Mastering the final mix

[brandondrury]

Here's my question: How come you hear the L2 mentioned so frequently while the L3 is never mentioned?

Because the L2 has been out longer. I own a L2, but I don't own a L3 (nor do I feel I need an L3) so I don't talk about it.

Brandon

[www.e-studio-drummer.com]

I've heard some raves about this plug-in. Has anyone tried it out?

[Ryan D]

If you want a very very basic sound, try the YOUWASHOCK VSTi: YouWaShockVST - You Wa Shock !ÂÂ*

Nevermind the terrible spelling and grammar ("truck" instead of "track", etc.), I think it's translated from another language. However, the plugin kicks ass for what it is (free) and can really bring out the life in a track when put on the master channel.

It also sounds good on individual instruments (bass and drums are the highlights).

[StephenMarshMastering]

Brandon's take on this couldn't be more on the money.

[Brett Wall]

Originally Posted by ENW

The Waves L2 works well for me. I use it as the last step in the signal path. I'm finding it works even better if the initial mix doesn't need a lot of "fixing".

Before I insert any plug-ins, I use a lot of trim automation to smooth out the dynamics of the individual tracks. When I add compression/limiting on those tracks I try to keep it light so the final mix doesn't end up totally squashed by the L2. I have other issues but I'm not finding it hard to make things loud.

ENW

I also use the L2 as the last step. Before that I use the C4 Multiband Compression which seems to work real well together. This is in my home studio outside Nashville. I also do some recording on different demo's at a major studio in Nashville where Alan Jackson, Keith Urban, Johnny Cash and many more have recorded. They use the same software. Is it the standard? I don't know. I'm just saying....

Brett
www.brettwallmusic.com

[TonyB]

Originally Posted by Brett Wall

I also use the L2 as the last step. Before that I use the C4 Multiband Compression which seems to work real well together. This is in my home studio outside Nashville. I also do some recording on different demo's at a major studio in Nashville where Alan Jackson, Keith Urban, Johnny Cash and many more have recorded. They use the same software. Is it the standard? I don't know. I'm just saying....

Brett
www.brettwallmusic.com

Hey, neighbor! I live a few hours down the road from you.

Good point on what the "pro's" use, especially in Nashville. I recently attending the MIX Soundcheck Forum a few weeks ago. Paul Worley (producer for Lady Antebellum, Big & Rich, Dixie Chicks, etc) and his team (AE, ME) use the same tools, as well as Chuck Ainley.

However, one big difference between them and me. They really, really, really know how to use them through lots of years of experience using the best equipment and best musicians/talent in the world. For the most part they know almost exactly what "that knob's gonna do" before touching it.

Tony

[brandondrury]

However, one big difference between them and me. They really, really, really know how to use them through lots of years of experience using the best equipment and best musicians/talent in the world. For the most part they know almost exactly what "that knob's gonna do" before touching it.

This can not be emphasized enough! The tools are such a small part of the process! Really being able to squeeze intensity out of an instrument takes a bad ass musician. Really being able to squeeze intensity out of multi-band compression and all the other tools takes a bad ass engineer. Keep working!

Brandon

[Brett Wall]

I whole heartedly agree with both of you! Great points...