KVR Audio

kchqtt · Post by **kchqtt** » Fri Nov 11, 2022 11:45 pm

Hi there,

I've been meaning to digitize some of my 4-track cassette tapes for Bandcamp and was wondering what some good general techniques for mastering would be. I'm pretty lucky in that my cassettes all sound clear and mixing in the 4-track has worked well, so I'm starting well.

I'll be running Ableton and have been considering getting Ozone if anyone has more tailored tips for that setup. Thanks!

enroe · Post by **enroe** » Sat Nov 12, 2022 6:15 pm

I don't think mastering a 4-track tape recorder is any different than
mastering in general. Especially not when the tapes still sound good
and have enough treble. What applies to any mastering also applies
to your mastering.

You don't necessarily need Ozone to master. What you need: Good
ears, good hearing, good frequency analysis.

What you also need: A good monitoring system that is as neutral as
possible - and thus allows an evaluation at all.

Scrubbing Monkeys · Post by **Scrubbing Monkeys** » Sat Nov 12, 2022 7:11 pm

As stated above. You sre probabbly in really good shape. If you pushed it into the red on mix then there shouldn't be any stray peaks. Limit to -13 / -17 lfs depending on material. Eq in a smiley way. Most of us dont come close to having ears or monitors or rooms to do real mastering but we can get close.

CrystalWizard · Post by **CrystalWizard** » Sat Nov 12, 2022 7:15 pm

Your first step is transfering, then cleaning up, then editing, then "mastering." A tool like Izotope Rx or Acon Digital would be useful. i second the post above. A really good system in a really good room is important for that final stage.

kchqtt · Post by **kchqtt** » Sun Nov 13, 2022 1:22 pm

Thanks everyone, this is helpful. I'm working in a pretty sparse home studio so I don't really have the means for the *best* monitoring setup as it stands. Right now, I'm just working with the standard Sony MDR-7506s but I've noticed they create some noise/buzzing that just isn't present when I listen on my computer's speakers or in my car. I'll consider getting some better headphones to make the process a little more 'safe'

Scrubbing Monkeys · Post by **Scrubbing Monkeys** » Sun Nov 13, 2022 8:34 pm

kchqtt wrote: Sun Nov 13, 2022 1:22 pm Thanks everyone, this is helpful. I'm working in a pretty sparse home studio so I don't really have the means for the *best* monitoring setup as it stands. Right now, I'm just working with the standard Sony MDR-7506s but I've noticed they create some noise/buzzing that just isn't present when I listen on my computer's speakers or in my car. I'll consider getting some better headphones to make the process a little more 'safe'

I use Toneboosters Isone for a speaker-room emulation and Morphit for headphone correction. The best stuation I have ever had. My mixes translate better now than many years of ok monitors in bad rooms.
Morphit has 7506 hp. I dont think you will do better.
Isone is free.
Morphit can be used in demo mode. Just cant save your head phone selection.

Tips for mastering from compact cassette?