Updated tutorial on digital mastering.

[LMan]

I've updated my old DIY mixing and mastering tutorial, hope it is of some use.
http://www.remix64.com/faq_tut_digital_mastering.html

[Chris Abbott]

Cool!

[AndyUK]

Nice!!! Thankyou Lman! All the advice we can get is always welcome. The tapemachine trick is a good one too, I'd have never thought about that.

[LMan]

Thank you! Mind you I have to mention Kate Z. suggested adding that part about the tape machine.

[Makke]

This is one of the best crash course tutorials on mixing I've ever come across.

It's very well written LMan!

[Mordi]

Very nice! Short and sweet.

[LMan]

Thanks for the positive feedback, guys

[Commie_User]

I agree with the above. A fine introduction or quick refresher.


Analogue effects are often best done with real equipment. But software can do a job, such as freebie Ferox for saturation. But the more proficient you get the less you can rely on things like these. Tape saturation is kind-of like a fabric softener for sound. If you want real warmth, then a valve unit or VST should also be used.

If you've access to a good tape deck then that's likely the best option of all. Even the UAD card emulators apparently can't give you the full deal.


For warmth, AMT Max Warm enhances in compression. Hardware emulations like the Terratec Phase 88 Rack or Focusrite Platinum Penta can provide a boost with their harmonic distortion. Behringer's Ultragain Pro and Tube Ultra-Q both use valves but for different effects. With a flick of the knobs and switches, Ultragain can either warm a track or give it a crisp, dry airy sound with a slightly-warmer by-product.






The Ultra-Q is an equaliser with valve stage. This can wetten and sweeten a very dry sound and add presence to the track, even if you don't bother with the actual EQ.




Even a retro organ can be used to flavour a guitar input, preferably bass. I do this myself.



http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos- ... 6343_n.jpg

[Mano-]

Helpful post idd.

[Commie_User]

One thing left out - for extra loudness and less pumping, process one or a bank of multitracks separately at the mix. More headroom for beats or bass to fill into without other sounds getting in the way. Combine these submixes in a fresh master project, keeping things neat if you want to go back.

[NecroPolo]

Nce work LMan

[TNT]

I've updated my old DIY mixing and mastering tutorial, hope it is of some use.
http://www.remix64.com/faq_tut_digital_mastering.html

I was going to ask a question but then I discovered this thread. Thanks, I think I've found what I was searching for. I never used a maximizer but I will try it out. A few weeks ago I first tinkered with compressors. It's such a shame...

[LMan]

Good luck

[eclexp]

Hello, I find this topic very interesting, I still have much to do to improve to be able to provide a clean sound... any feedback regarding the songs I submited will be welcome:

http://www.remix64.com/act/eclectic

I will do my best to use the feedback to improve the sound, thanks!

[Commie_User]

They sound fine!

What area do you have doubts about? The arrangement or mix? The quality itself is clear and without clutter.