what's the best software to use for mastering???

[Electriclight]

I only have time for the real short anyswer, maybe somone else can fill linthe details. Yes, The cubase Dynamics plugin can be used as a LIMITER. In that mode, y0ou can select aat what level you will accept peaks (0dB). But then you can boost the gain so it will be cutting off more and more of those spikes until there are no dynamics left at all. So you have to listen. and decide what sounds good.

[TonyB]

Originally Posted by aschemkes

I have Cubase LE, and did some recordings, basicly MIDI tracks for instruments and of course vocals. When I mix down, the level is way to low, though I mix to just below 0dB, on the master output If I inspect the waveform in for example audacity I see there are a lot of spikes, peaks that "limits" the output. Can I limit those peaks with VST dynamics plug in. And can you give me hint.

You're right, those peaks can limit the overall output (apparent loudness).

Mastering is a process that typically consists of some subtle (hopefully subtle) EQ, Compression, De-Essing, and Limiting.

Basically what I do after EQing (if needed, maybe some high shelfing), and removing unwanted noise (crackles/pops) is to add some compression (not like what is done on individual tracks during mixing) to tame the peaks and bring the mix together as a whole.

Typically what I do is:

- EQ: I typically use the UAD Cambridge EQ; not much but usually focus on the low and mid- freqs at this point

- Remove Noise: Remove crackles and pops ( hopefully I got these during the mixing, but sometimes those nasty noise show up during mastering.

-De-ess: I don't always use this; depends on the recording and mix

- EQ: I'll go back and put some high shelf EQ

- De-ess: Check again to see if high shelf EQ added any sibilance to the vocals or brought out anything else in an "unnatural way"

- NOW TO YOUR QUESTION: This is where I tame the peaks. Two options:
-- Manually
-- Automatically

-- Manually: Sometimes I go through and manually bring down each peak one at a time volume automation. You need to really zoom in on the peak. This is actually compression, but you're manually doing it. I'll use the Volume Envelope to bring the peak down. I'll pull down the peak to somewhere above the overall (perceived RMS) mix.

-- Automatically: I'll use a plugin to automatically "bring down some of the peaks." Usually between 1.0 and 2.0 dB of leveling with a very slow attack and release. If the attack is too fast you'll quickly lose dynamics and punch to the song

- Limit: Now I'll put on the limiter (always last. It depends on the song and genre, but for alot of what I do I use limit at around 1.5 dB at -0.1 dBFS

You're right, bringing down some of those peaks will bring up the overall volume and fullness (hopefully) of the mix

[TonyB]

Originally Posted by Electriclight

I only have time for the real short anyswer, maybe somone else can fill linthe details. Yes, The cubase Dynamics plugin can be used as a LIMITER. In that mode, y0ou can select aat what level you will accept peaks (0dB). But then you can boost the gain so it will be cutting off more and more of those spikes until there are no dynamics left at all. So you have to listen. and decide what sounds good.

Forgot to mention one other element. Check the mix. Sometimes alot of peaks means you have the drums (e.g., snare and or kick) too loud in the mix.

Check your mix first. If the mix is sounding good and you still have a lot of peaks (assuming you don't want those peaks), then you just use your limiter to bring the volume up (but want the reduction; you can easily get into the 10 dB reduction area..ouch).

[TonyB]

You're right, those peaks can limit the overall output (apparent loudness).

Mastering is a process that typically consists of some subtle (hopefully subtle) EQ, Compression, De-Essing, and Limiting.

Basically what I do after EQing (if needed, maybe some high shelfing), and removing unwanted noise (crackles/pops) is to add some compression (not like what is done on individual tracks during mixing) to tame the peaks and bring the mix together as a whole.

Typically what I do is:

- EQ: I typically use the UAD Cambridge EQ; not much but usually focus on the low and mid- freqs at this point

- Remove Noise: Remove crackles and pops ( hopefully I got these during the mixing, but sometimes those nasty noise show up during mastering.

-De-ess: I don't always use this; depends on the recording and mix

- EQ: I'll go back and put some high shelf EQ

- De-ess: Check again to see if high shelf EQ added any sibilance to the vocals or brought out anything else in an "unnatural way"

- NOW TO YOUR QUESTION: This is where I tame the peaks. Two options:
-- Manually
-- Automatically

-- Manually: Sometimes I go through and manually bring down each peak one at a time volume automation. You need to really zoom in on the peak. This is actually compression, but you're manually doing it. I'll use the Volume Envelope to bring the peak down. I'll pull down the peak to somewhere above the overall (perceived RMS) mix.

-- Automatically: I'll use a plugin to automatically "bring down some of the peaks." Usually between 1.0 and 2.0 dB of leveling with a very slow attack and release. If the attack is too fast you'll quickly lose dynamics and punch to the song

- Limit: Now I'll put on the limiter (always last. It depends on the song and genre, but for alot of what I do I use limit at around 1.5 dB at -0.1 dBFS

You're right, bringing down some of those peaks will bring up the overall volume and fullness (hopefully) of the mix

[TonyB]

Oops. Sorry for the double post. Having Internet intermittency problems.

[aschemkes]

thanx for the reply, I'll check the mix first, appearingly? the drumtrack has some very high peaks and compressing and limitting will help I think.

[scooterlow]

Hey Sparqee,
How many plugins can you run at a time with one UAD 1 card. I was reading on the site and didn't see this info. I'm thinking of adding one card to do efx with cubase and my Firewire 410. is it worth it to have just the one or should i be looking at the duo and quad cards. Most of my songs have tracks of 2-6 guitars running guitar rig3 and 12 or so midi tracks using hypersonic and ez drummer, up to 6 vocals processed. Just an average mix. I'm running a 3 ghz pc with two gig o ram.

[sparqee]

You can find a chart showing instance counts of the various plugins on the various UAD cards here: Universal Audio | UAD Charts

I find it to be pretty accurate. I just picked up a second UAD-1e from ebay so now have as many compressors plugins as I usually need. The only UAD EQ that I use is the pultec (which I love). I'm tempted to get the Neve but it's such a resource hog I think I'll need to upgrade to the UAD-2 before I bother. Right now I'm pretty happy with what I have though.

[Phil Bradbury]

Originally Posted by aschemkes

I have Cubase LE, and did some recordings, basicly MIDI tracks for instruments and of course vocals. When I mix down, the level is way to low, though I mix to just below 0dB, on the master output If I inspect the waveform in for example audacity I see there are a lot of spikes, peaks that "limits" the output. Can I limit those peaks with VST dynamics plug in. And can you give me hint.

Are you recording your parts/tracks with as high an input as possible without going over the line? Remember, if you can get rid of those spikes on the way in you will not need to cut them off in the mix. Any time you trim the natural waveform you loose some musical product (although this may be the objective sometimes). I would try to fix your problem at the source and not put a bandaid on it. once you find the magic settings you will never have to worry about this again. Just my thoughts. Phil@littlewaltertubeamps.com

[aschemkes]

I recorded the actually output of the synth (Korg PA2xPro) from the digital out to the digital in of my Tascam US-144. 48kHz, 24bits. stereo (of course)

I can turn up the vocals a lot, before clipping, but the synth tracks, with all the drums, etc... clips far to fast, it's just not loud enough, the vocals are a lot louder. So to mix them into the mix, I have to turn them way down. (-9dB)

I just have to get rid of those hig levels peaks (mainly drum/snare sound) in the soundtrack, without ading distortion or losing dynamics of course.

Or should I record the drumtracks seperately on a different track? (I just came up with this while I was typing in....)

few hours later...

That was it, I seperated the drums from the rest, and did some pretty heavy compresssing and limitting on them, I used the preset, funky drums, and now everyhting is better in balance with a far more louder mix.