Re:How to use X2 for mastering – how do you do it?
2013/03/21 18:13:15
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I highly recommend using Wavelab for Mastering. For the price, it's great. It can handle a lot of the formatting your music needs, and now supports DDP. It also has great metering without additional cost. If their metering is not enough, seek out Flux/Ircam plug-ins.
For technique, chuckebaby is correct, that many abuse the headroom. Finalizing the mix is an exercise in maximizing dynamics vs. musicality. You will not want to compress the mix too much, or maximize the volume. You should never need a limiter on the main output (ever) unless you are going for an effect.
It's a tricky learning process, and I dare say there is not defacto method to mixing or mastering. This is what's great about this field of work. The magic. Each engineer has his/her own magic jelly beans to add, so don't expect your earlier masters to be grammy-stealing gems, although I think the Grammy awards are one of the biggest insults to music these days.
Brian
Sonar Platinum, Steinberg Wavelab Pro 9, MOTU 24CoreIO w/ low-slew OP-AMP mods and BLA external clock, True P8, Audient ASP008, API 512c, Chandler Germ500, Summit 2ba-221, GAP Pre-73, Peluso 22251, Peluso 2247LE, Mackie HR824, Polk Audio SRS-SDA 2.3tl w/upgraded Soniccraft crossovers and Goertz cables, powered by Pass-X350. All wiring Star-Quad XLR or Monster Cable. Power by Monster Power Signature AVS2000 voltage stabilizer and Signature Pro Power 5100 PowerCenter on a 20A isolation shielded circuit.