So I create a song in Sonar Platinum and mix it down to what I think is a "final cut." When I open one of the templates available in the Mastering Suite, I load up the final cut and export it. Is this the correct way? Doesn't seem to turn out much different.
 
Is there a way to import the tracks used in the song and THEN master the whole shish-kabob?

You mean have all your separate tracks available in the mastering template? Of course it's possible but then you wouldn't be mastering, would you?

Maybe the OP just doesn't understand what the mastering process means.
 
In today's terms, mastering is the art of:
 
a) getting the sound to reach maximum loudness without loss of dynamics (typically, but not limited to, using a limiter)
b) minor tweaks to EQ and/or Compression to support the effort in a) above
 
It is generally not considered an deeper mixing stage.
 
HTH.
 
 
 
 
 
BTW, everything I've said above *may* be wrong. Buyer beware.

Anderton said the mastering template is for "hosting mastering-oriented plug-ins."
 
http://forum.cakewalk.com/FindPost/3277715
 
Here's a recent thread on the subject of mastering in Sonar.
 
http://forum.cakewalk.com/Mastering-in-Sonar-your-advice-for-a-novice-m3512043.aspx
 

There is a great SOS Magazine article about Mastering in Sonar located below.
 
http://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/mastering-in-sonar
 
 I can't display the article because you need a full subscription to read it.  Maybe you want to subscribe to SOS Magazine to read the entire article.. I have a subscription and the article is wonderful.  You can buy the PDF for $1.49.

There's nothing wrong with Sonars mastering templates but I find creating your own mastering chain produces better results (that's if you have better plug ins of course).
 
1- Start by opening a new blank project
2- Drag/drop your finished mix on to the audio track
3- Insert your mastering plug ins / mastering chain in to the "Tracks" FX bin.
4- Drop your analyzing, metering plug ins in the master bus.
5- Listen and make adjustments.
6- Export
 
Mastering is an art form. Its almost as if it is a totally different animal compared to recording and mixing.
It takes a good ear and even better judgment. It may literally take years to perfect the craft.
However one can achieve good results as long as following a few guidelines.
 
Create a mastering chain using your own plug ins. The order of which you use these plug ins is also very important.
For Example:
 
My Mastering Chain consists of:
1- Linear EQ to drop off/filter APPROX 30HZ and under.
2- CA-2A for Analog coloring= a 1 to 1.5 db push / very subtle.
3- The SSL Bus compressor.
4- The L3.
5- Followed by the L2.
6- Some more light Analog coloring.
7-The Secret sauce.

FWIW, linear phase EQ isn't always the best choice for low frequency cuts. But use your ears of course.

Sanderxpander
FWIW, linear phase EQ isn't always the best choice for low frequency cuts. But use your ears of course.

well then what is ? (and remember we are talking about the mastering stage.)

chuckebaby

Sanderxpander
FWIW, linear phase EQ isn't always the best choice for low frequency cuts. But use your ears of course.

well then what is ? (and remember we are talking about the mastering stage.)

min. phase

ceemusic

chuckebaby

Sanderxpander
FWIW, linear phase EQ isn't always the best choice for low frequency cuts. But use your ears of course.

well then what is ? (and remember we are talking about the mastering stage.)

min. phase

Hey what ever floats your boat. IMO, linear EQ is always the best choice. then again im not here for a debate, I was simply trying to leave some helpful info for the OP but I guess I should have known better that some of us cant have their morning coffee without trying to have sort of debate. the typical.. "I believe you are wrong".
Regular EQ’s have phase shift between the different bands. When you boost or cut 30 Hz, that frequency range is technically delayed by a tiny amount, which can in effect cause smearing.
Linear-phase EQ keeps all the frequencies 100% in phase. In other words, all the frequencies pass through the EQ at the same speed, resulting in zero phase issues between bands. If its good enough for YOAD NEVO (look it up) then its good enough for me.
 
With that said, use what ever you want. have a nice day.