MASTERING SOFTWARE!

Question

hey, can anyone tell me whats the Mercedes Benz of Mastering software that is mac compatible? It's because no matter how good my friend and I think are mix is, in L.P, when we import stuff into itunes the Levels in the Itune Meter is ALWAYS, VERY very low, like it's very mild, but when I play an "Industry" song that's done "professionally" (As If I don't have Logic Pro 7.1) the levels in Itune meter are RADICAL, and are almost literally jumping off the meter. I assume this has something to do with Mastering? How do I achieve this? what would you guys suggest if somone wanted to exercise EVERY aspect there is in music production. I just need some general advice....thanking you guys in advance
-Tristan
A.K.A Dr. Beatzzz

Answer 1

Let me first say that everyone has an opinion, and I am in no way saying my is the best. I have tried to give you several options to choose for. If you want further elaboration I would be glad post more information.
Peak is good, perhaps great but it’s not the Mercedes Benz of mastering software. The program that is considered a standard in mastering is Sonic Solutions (although they have changed the name recently). This program last time I checked was five or six thousand with all the plug-ins (but it is probably more money). Sonic also makes plugins for Pro Tools mastering but the bundle runs around $3,00. There are a few others, but several of the projects I have worked on used this program.
Most of the mastering labs I have used or know something about, still prefer using analog outboard gear. Some of the best mastering labs have custom made multi-band compressors, limiters, and eq's that when all added up cost hundreds of thousands of dollars (if not into the millions). They then record to digital again using higher quality CD's with apogee dac's (or better, either way big money). So if you want to sound like the big top 40 hits, you might be able to come close with years of practice but only close.
Mastering is an art form and many people are not good at it. While my clients like what I do, I still need to work at it.
If you want to sound like a good underground hardcore punk, drum and base, rock, alternative, etc plug-ins are important.
In the more affordable realm, peak audio is a great program and what I use frequently when the project I am working on cannot afford pro mastering. The plug-ins that come with Peak (the expensive version) are good, but there are better plug-ins available. There are many choices (like the previous post said UAD and TC Electronic both have awesome plugs but a new TC card will cost you around $700-$1200 and although it does come with mastering software it does not including the system 600 mastering software that I like which is another $500-$900 depending on what you get.) Some will insist on Waves plug-ins and there are plenty of people that swear by them. I like them, but they are a bit cold for me because I like to color my mix. For cheap quick fixes when I have no time to work on a master I like Izotope (pretty astounding for the price of $199).
The URS plug-ins are good if you know what you are doing,
but the two software companies I use the most for mastering are UAD and TC Electronic, specifically the plug-ins that work with their audio cards.
I use both the UAD mastering plug-ins (just got them, they are $500 extra), but I am looking to by the TC Electronic
One overlooked thing is to have quality monitors. I like Mackie's fine, but they have troubles with the low end (100hz and below) unless they are in certain rooms). I use dynaudio monitors with a dynaudio sub. I usually do not listen with the sub on until I want to verify that I don't have too much bass in the mix.
Lastly, learning how to mix is important. Frequently people boost too much when cutting is always better. Instrument placement, tasteful use of reverb, and good instrument levels are important. Frequently, people put way too much 200-100hz in their mix. Boosting every instrument is not a good idea. Learning which frequencies are best boosted and cut for each instrument is important. Let the bass guitar do its job, while guitar is a mid range instrument (if you want them to cut through the mix) synths, cymbals high frequency etc. I often use a spectrum analysis plug in to assure my mix is not lacking in a particular frequency, or is too dominant in one. If you hand a mastering lab a mess, they can do great things, but they cannot work miracles if your mix is bad.
If you don't have money, try Izotope with Logic. Also look up online tips on mastering on a budget.
I hope this helps a bit.