some mastering and mixing questions !

[Ahmed]

I was just wondering whether it's ok to add effects to tracks in both stages, mixing down and mastering? The second is , which is better adding effects to tracks using the host you are working with or exporting tracks to .wav formats to another big sound editor?

Thanks,

[C00kie]

Effects on tracks are OK, effects on a whole mix are OK also. You will use different effects or just different settings for the purpose.

No right or wrong, just different. Normally a reverb is applied to one track or a group of tracks. But if YOU like it best on the whole mix then nobody will stop you.

Second question: if you use the same effects it makes no difference at all. I think its easier to do it in the sequencing host if possible. Just a nice easy workflow, should make no difference on the sound.

Also in general its better to concentrate on getting the best possible sound without using any "master" effects. That will make mastering (if you need it eventually) easier.

[duncanparsons]

I find it best to keep mixing and mastering as seperate processes. I have heard of people mixing with a master comp/limiter, etc on the master fx when doing the mix and getting everything done in one go - but that's a recipe for lack of control in my eyes...

Get the mix right - balance, tone, space, etc. When that is complete, even if it seems quiet or whatever, you have something presentable.

If you have spent time with the overall mix, it makes mastering much more easy. I generally use SlimSlowSlider LinearPhaseGraphicEQ; then Sweetboy's T-Sledge, starting with the most appropriate Mastring preset as a starting point, then tweaking; and finally TbT Maximiser for boosting the final signal. It works well, and is all free (tho' the TbT has gone offline, you'll have to ask someone if you don't have it). There are other suites around for little or lots of cash (the 4Front/G Yohng one is good, as is the Buzzcomp and of course T-Racks, etc).

Follow your ears, and don't try doing it all thru' headphones like me!!!!

HTH
DSP

[Germ777]

Generally speaking. Mixing and mastering should be done separately and in an ideal case with some time left in between each stage.
This allows you to hae a better view of the whole picture.
As for FX. Anything goes. Whatever it gets to help you arrive at your personal sonic Nirvana.

Germ

[MDMAchine]

Well not to beat a dead horse but yeah FX can be added at anytime you choose. In the arrangement process is ideal for individual tracks to have FX, and of course on the final product the FX would apply to the whole track. I usually add any FX (usually slight reverb) before I do the final master.

Also I don’t know how many people do this, but certain tracks I make I sometimes merge aspects of the track into 4+ "bulk" tracks which I then re lay, and apply compression, and some minor FX for the 2nd step in my final mix down. This is a very tricky method and sometimes it’s better to not merge multiple layers. But for tracks with vocals this method can be useful.

I usually do my arrangement in Acid, depending on the situation. Because it’s just like using sound forge. So any of the effects I use in sound forge can be applied there.

Of course I recommend T-Racks and Isotope Ozone for handy mastering...

Like said before give time in between mixing and mastering. Usually your ears lose ablitly? to hear whats going on as good after prolong exposure to mid range+ freq's

[anfmusic]

Mastering is really to bring continuity to a group of songs. Such as making sure the levels are balanced from cut to cut, making sure to limit any transient peaks so that the overall volume level can be pushed up, and EQing so that the songs have a similar timbre. I've also found it best to have a separate Engineer perform the Mastering process. When you record and mix a song or group of songs, you are listening to the tracks so much that you begin to lose your objectivity. You get so close to the tracks that your judgement actually gets blurred. That's why there are guys like Bob Ludwig that only do Mastering. I had the opportunity to meet and see Bob Ludwig do his thing and you'd be surprised at how subtle his changes were. Mostly, he did a few slight EQ boosts to fill in some of the holes he was hearing in the frequency spectrum; then he did some subtle limiting to clip off some of the peaks and push up the overall level of the tracks.

[Hypertone]

You have so much more control in the mix than you do over a 2 track mixdown. Get your mix sound as good as you can. If it's too bassy, go back and fix it, don't try to eq the mixdown becuase it's not as effective. If it's too dull, fix the mix. Don't expect to take a lackluster track and make it sound great with mastering because it just won't happen. A good mix only needs very little in the mastering stage.

[Ahmed]

Thanks alot everyone, that was very usefull !

A.