What's your favorite mixing&mastering routing and...

[sertac]

hi ,
What's your favorite mixing&mastering routing and plugins.
First ,I use scope platform when I mixing because I didn't learn to use XTC mode.And when I need some different plugins ,I use UAD's.
And when I finished my mix I'm trying the mastering with Psyqacustik-optimaster and graphic Eq.
So what r u doing in your mixes and masterings.

[Mr Arkadin]

Well generally i have two projects. First uses busses from Cubase to a Scope mixer - generally i'll use all-Scope effects, very rarely a VSTi effect. i do use some VST instruments though. i try to get the mix as good as possible at this stage and record a stereo version.

i would then move on to my second project of PsyQ and OptiMaster for the mastering stage. i think keeping the two processes separate helps to not end up 'chasing one's own tale'. i'm not sure of the wisdom of using a graphic EQ after all this as i think you should be getting that side of it close before mastering - plus graphic EQs cannot 'zone in' on a specific frequency problem. If something stuck out to me as a real problem i would probably go back and remix the stereo pre-master.

[ChampionSound]

I do it quite the same as Mr Arkadin. First I record a stereo master without final compression and EQ,
so I sum all the tracks out of my sequencer in the scope mixer (with all individual track FX, compressors, etc.) and make a stereo mix.
Then I open a new scope project with a mastering chain. I don't have a standard list of used mastering devices yet (still don't own a M&M pack yet) so I look what the track needs. I also do this because with my 18 dsp's sometimes I cannot mix and (pre-) master my tracks in one take. And I find it more flexible to have a unprocessed mix so I'll have a quick starting piont for making a new processed master, without having to reload the whole project from the start.

I never use a graphic EQ because they're not designed for mixing/mastering, they have fixed Q an crossover values. Although they are easy in use and can have fast results.
The only big EQ plug I own, is the De-vice ISON which is great by the way. Only one minor thing, I don't find the layout and GUI very clear IMO.
The De-vice Slim-Jim has a great fat compression sound for my mixes, but sometimes I experince a smal phaseshift between left & right. Maybe because of the size of the module? Really don't know. So I use it more often for individual or buscompression.

If I can afford it some day, I will consider DAS Master it or Brainworx BX digital as dedicaded mastering EQ, and I am still looking for a good (multiband) master compressor. Anybody usin Wolf's Kompressor? Is it any good for mastering or is it more designed for individual and bus compression.
Too bad I don't have the Optimaster and PsyQ (or are there somewhat dated and are any better scope plugs nowadays?)

[dawman]

I use SpaceF's FP106C for tracking/mastering all in one mixer.
I use my KS88 to trigger Larry Seyers Acoustic Drums, which will go direct out to VDAT ( 1 )for tracking, ADAT Dest. Module for monitoring, Out of VDAT ( 1 ) back into FP106C mixer, where effects can be added prior to the DAS Compressor, prior to recording into ASIO2 ( Reaper/Cubase 4.0 ), and VDAT ( 2 ) as a master 2 track.
The beauty of this is having the mixer use a preset to mute ( A/B ) the drums.
In this way I can listen to the dry/wet via a preset and not hassle w/ the workflow killing way of unplugging, etc.

FP106C Channels/ mono 1-6 + stereo 1/2/3.......Dry tracking
...........Channels/ stero 4-9 .......insert FX / 3 X AUX's / DAS Compressor

SC4 DAS 1610+++
DAS-2A St

I am waiting to see Scope 5.0/XITE-1 before I buy any new plugs.
Then if XITE-1 doesn't have an big included plug pack I will get the DAS AI, and possibly Brainrox.


http://www.spacef-devices.com/dacore/in ... info&id=29

[dawman]

The jpeg.'s a little small but the plugs in the mixer are.

Ambience on the Kick w/ FAT II
BDX 01 S on Snare
MIDI Filter 2 on Hi-Hat for motion/dynamics
PSY Q on Ride Cymbals for the nylon tip enhancement

AUX 1 Early Relector
AUX 2 MVPro
AUX 3 PCM91 ( R.I.P. )

[sertac]

Hi XITE-1/4LIVE ,
I have sp 4.5 version ,so I use 24/48 mixer. fp 106c mixer is good? what is differents than 2448 mixer?
And anyone use valve mixeR?

[dawman]

That's a great mixer also.
I just have always enjoyed having presets for live work that allow to mute loaded effects ( insert load ), and for recording the Mutes/Mix presets act as mixer snapshots.
I need lots of DSP's for live work cause I must load everything once, and then perform w/o even touching the app or DAW again.
This causes me to stack effects in the channels, AUX's, etc. While one channel might have 5 different effects, I only might need one at a time. The load Insert effects can recall all of the bypasses on each inserted effect, thereby allowing me to choose which and where to use them with greater speed and effieicency.

STM2448 is everybody's favorite and is a great mixer.
I have different needs.
From using the SpaceF mixers live I just prefer them, especially the output options, and the " P " inputs that allow toggling between mixer GUI's when multiple mixers are used.
The Valve mixers are very full w/ true stereo AUX's and bleedover, etc.

It just depends.
GaryB has used the 2448 for years, and you couldn't get him to switch even if you had a gun to his head.

Routing has always been SFP's major strength IMO.

[siriusbliss]

2448 to mix from Samplitude out through PsyQ (used sparingly) and Optimaster in master chain, and back into Samplitude for final burn.

Still getting used to using bxDigital also.

Greg

[Fluxpod]

Until i had m&m package i did it in wavelab(still using it) and mixed into the d-comp and the standart 4.0 limiter-s.Now on my own stuff i mix into the psy q and optimaster paired with sbc inbetwween.
It really depends on the track what tools i use.I like mixing into a good compressor but its not always the goto method.I dont have seperated projekts for mixing/mastering.Its more song orientated,and i like to do it all in 1 window.

[firubbi]

@Jimmy, i want to know how to rec via vdat... i didn't understand your routing.. (i don't have vdat yet.. but i guess xite has it)
thanks

[dawman]

Well I get the levels nice & hot with zero effects first.
The jpeg. below shows 7 stereo channels of drums w/ an external Analog synth for Bass.
Cubase 4.0 plays the MIDI Track into a Drum library which sends it audio outputs into VDAT.
I then overdub track 15 & 16 w/ a Bass Synth into VDAT for a total of 16 mono ( 8 Stereo ) tracks.

Then I take VDAT and use it's outputs to Master into a mixer.
It's outputs can be monitored while mastering into the ASIO 2 Destination Module ( Cubase 4.0 / Reaper ).

I use it differently but the below examples are easier to understand when the STM1632 default mixer might be used.

Bear in mind that I do things this way for live playback purposes.
VDAT is fast and easy, and using it live to playback drum tracks, Sub Bass and Vocals is the best option for quality/fidelity.
Once VDAT leaves the Project window ( recorded into a sequencer app. ) it's 32bit Integer quality cannot be detected. But using it to play through monitors, straight from the Project window reveals excellent Sub Bass freq.'s and shimmering highs.

[firubbi]

Thanks jimmy i almost got it. will ask you again after i got my xite/vdat

[dawman]

VDAT can play and record also.
I have loaded and used one for 32 track playback, and another 8 track for recording live before, and they work flawlessley and sound awesome.
Even though I am in the learning process for the rest of my life.

Glad you are getting XITE-1, it will be the all in one solution for years to come.
The only competition I see is ProTools 8.0, and we all know how good their synths sound...

[siriusbliss]

The only competition I see is ProTools 8.0, and we all know how good their synths sound...

huh?

I hope you mean market-wise, and not functionality/feature-wise.

Greg

[dawman]

Only w/ repects to DSP recording.
Everytime I see a great hardware console, and there are lot's up in Tahoe, right next to it you'll see ProTools and a Mac.
Just an observation I have from the last 15 years.
Most of these places spent a ton of cash back in the early 90's, and while dumping their ADAT's and JVC Redbook recorders, ProTools and Macs live on in infamy.

I can't wait to show up w/ my liitle 4U/laptop and Solaris....
Only then will they feel the wrath of fine quality PC based programming.

[dawman]

I meant they will be shocked at the mobility and quality of another DSP platform.
As far as full sequencer integration is concerned I think we will all be shocked @ NAMM to find out what's been going down.
These guys haven't been taking this long to make drivers and bring 10x power for synths.
But I am just an optimist at heart.
Even if it's the same old Scope w/ 10 x DSP power, that's good enough for me, but I doubt this is the case.

I can't wait to see PT8.0 / Neve and XITE-1 on a slow weekend.

[dawman]

I've heard enough announcements, I'll see what it does in 34 days.