Entertainment / Music
1ns and 2s with Dj-Sticha - Mastering Audio: Pro Techniques the final master (The producer's edition)
09 Jun 2016 at 06:53hrs | Views
Good mixing and good mastering require good monitoring, preferably with a properly-positioned 2.1 system. Maybe you're skeptical, but you can tell when someone has mixed without a sub. Either they've overcompensated in the bass range, or they have no idea how flat their mixes are. So, be forewarned that this tip (and good production in general) requires quality monitoring. It's also wise to familiarize yourself with good monitor brands, and reasearch kabanzi ebulenjini to get a better sense for some of the processes that come before this final stage. With those qualifiers out of the way, here's a tutorial illustrating what I consider a sound approach to mastering your final mix. You can follow these steps with any comprehensive software or hardware mastering set-up, but for this tip, I'm using IK Multimedia's most praiseworthy T-RackS 3 deluxe mixing and mastering suite (If uspanisa the same then kuzoba lula ukuzwisisa).
No matter what gear you're using to master your final mix, always start with the EQ. The first link in my signal chain is the new, and exceptionally transparent T-RackS Linear Phase EQ. Since am using a compressor and clipper later in the signal path, am going to bypass them for now, and slightly reduce the EQ's output. Now am ready to audition the changes am about to make to the final mix's frequency response.
Now, you may wonder "Why start with an EQ instead of a compressor?" It's not an arbitrary decision. You start with the EQ because you're going to be processing the signal with a low cut filter. You thereby drastically reduce the compressor load, giving it far more leeway to process the mids and highs. Now, while you might think twice about shaving off those precious bass frequencies, there's a balance to be struck between bangin' bass and hot, punchy compression. Ask yourself, how hot do I want the overall mix, and how heavy do I want the bass? You can't have both. Typically 37-38 Hz is a good compromise between cutoff frequency and compressor output. Heavier production styles, like what you hear from Timbaland or Lil Jon, often have plenty of heavy bass elements, like 808-style kicks and deep analog bass timbres. In those cases 38Hz might be too much, so you have to be careful. Again, tri-monitoring is a must. Listen carefully with your subwoofer to strike that perfect balance.
Another factor to pay attention to while you're tweaking your low cut filter is the slope of roll-off. If you're using T-RackS 3, try using a range of 35Hz up to 41Hz, However, if you're using a different EQ, think of that range as a guideline, mainly because your roll-off slope could be steeper. A steeper roll-off means a more abrupt decibel drop below the cutoff frequency, so a 38Hz low cut filter on another EQ could make a much more drastic difference than in the T-RackS Linear Phase EQ.
Outside of using the EQ's low cut, and as long as you have a good mix, the EQ should need little if any tweaking. Make sure the linear phase EQ is set to "Linear Phase," to keep EQ coloration to a minimum. As with any mastering process, you want this one to be completely transparent. Whenever mastering a final mix, the object is transparency and punch. Start with a modest compression ratio, about 3:1. If you're trying to compress, not limit, a 3:1 ratio keeps the compression clean. Attack time should also be carefully managed for transparency. A fast attack will give you an artificially snappy sound. If you've mixed carefully, you'll want to bring out the original snap and dynamics - all the good stuff you accomplished while mixing. If you go too slow on the attack (say, above 56ms) then the compressor just won't react. The T-RackS Opto Compressor's longest attack setting is 50ms, and usually I don't pull it below 45ms, because the dynamics of the mix start to gain that artificial snap. Sometimes you have to use a fast attack while mastering to manage distortion and overdrive. If you're hearing a lot of out-of-control peaks, often shortening the attack time can clean them up. Again, listen carefully and trust your ears.
Use a release time range of 84-105 ms. A longer release than that usually means that you'll hear the compressor working. If you're a dance or trance/goa producer, and you're not averse to cliché, then by all means use a long release and savor the "boom-woaah, boom-woaah". But if you're producing urban and hip hop, keep your compression release respectably smooth. If your release is too short, you'll hear distortion in the bass range; It'll start to crackle. If your release is too long, the compressor will not recover and you'll hear that pumping and breathing.
Next up is "input level," ("input drive" in the T-RackS Classic Compressor.) You have to make sure your compression isn't squashing your signal, and, in T-RackS, the best way to monitor the level of your compressor is by using the VU meter. While you're playing back your song, look to see if the black VU meter averages around -5 dB. Generally, it shouldn't dip down to -10. Watch it for a few seconds and get a visual idea of the signal's average (RMS) level. You may decide to swap the T RackS Opto Compressor with the Classic Compressor, which gives you a stereo enhancement option. Your best bet though is to set both compressor modules to equivalent settings and get an idea of which one suits your mix better. Regardless of the module you're using, try following my guidelines above. If your mix is good, these techniques will make it shine all the brighter.
My approach to the clipper is simple, and follows the logic of setting gain and volume on a mixer board channel strip. First, turn the slope and gain knob hard left. While keeping the slope knob all the way to the left, bring the gain knob up as high as you can without triggering any saturation. Once you find the optimum gain, which should be fairly low because the compression gain will already be quite high, now turn the slope knob up until you find a timbre you prefer. Putting the slope knob right in the middle, at about a -6 setting should yield a nice, smooth saturation. You can't really mess with the clipper until you've finished compressing and EQing. If you decide you need to tweak your compressor or EQ, turn the clipper off, and repeat the steps I just explained.
Now that you have tweaked, pruned and polished the relevant parts of your mastering chain, take another listen with your EQ on. I usually sweep mine all the way down to 250Hz. Now don't panic, am not suggesting you wipe out all of the mid/treble frequencies in your mix. You're sweeping to 250Hz so that you can hear the bass frequencies in isolation. Hearing those bass frequencies on their own allows you to monitor for crackle. If the bass is crackling, then the output of the EQ is too high. You can't hear those rumbles and crackles if you've got guitars vocals and synths blaring over the top of them. You can afford a little bit of crackle, but too much of it can sap your mix's tone. Once you've set the right output level, simply bypass the hi cut filter. With these guidelines, you can take your mixes from a dull shine to a glittering shimmer. Again, you still need all the elements of a catchy, well-mixed beat: properly managed frequencies, expansive stereo image, good composition, good arrangement, etc… No amount of mastering will ever replace mixing skill and musical creativity.
My final mastering advice is, simply, experiment. Like any of my advice, use this tip as a guideline, then take it in your own unique direction. For example, now that T-RackS 3 can be downloaded as a suite of independent VST plugins, you can create your own hybrid mastering process using any other set of mastering plugins. If you really want a distinguished sound, you might decide to route your final master through a hardware graphic EQ to shave off your bass frequencies, then back into your DAW for the final mastering stages. It's up to you. T-RackS 3 provides a convenient all-in-one suite incorporating the very best digital models of classic vintage mastering tools: one of the many reasons I used it for this tip. But, regardless of what plugins or hardware you're using, if you've been looking for a fatter, fuller sound, a proper mastering regimen like the one I've outlined above is essential. Have it ready for action, ngicela ukuzwa from wena ke usebenzisani throw around some tips sifundisane. Check this song below, ngasebenzisa the method engibhale ngayo phezulu be the judge and tell me what you think, It's a free download just click on "free" and have a listen.
Back to Black free download click "free' and save
Masicobelane ngolwazi, masikhulisan' emculweni.
Facebook:Dj-Sticha-Mixking
Twitter:@Deejaysticha
No matter what gear you're using to master your final mix, always start with the EQ. The first link in my signal chain is the new, and exceptionally transparent T-RackS Linear Phase EQ. Since am using a compressor and clipper later in the signal path, am going to bypass them for now, and slightly reduce the EQ's output. Now am ready to audition the changes am about to make to the final mix's frequency response.
Now, you may wonder "Why start with an EQ instead of a compressor?" It's not an arbitrary decision. You start with the EQ because you're going to be processing the signal with a low cut filter. You thereby drastically reduce the compressor load, giving it far more leeway to process the mids and highs. Now, while you might think twice about shaving off those precious bass frequencies, there's a balance to be struck between bangin' bass and hot, punchy compression. Ask yourself, how hot do I want the overall mix, and how heavy do I want the bass? You can't have both. Typically 37-38 Hz is a good compromise between cutoff frequency and compressor output. Heavier production styles, like what you hear from Timbaland or Lil Jon, often have plenty of heavy bass elements, like 808-style kicks and deep analog bass timbres. In those cases 38Hz might be too much, so you have to be careful. Again, tri-monitoring is a must. Listen carefully with your subwoofer to strike that perfect balance.
Another factor to pay attention to while you're tweaking your low cut filter is the slope of roll-off. If you're using T-RackS 3, try using a range of 35Hz up to 41Hz, However, if you're using a different EQ, think of that range as a guideline, mainly because your roll-off slope could be steeper. A steeper roll-off means a more abrupt decibel drop below the cutoff frequency, so a 38Hz low cut filter on another EQ could make a much more drastic difference than in the T-RackS Linear Phase EQ.
Outside of using the EQ's low cut, and as long as you have a good mix, the EQ should need little if any tweaking. Make sure the linear phase EQ is set to "Linear Phase," to keep EQ coloration to a minimum. As with any mastering process, you want this one to be completely transparent. Whenever mastering a final mix, the object is transparency and punch. Start with a modest compression ratio, about 3:1. If you're trying to compress, not limit, a 3:1 ratio keeps the compression clean. Attack time should also be carefully managed for transparency. A fast attack will give you an artificially snappy sound. If you've mixed carefully, you'll want to bring out the original snap and dynamics - all the good stuff you accomplished while mixing. If you go too slow on the attack (say, above 56ms) then the compressor just won't react. The T-RackS Opto Compressor's longest attack setting is 50ms, and usually I don't pull it below 45ms, because the dynamics of the mix start to gain that artificial snap. Sometimes you have to use a fast attack while mastering to manage distortion and overdrive. If you're hearing a lot of out-of-control peaks, often shortening the attack time can clean them up. Again, listen carefully and trust your ears.
Use a release time range of 84-105 ms. A longer release than that usually means that you'll hear the compressor working. If you're a dance or trance/goa producer, and you're not averse to cliché, then by all means use a long release and savor the "boom-woaah, boom-woaah". But if you're producing urban and hip hop, keep your compression release respectably smooth. If your release is too short, you'll hear distortion in the bass range; It'll start to crackle. If your release is too long, the compressor will not recover and you'll hear that pumping and breathing.
Next up is "input level," ("input drive" in the T-RackS Classic Compressor.) You have to make sure your compression isn't squashing your signal, and, in T-RackS, the best way to monitor the level of your compressor is by using the VU meter. While you're playing back your song, look to see if the black VU meter averages around -5 dB. Generally, it shouldn't dip down to -10. Watch it for a few seconds and get a visual idea of the signal's average (RMS) level. You may decide to swap the T RackS Opto Compressor with the Classic Compressor, which gives you a stereo enhancement option. Your best bet though is to set both compressor modules to equivalent settings and get an idea of which one suits your mix better. Regardless of the module you're using, try following my guidelines above. If your mix is good, these techniques will make it shine all the brighter.
My approach to the clipper is simple, and follows the logic of setting gain and volume on a mixer board channel strip. First, turn the slope and gain knob hard left. While keeping the slope knob all the way to the left, bring the gain knob up as high as you can without triggering any saturation. Once you find the optimum gain, which should be fairly low because the compression gain will already be quite high, now turn the slope knob up until you find a timbre you prefer. Putting the slope knob right in the middle, at about a -6 setting should yield a nice, smooth saturation. You can't really mess with the clipper until you've finished compressing and EQing. If you decide you need to tweak your compressor or EQ, turn the clipper off, and repeat the steps I just explained.
Now that you have tweaked, pruned and polished the relevant parts of your mastering chain, take another listen with your EQ on. I usually sweep mine all the way down to 250Hz. Now don't panic, am not suggesting you wipe out all of the mid/treble frequencies in your mix. You're sweeping to 250Hz so that you can hear the bass frequencies in isolation. Hearing those bass frequencies on their own allows you to monitor for crackle. If the bass is crackling, then the output of the EQ is too high. You can't hear those rumbles and crackles if you've got guitars vocals and synths blaring over the top of them. You can afford a little bit of crackle, but too much of it can sap your mix's tone. Once you've set the right output level, simply bypass the hi cut filter. With these guidelines, you can take your mixes from a dull shine to a glittering shimmer. Again, you still need all the elements of a catchy, well-mixed beat: properly managed frequencies, expansive stereo image, good composition, good arrangement, etc… No amount of mastering will ever replace mixing skill and musical creativity.
My final mastering advice is, simply, experiment. Like any of my advice, use this tip as a guideline, then take it in your own unique direction. For example, now that T-RackS 3 can be downloaded as a suite of independent VST plugins, you can create your own hybrid mastering process using any other set of mastering plugins. If you really want a distinguished sound, you might decide to route your final master through a hardware graphic EQ to shave off your bass frequencies, then back into your DAW for the final mastering stages. It's up to you. T-RackS 3 provides a convenient all-in-one suite incorporating the very best digital models of classic vintage mastering tools: one of the many reasons I used it for this tip. But, regardless of what plugins or hardware you're using, if you've been looking for a fatter, fuller sound, a proper mastering regimen like the one I've outlined above is essential. Have it ready for action, ngicela ukuzwa from wena ke usebenzisani throw around some tips sifundisane. Check this song below, ngasebenzisa the method engibhale ngayo phezulu be the judge and tell me what you think, It's a free download just click on "free" and have a listen.
Back to Black free download click "free' and save
Masicobelane ngolwazi, masikhulisan' emculweni.
Facebook:Dj-Sticha-Mixking
Twitter:@Deejaysticha
Source - Byo24News
