I can't hear any improvement in sound quality.

T-Racks has a wideband compressor that has a distinctive sound - it's both smooth and warm, but I find that it easily smears detail. It's not a sound that fits my music.

PeterL · Post by **PeterL** » Thu Jun 03, 2004 2:14 pm

chagzuki wrote: T-Racks has a wideband compressor that has a distinctive sound - it's both smooth and warm, but I find that it easily smears detail. It's not a sound that fits my music.

That's what I meant. T-Racks is more useable as Track-FX since I have the same experience that it smears detail.
And yes, of course: Voxengo stuff and PSP VintageWarmer are worth every cent.

T-Racks vs. Ozone vs. BBE Sonic Maximizer