Lynn
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Help with mastering an old instrumental - 2 new versions mastered by Batsbrew (6/11)
Here's an instrumental that I wrote in the mid 90's. I was still somewhat new to MIDI programming, and I wrote this for the experience. It was sequenced on an Alesis MMT-8 sequencer, using a Korm M1 synth, a Roland MT-32 sound module, a Yamaha FB-01 sound module, and an Alesis HR-15 drum machine. Admittedly, some of the sounds are dated, and since this is a stereo file, I can't replace any of the instruments. I'm looking for advice on how to master this using the latest tools in Platinum (including the latest versions of the LP EQ and multiband compressor), as well as all the VST's that come with the latest version of Splat. I thank you all in advance for any suggestions that can bring this to life. It's call Springbreak, and can be found here: https://soundcloud.com/lynn-wilson-4/springbreak-1 Edit: 6-9 I changed the width of the track and tried a different EQ curve to tone down the sharper edges, as per your suggestions. 6-11: Here are two versions mastered by Batsbrew. #1: http://www.soundclick.com/player/single_player.cfm?songid=13394912&q=hi#2: http://www.soundclick.com...ngid=13394913&q=hi
post edited by Lynn - 2016/06/11 20:09:01
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jamesyoyo
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Re: Help with mastering an old instrumental
2016/06/06 16:35:06
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Great fun track as always Lynn. I always look forward to your stuff.
The stereo field is way too wide and there is nothing in the middle to focus on. Try using some of the stereo tools (Channel tools etc) to bring the sides in.
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Lynn
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Re: Help with mastering an old instrumental
2016/06/06 20:00:11
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Doh (sound of hand slapping head)! That seems so obvious, now. It'll be the starting point on the next pass. James, it's always good to hear from you. Thanks for your time.
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ABeautifulVirus
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Re: Help with mastering an old instrumental
2016/06/06 20:45:20
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wow haven't been here in so long and as soon as i log in the first song i come to is yours Lynn and you never fail to deliver. i actually love anything redolent of the 80s/90s so very cool that this is from the vaults. i do that from time to time.
i'm all Logic/iZotope here so not sure what to say exactly pertaining to your DAW - i think you can narrow the stereo image in the middle some in terms of mastering. it also seemed bright almost to the point of shrill when at high volume (on DT 770 headphones) wondering if you could make it tad warmer a bit and file the EQ sharp points down on the keyboard noodling so to speak? I dunno; my ears are also a bit shot out from mixing so I might be off here too
it's a nice musical tapestry with a lot of MIDI powered 80s/90s nostalgia. could be playing in a hotel down here in Boca Raton. good luck with final mix down
- Daren T
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MarkusClinus
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Re: Help with mastering an old instrumental
2016/06/06 21:09:32
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Lynn, this is a great track - so many cool sounds on it. Your playing is great and the mix on this is so clear. Very nice.
Mark (formerly CLEAN) THE PUGTONES
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Lynn
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Re: Help with mastering an old instrumental
2016/06/07 18:06:38
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Daren, it's good to hear from you. I agree that it's on the bright side. What if I did a cut @ 2k? I'm already planning on narrowing the stereo field. I wish that I could replace the slap bass, but in the day, it was popular and able to cut through the mix. Nearly everything was mixed without EQ treatment through an old Tascam Model 5 mixer. I'll try out some various EQ curves that are available in my Izotope EQ. Thanks for contributing.
Mark, thank you so much for your kind words and time. It's always a pleasure.
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thepogue
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Re: Help with mastering an old instrumental
2016/06/08 06:36:43
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well sorry I'll not be helpful in the mixing end...but I can tell you this is a great lil number...kinda had a Steely Dan feel at times and oddly enough I dont know why...maybe the progression. Of course James is right...have seen anything spread that wide since...ah...since...
never mind....cool song ;)
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Lynn
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Re: Help with mastering an old instrumental
2016/06/08 14:30:40
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Tom, thanks for the kind words. Yeah, I'm going to narrow that stereo field. There once was a time when WIDE was the rage. That should give you an idea how old this song is.
I'm still hoping for an idea where to start on the EQ curve. I know some frequencies need to be cut from this, but where do I start?
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batsbrew
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Re: Help with mastering an old instrumental
2016/06/08 14:46:58
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eq curves.....
so personal, it's hard to make suggestions...
if you want, send me a 24 bit file, and i'll try a curve on it, just for fun.
dropbox, link.
wide still is the rage,
again, personal choices, and if you want it wide, leave it wide.
can it work BETTER brought in?!
yea, probably!
heheh
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Lynn
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Re: Help with mastering an old instrumental - New mix 6/9
2016/06/09 14:37:00
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I made a few changes to reflect your suggestions. I narrowed the stereo field and used a different EQ curve to tone down the sharper edges. Hope this helps. Thanks to all.
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stevec
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Re: Help with mastering an old instrumental - New mix 6/9
2016/06/09 18:40:53
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Just had a listen to the second version... I kinda liked the width and didn't hear anything harsh EQ-wise. Sure, some of the sounds may be a bit dated, but overall I also think it sounds pretty good.
SteveC https://soundcloud.com/steve-cocchi http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=39163 SONAR Platinum x64, Intel Q9300 (2.5Ghz), Asus P5N-D, Win7 x64 SP1, 8GB RAM, 1TB internal + ESATA + USB Backup HDDs, ATI Radeon HD5450 1GB RAM + dual ViewSonic VA2431wm Monitors; Focusrite 18i6 (ASIO); Komplete 9, Melodyne Studio 4, Ozone 7 Advanced, Rapture Pro, GPO5, Valhalla Plate, MJUC comp, MDynamic EQ, lots of other freebie VST plugins, synths and Kontakt libraries
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Freddy J
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Re: Help with mastering an old instrumental - New mix 6/9
2016/06/09 23:02:27
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I must be listening to the updated version because it all sounds good to me. Great separation on the instruments and to my tired old ears the panning doesn't sound all that wide. I like the light, airy, jazzy feel to this number.
Nice one Lynn. I always enjoy your stuff!!
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ABeautifulVirus
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Re: Help with mastering an old instrumental - New mix 6/9
2016/06/10 12:27:31
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you nailed it this time!!! left some comments on your SC ;)
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Lynn
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Re: Help with mastering an old instrumental - New mix 6/9
2016/06/10 20:10:14
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Steve, Freddy, and Daren thanks for taking the time and your comments. Batsbrew also did two treatments for this, which I'll be posting this weekend. I have to say, it's come a long ways since its inception in '95.
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bayoubill
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Re: Help with mastering an old instrumental - New mix 6/9
2016/06/10 20:21:28
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On my system it sounds perfect Lynn! Wow! I had it cranked too! Listened 3 times. I can't think of anything I would do to it but you should try every suggestion! Especially if it comes from Gonzo!! I like the wideness
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Guitarpima
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Re: Help with mastering an old instrumental - New mix 6/9
2016/06/10 23:54:43
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I think it's a good job on EQing the master. Though the low end is tight and well defined, I think it needs a boost of about 1db or 1.5db. This is hard to say though. I've been listening to a lot of different music on my speakers and I've noticed a wide variety of how engineers approach the low end. Some go with a similar approach to yours but most tend to go more in the bass and not so much the kick so I guess there is no wrong way as what you have is very clear. Though, again, I think it needs more low end.
Notation, the original DAW. Everything else is just rote. We are who we are and no more than another. Humans, you people are crazy. Win 7 x64 X2 Intel DX58SO, Intel i7 920 2.66ghz 12gb DDR3 ASUS ATI EAH5750 650w PSU 4x WD HDs 320gb DVD, DVD RW Eleven Rack, KRK Rokit 8s and 10s sub
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mgh
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Re: Help with mastering an old instrumental - New mix 6/9
2016/06/11 19:06:15
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great full sound you obviously nailed it with this remix nice proggy tune too. you forgot the guitars but oh well... 
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Lynn
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Re: Help with mastering an old instrumental - New mix 6/9
2016/06/11 20:03:04
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Bill, I'm very pleased that you like this. I think I got the wideness just about right this time, but as you say, I should take any suggestion from Gonzo, and I did. See below. Robert, I really appreciate your time and opinion. I now have two more versions by Batsbrew to consider. Mark, thank you for listening. As for the guitars, this was a MIDI only song that I wrote to familiarize myself with sequencing. At that time, I would have had to sync the sequencer to one track of my tape recorder in order to add an audio track. I just didn't want to mess with it then until I got a handle on editing on a one-note-at-a time event list. Batsbrew, graciously offered to master this song, and he gave me two versions with different EQ curves. I offer them to you for your consideration. They can be found here: #1 http://www.soundclick.com/player/single_player.cfm?songid=13394912&q=hi, and here: #2 http://www.soundclick.com...ngid=13394913&q=hi My hats off to all of you.
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batsbrew
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Re: Help with mastering an old instrumental - New mix 6/9
2016/06/11 20:47:23
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lynn,
for the record,
they were not fully mastered,
i only tweaked your eq, and did not change the overall level.
if you would like,
i could give it the full treatment!
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bayoubill
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Re: Help with mastering an old instrumental - New mix 6/9
2016/06/11 21:14:39
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Take your time here Lynn. Take days before you decide on a final or best mix. It is your song so go with your instincts. The cool thing is you have choices and all are excellent!!!
I'm not saying which is my pick. That's your choice! Trust yourself!
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Lynn
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Re: Help with mastering an old instrumental - New mix 6/9
2016/06/11 21:46:40
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Bat, you're right. I only asked for an EQ curve, which you provided two. I can easily change the level myself, if needed. I really appreciate your effort to help me.
Bill, you are right, too. There's no hurry for this, so I will enjoy the luxury of time to get to know these versions. I also learned how easy it is to swap files via the internet, which I'd never done before. James Yeomans gets some credit for this, too.
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batsbrew
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Re: Help with mastering an old instrumental - New mix 6/9
2016/06/13 10:46:10
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this sounded good before i did anything to it...
sometimes, it's the idiosyncrasies in a final mix, that gives it it's character....
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