PSP mastering signal line order

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svenmonet
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2013/11/26 08:45:16 (permalink)

PSP mastering signal line order

I've been using the PSP plugins for mastering and I like them a lot.  I'm just curious if anyone knows the best order to put the compressor, limiter, EQ, or whatever so they sound/work best?
 
Thanks.
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    scook
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    Re: PSP mastering signal line order 2013/11/26 09:06:38 (permalink)
    Limiter last. Usually the EQ would be before the compressor but it is possible the compressor might alter the balance of the mix so there might be a need for EQ after compression.
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    Bristol_Jonesey
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    Re: PSP mastering signal line order 2013/11/26 10:23:59 (permalink)
    I like to HPF before the comp, and shape EQ after
     
    Limiter is last, as it should be

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    bitflipper
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    Re: PSP mastering signal line order 2013/11/26 11:23:58 (permalink)
    Limiter is last, everybody agrees on that one. But the debate over which comes first, compression or EQ, has been going on since the dawn of time. There are good arguments for either sequence, and some folks use two compressors, one in front of the EQ and the other behind it. Some use two equalizers, one in front of the compressor and another after. 
     
    But IMO all of this is overkill, and we do it just because we can in the digital realm. It's a recent practice that wouldn't have been done at all in analog days. Personally, I use EQ in front of the compressor on individual tracks, but after the compressor on submix busses. I generally do not use a compressor at all on the master bus. Ask yourself if you really need it there at all.


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    mixsit
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    Re: PSP mastering signal line order 2013/11/29 20:39:27 (permalink)
    bitflipper
    Limiter is last, everybody agrees on that one. But the debate over which comes first, compression or EQ, has been going on since the dawn of time. ..

    I'd offer in all cases (..and this helps highlight when and if the situation does mean it will actually mater much..
    Is the eq likely to effect the compression action?
    If it does (have a real impact), might that be a desired effect, or counter productive?
    In both cases this is like viewing the compressor not only from the 'level' and timing point of view but also the source tone and frequency balance vs what ever side chain curve' may be in there.
    A dip or small correction in the mid or high band on an eq might not have much impact either way. 'Shaping or 'cleaning up excessive low end that shouldn't be there anyway is more of a slam dunk (you were going to do it, and yes the sequence was likely to matter
     
    I really like versatile comps.  I find side chain filters extremely useful for the very reason of the option to focus (or just as importantly de-emphisize) the action independent of the upstream tone'.

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    svenmonet
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    Re: PSP mastering signal line order 2013/12/12 22:27:33 (permalink)
    I've been fooling around with using five PSP plugins to master a few older tunes and there is definitely a vast improvement.  Besides having the limiter be last in the chain I just guessed on the correct order.  Right now the order is:
     
    1) PSP MixGate
    2) PSP Saturator
    3) PSP MixBass
    4) PSP MixTreble
    5) PSP MixPressor
     
    If anyone has any suggestions on a better chain order or what else to use or not use in the chain please let me know.  I have to master hundreds of older songs so I don't have time to make each individually perfect.  I just want a reasonable default mastering chain to run the tunes through for now.
     
    Thanks.
     
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    Fog
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    Re: PSP mastering signal line order 2013/12/12 23:34:22 (permalink)
    there are videos on groove3 regarding psp plugs
    http://www.groove3.com/str/PSP-Dynamics-Explained.html
     
    it all depends on what plugin you are using ..e.g. some are specifically designed for channels or some for buses :)
     
    post edited by Fog - 2013/12/12 23:36:17
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    Kalle Rantaaho
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    Re: PSP mastering signal line order 2013/12/14 16:32:17 (permalink)
    svenmonet
    I've been fooling around with using five PSP plugins to master a few older tunes and there is definitely a vast improvement.  Besides having the limiter be last in the chain I just guessed on the correct order.  Right now the order is:
     
    1) PSP MixGate
    2) PSP Saturator
    3) PSP MixBass
    4) PSP MixTreble
    5) PSP MixPressor
     
    If anyone has any suggestions on a better chain order or what else to use or not use in the chain please let me know.  I have to master hundreds of older songs so I don't have time to make each individually perfect.  I just want a reasonable default mastering chain to run the tunes through for now.
     
    Thanks.
     


    IMO especially MixBass and MixTreble, are not very all suitable for mastering purposes. Any of SONARs own EQ's would be more straightforward to use. But if it works for you, then it does, and everything's ok. Mixpack is designed to be used on tracks/stems depending  instrument. Say, in my experience, Mixtreble can make a huge difference on an acoustic guitar, but I would find it difficult to use it on a full mix.
    Perhaps I should try :o)

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    svenmonet
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    Re: PSP mastering signal line order 2013/12/16 08:22:00 (permalink)
    I'm not an expert on this but having thrown some old .wav mixes through these five processors things sound a lot better.  Mastering is an art I believe I shall never 'master'!  I'll stick to writing/recording and leave the mastering for the experts.
     
    I'm just happy to hear the older tunes come to life via this PSP chain.  Thanks for all your thoughts.  Any more information is greatly appreciated.
    #9
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