Is Mastering Software really needed with X1?

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fireberd
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2012/02/03 09:03:23 (permalink)

Is Mastering Software really needed with X1?

I realize Mastering is an art and there are those that specialize in Mastering.  But, for a home recording setup that is mostly a few (maybe 7 or 8) analog tracks is it worth the $$?   X1 Producer has some built in tools that, if set up and used, will do a lot of what the Mastering software does.  For example, the LP64 EQ and the LP64 Multiband along with Pro Channel features.
 
A recent session was for a retired (as retired as musicans get) Nashville musician/writer/producer.  He gave me the best complement he could - the finished product sounded like it came from "Bradley's Barn" - which was THE studio in Nashville at one time and what other studios strived to emulate.
 
 

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    Rain
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    Re:Is Mastering Software really needed with X1? 2012/02/03 09:46:57 (permalink)
    You know what? There are just so many things that come into consideration when it comes to mastering, so many good reasons to have an expert handle that duty, that, once you decide to do it yourself, I doubt that your choice of plug-ins will make that much difference. Relatively speaking.

    Speaking for myself here, but whether I'm using Logic's native plug-ins or T-Racks or Ozone or outboard gear, the end results may be slightly different, but it'd still be in the same "home made master" ballpark. The tools may be better, but I don't have what it takes to capitalize on that.

    If I recall correctly, Sonar had some pretty decent tools. And if you can pull a decent master w/ those bundled tools, then maybe you could take advantage of some of those specialized plug-ins, maybe your own abilities could justify the expense. You'd probably be able to tell the difference yourself by trying the demos.
    post edited by Rain - 2012/02/03 09:48:31

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    daryl1968
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    Re:Is Mastering Software really needed with X1? 2012/02/03 09:47:04 (permalink)
    with care and patience and good ears (which it sounds like you have) the standard X1 Producer plugs can achieve good results. The only caveat is Boost 11. If you have Expanded, I would recommend the Concrete Limiter.
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