My first step is to set the loudness of the track to an appropriate level for release. Or maybe I boost some frequencies with the EQ only to find out they become harsh when the limiter is added at the end. If I focused on adjusting the EQ first and then add a compressor, it could squash my sound, forcing me to move back a step and tweak the EQ to compensate. I find it’s better to add the entire chain all at once rather than adding plug-ins one by one because each plug-in affects how the other plug-ins respond to the sound. Each of the plug-ins start with very subtle settings, which I tweak and adjust to suit the needs of the track. There can be other types of plug-ins too, but these are the fundamentals.Īt the beginning of every session, I’ll load up my favorite mastering chain. If the track sounds balanced and you’re sure you can get great results from the mix, load up the rest of your mastering plug-ins and get to work!Įverybody has their own secret recipe for which plug-ins they like to use on the master bus, but almost everyone uses some form of gain adjustment, EQ, compression, limiting and metering. If possible, open up the mix session and adjust the stem levels before you begin mastering. Pay special attention to the level balance between instruments, as this can be difficult to fix in the mastering stage. Use this to guide your EQ decisions while mastering.įor instance, if you notice that your mix sounds a little harsh compared to the reference mixes, check the Trinity Display to confirm what you’re hearing, and make a note to tame the high-mids and high-end in your track.
Engage the level match feature in the top right corner and toggle back and forth between your mix and the reference tracks. Load REFERENCE as the last plug-in on your mix bus and drop in a few of your favorite mixes. Not only does it help tune your ears to the type of sound you want to achieve, but comparing your mix to reference tracks gives you a map of exactly what to change. In this blog, we’ll explain how to use EQ to sculpt your sound while mastering, and how plug-ins like compressors can affect the frequency balance too.īefore you reach for an EQ, it’s important to listen to a few reference tracks to get an idea of what you want your mix to sound like. But the truth is, a little bit of EQ can sonically transform a rough mix into a professional-sounding master in no time-if you know what to look for. Sculpting the sound of your master can be difficult.
0 kommentar(er)
