mastering a song after sonar??

Mastering is often a misnomer. Define mastering first. Usually mastering involves and entire cd or album project. Matching levels, track labels and numbers, creating cohesion between tracks.

A reliable Mastering Engineer should tell you if it needs matering or not. Why should he scam you? That would just ensure that you don't come back again.

One of the things I've been told time and again is not to put any limiting on the master buss. Try to keep levels below -6dB FS(?) or lower. Chances are they are going to try and maximize your levels and chances are their tools will do a better job than yours will.

I would say, take it to a mastering house and get a quote. If they want your business, they will do their best to convince you they are going to give you the best service. Not necessarily the cheapest. Don't fall for the internet services. %90 are a scam. Do a search for Massive Mastering. (John Scripp)  He will accept files over the web but he is a reputable engineer with a quality space and gear.

http://www.massivemastering.com/

Check out his blog. He has a lot of info there:

http://www.massivemastering.com/blog/


Here is some advice in regards to Mastering:

http://www.massivemastering.com/resources/HOME/MASTERING_-_Getting_the_Most_out_of_Your_Mix.pdf

Guitarhacker


Loud is not always better.

I couldn't agree more.
 
Some Zombies think its the world championship making the meters turn red. Lets cut some more low end we can get + 6db more. Let's say 100hz.. sound crap but still. Why not go all the way roll off and cut to 1K instead. You can then push it another +24db instead of 6db.   
It sounds crap though but its loud right?  
 
When you hear something on the radio that sound aweful & hash sound, then you know. Then you know that is a JackAss Zombie that Mastered it or let me rephrase, destroyed the mix.

Freddie H

Guitarhacker


Loud is not always better.

I couldn't agree more.
 
Some Zombies think its the world championship making the meters turn red. Lets cut some more low end we can get + 6db more. Let's say 100hz.. sound crap but still. Why not go all the way roll off and cut to 1K instead. You can then push it another +24db instead of 6db.   
It sounds crap though but its loud right?  
 
When you hear something on the radio that sound aweful & hash sound, then you know. Then you know that is a JackAss Zombie that Mastered it or let me rephrase, destroyed the mix.

ya i got some  great feed back on another forum on how guitars and drums change in mastering.  my performance on all instraments was fine , but i made fundamental mistakes recording  my guitar tracks. im not happy with 2 mics i feel i get mor punch direct in or all three.and my vocals where all done on the fly so its arranged better now.
 but masting his hit or miss still . i will visit 30 site's for help on loud guitar.
mix destoyer,,,,,,,,,, funny.performance is everthing and when i get things mastered im looking at it sounding more even than loud i guess i would put it. the music itself is loud and dont need to in the red too.