Best way to use Mastering Plug ins and order to use in the chain?

Question

I know this can vary from track to track, and it all may depend on the style of music. I just wanted to know if anyone had a set order that they find works best when using the mastering plug ins? Currently I master many different ways, usually by starting with Multiband Compressor, or Channel EQ and then moving to Linear Phase EQ, or sometimes not, then to Adaptive Limiter. At the end I'll sometimes throw an analysis plug in, or use Match EQ using settings from recorded tracks from other bands. Any suggestions for getting the highest push possible on a mix, while retaining sonic clarity? Let me know what you think, and thanks for your answer.
Message was edited by: Sodacon

Answer 1

For 'rough' mastering, I find that I use very little Linear Phase EQ, multi-band compressor (a touch) and often PSP Vintage Warmer or Tritone Digital's ColorTone Pro, or if I move the project over to PT, the Cranesong Phoenix which hopefully one day will be available as an AU. Sometimes I'll use Adaptive Limiter. Of course, it all depends on the material: everything I do is rock music destined for CD production so YMMV. At the 'real' mastering stage I use a mastering studio.
I love the Sonnox stuff, but I find that I use those plugs much more on individual tracks except Inflator which can be amazing.
+while retaining sonic clarity+
You might want to check a demo of the MPL-1 from Kjaerhus. I was testing it out for a while, and since it was released in AU format (a first for Kjaerhus - a tiny Danish company known for their Golden Channel RTAS) I've been using it a lot - very clean and transparent when set right.
http://www.kjaerhusaudio.com/mpl-1.php