>Actually, maybe you can clear up a bit of confusion for me. When I master >my tracks, I normally DC offset, run the track thru BBE sonic maximiser, >compress (lightly, as I compress each sound individually) using Waves C4 >>(thats a multiband compressor to allthe peeps who don'thave Waves...very >handy) and then run a limiter (Waves L1+) over it to bring the overall level >up. Should I then normalise it to 0db AS WELL? Will the normalising process >take the louder parts of the track oevr? Or does it only raise the peaks to >0db?
No need to normalize. If your final stage is the L1+ Limiter, then the maximum level of your tune will be set by the L1's "Output Ceiling". If it's set to 0.0 then voila, your track will be fully normalized. If you set it below 0.0 (e.g. the "16bit Final Master" preset is set to -0.3) then your track will be at that level. You could then normalize it to grab those extra fraction of a db, but if that is your intent, then you might as well set it to 0.0 in the first place. There is also the argument that says normalizing is bad, because it is inaccurate (lossy), adds minor distortion, etc. etc. Many pro audio articles will tell you this. I have to admit that I have NEVER noticed any such lossiness, but if you dont need to normalize, why should you? In general, limiting/dithering should be your absolute last step, so you should plan on doing anything you need to do, before it hits the L1. >Also, while we're on the subject, does anyone know of an EASY to use >spectral analyser? I find the one in SF6 to be a bit confusing. I'd like to >be able to run a track run an analyser and watch it in real time... Wavelab has a real-time spectrum analyser that i find is a great help in mastering my tunes. Look for it under Analysis - > Spectrum Meter. >One last question: I heard recently that BBE and other "stimulators" work >well for tracks that are to be pressed to CD but not so well on vinyl? Is >this true? If so, why? The reason is because sonic maximizers can stir up certain high frequencies that are hard to cut. There's a recent article in Knowledge with Simon, the infamous mastering engineer from the Exchange in which i believe this is mentioned. I've had some personal experience with this as well - in one track i used a heavy dose of the Aphex Aural Exciter on high-pitched lead sound which ended up presenting some problems with i got it cut on dub as well as when it was sent up to be mastered and pressed. Sorry, im know im not Dan, but i hope this helps =) trust --- Drum&Bass Arena Producers Discussion List http://www.breakbeat.co.uk You are currently subscribed to dnb-prod as: [email protected] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
