Mastering tools comparison

[Snow]

Brok>> The problem with that solution is that it is a) expensive and b) more difficult to keep track of and c) takes much more time because the programs are different at take time to get used to.

Isn't there a tool which you use more than the others for mastering?

How do I find out what a particular mix I've made needs without buying 10 different expensive programs and trying each out after I've gotten used to them which would take ages?

[mr.me]

I don't see waves masters bundle in there.?

[multree]

my vote is T-RackS .....but wait another week and betabugsaudio will bring you something superb to look at AND good sounding

from time to time I prefer Quantum-fx though

Dave makes some superb dynamic tools

[D-Fusion]

I can´t vote either since i use tracktions finalMix.

[rpc9943]

do you think finalmix is really that good or no

Im not sure yet... what presets do you use

RonC

[AndrewSimon]

UAD-1 plugs are the best.
TRacks is cool as well.

[D-Fusion]

do you think finalmix is really that good or no

Im not sure yet... what presets do you use

RonC

Yep i like it
I usually start from the first preset "Acuma CD Mastering" And tweak it from there.
Since every song need different mastering setup...

[Lazlo Minimart]

Then just write it here, the reasons are important too!

These I find indispensible:

UAD Precision Limiter: most transparent mastering limiter available. Also leaves the low end more intact than others I've used.

UAD Pultec Pro: don't always use it, but any mix that is a little dull benefits from this plugin the chain, often flat and just turned on (yep, adds sparkle to the mix even when flat, just like the hardware version). Also a great way to round out the bottom of a thin mix.

UAD Cambridge: still my favorite EQ for precision cutting. Very quick interface.

Voxengo Soniformer: a great multiband dynamics tool (far less destuctive than the LinMB and other multibands I've tried) and an EXCELLENT stereo enhancer (this aspect of the plug is underrated/underreported)

Voxengo Polysquasher: very underrated, super-transparent mastering compressor. I use this when I want color-free compression before the limiter.

UAD LA2A: tho typically used as a track compressor, I often like 1-2db of reduction through this when I want colorful, analogue-ish compression during mastering.

Voxengo GlissEQ: not good for precise cuts/boosts, but for musical EQing to general frequency ranges, this can be a great tool. In my opinino, UAD users need to use this EQ more and compare it to the Precision EQ. I think it definitely competes. The built-in analyzer is an indispensible tool, as well.

Voxengo Analogflux Tapebus: some of the mastering presets are good starting points when you're looking to add the harmonics and analog "feel" often missing from all-digital mixes. However, be warned -- this plug tends to suck out frequencies below 80hz (most mixes won't suffer from this, but some will).

UAD Precision EQ: there is no question that this is a great digital EQ, probably the very best. However, in the time that I demo-ed it, I had far too much trouble dialing useful results, so I'm holding off on my purchase a while longer. I was able to get very similar results using GlissEQ, frankly.

[bmanic]

Then just write it here, the reasons are important too!

These I find indispensible:

UAD Precision Limiter: most transparent mastering limiter available. Also leaves the low end more intact than others I've used.

Haven't heard the precision limiter yet but Alekseys new EL-3 algo in Elephant 2 beta is veeery transparent and also leaves the bass alone more than before. Just wanted you to know.

Cheers!
bManic

[Lazlo Minimart]

Then just write it here, the reasons are important too!

These I find indispensible:

UAD Precision Limiter: most transparent mastering limiter available. Also leaves the low end more intact than others I've used.

Haven't heard the precision limiter yet but Alekseys new EL-3 algo in Elephant 2 beta is veeery transparent and also leaves the bass alone more than before. Just wanted you to know.

Cheers!
bManic

Very good to know. I'm a registered Elephant user, so I'll definitely be giving that a try!

[Sonorous781]

i like ozone cuz its simple with great presets that cover different genres. and its really the only plugin that i use for mastering. truth be told i didn't know a thing about mastering until i read about it and tried it and not im damn good at it with and without the plugin

[Aleksey Vaneev]

Lazlo:

You may already check the new beta.

It features EL-3 mode, which uses two existing controls:

Shape. The lower the shape, the 'rounder' the limiting transfer function and thus more 'crispy' the sound is.
RShape. This is the manual 'release shape' control. Turning it up may reduce excess distortion, but may also decrease the maximum gain achieved.

[Spe3D]

Don't forget to check this project out - its in the first stage, a few days left for sample posting

http://audioshots.com/auditorium/viewtopic.php?t=144

Best regards,

Spe3d

:O)

[kylen]

Lazlo:

You may already check the new beta.

It features EL-3 mode, which uses two existing controls:

Shape. The lower the shape, the 'rounder' the limiting transfer function and thus more 'crispy' the sound is.
RShape. This is the manual 'release shape' control. Turning it up may reduce excess distortion, but may also decrease the maximum gain achieved.

Very Cool ! I didn't know EL-3 was out yet - I'm on it...thanks for the Shape/RShape details too I could never figure those knobs out!

[stefancrs]

I have tested out all of the options in the poll, but I think nyquisteq + endorphin does a better job than any of them (you can ofcourse use them in audition)