Learn about Mastering in SONAR - Interested?

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Anderton
Any files with "faux" mastering that have compression or limiting in the master bus

Hey, Craig. Can you give us a little more guidance on this? I believe it is a fairly common practice to mix into a compressor on the master bus. I've seen professionals who do it and/or recommend it.

 
Check out the new "Friday's Tip of the Week." There are situations where this makes sense, mostly if whatever you're doing doesn't have to be in context with other music. But just because it's a common practice doesn't necessarily mean it's the best practice. 
 
When I get something to master, I'm being paid the big $$ to make decisions on how much dynamics to add, and what kind. If there's already dynamics, then that takes away a lot of options. I've received tracks to master that were "sausaged" if you know what I mean. I can't do anything with those. Also, you want people to send you the best mix possible. The dynamics in the bus can cover up errors in judgement that would perhaps better be addressed with EQ prior to adding dynamics.  
 
I'm not saying people shouldn't do it, but it's not what I like to do, and I venture to say most mastering engineers want as clean and "honest" a mix as possible. Of course, individual tracks are a different matter...if you want to compress the hell out of your bass, go for it! I'm just concerned with the two-track master.
 
Another recommendation I frequently see for mixes is to leave -6 to -8 dB headroom if you are going to be mastering. Is that what you're looking for?
 
That was more important in the days of analog recording, but is still relevant for other reasons. I give a little more leeway there. As long as there's a dB or two, I'm happy; I can reduce the overall level if needed. But -6 to -8dB is fine too. The main thing I want to avoid are tracks that get close to 0.