Very Basic Mastering Question

mastering prep
1) do I correct all clipping on each track via drawing some gain automation on each track..
 
routing
1) do I route all tracks to a few busses.. for example....  
- kick drum
- snare
-other drums
-guitars & keys
-bass
-vocs
-bg vocs
 
2) do I apply effects at the bus level.. and set up bus with no instruments where I add some room sound (reverbs)
 
I used to think writing a song was tough.. try writing, tracking, and actually getting that song to sound like you want it to.  I've got the writing and tracking down.  And I may not end up being the world's best producer/engineer--but it's my way or nothing as the music thing is already too expensive without adding a bunch of pro's in.   Thanks

mastering prep
1) do I correct all clipping on each track via drawing some gain automation on each track..

Irrelevant in a 32 bit floating system PROVIDED you don't clip your master bus.

BTW, Always set up a separate bus for the Vox. It makes it easier to deal with in the mix.

+1 on Sidroe's comments.
Pretty much the way I like to work.

Bass players are OK, late and lazy sometimes, its drummers I've always struggled with

Karyn


Be wary of trying to think like a bapu though...

How can I do that?

greenstrat


mastering prep
1) do I correct all clipping on each track via drawing some gain automation on each track..
 
routing
1) do I route all tracks to a few busses.. for example....  
- kick drum
- snare
-other drums
-guitars & keys
-bass
-vocs
-bg vocs
 
2) do I apply effects at the bus level.. and set up bus with no instruments where I add some room sound (reverbs)
 
I used to think writing a song was tough.. try writing, tracking, and actually getting that song to sound like you want it to.  I've got the writing and tracking down.  And I may not end up being the world's best producer/engineer--but it's my way or nothing as the music thing is already too expensive without adding a bunch of pro's in.   Thanks

mastering prep
1) yes and sometimes I apply negative gain to the clip/track peak (why keep clipping?)


routing
1) yup, that's what I do. makes mixing easier in my book.


2) sometimes yes, sometimes no. It depends on whether Mic McQ is looking over my shoulder.








BTW, woooooooo hooooooo. extra post count for greenstrat!

DeeringAmps

bapu

What about those noisy buggers (i.e. guitar players)?

Guilty as charged!

Looks like I need a bigger/louder amp.

konradh,

Not a Spike Jones fan, eh?

I agree about the different sound theory. Very disjointing. The point as far as the tracking is concerned is, of course, you should always keep the big picture in mind! If you already have the concept of the song well thought out just don't get caught up so deep in it that you lose the focus of the track you are working on at the time. I say this from the viewpoint of someone who has played sessions for over 40 years. When I move into the composing mode I try to think as a drummer, or bassist, or guitarist for the individual track as opposed to putting on a producer's cap and looking at the entire project. I play guitar and keys for a living. I play drums as well,Bass,too. I also played violin in the high school orchestra and several different reed and brass instruments in the marching band. Not meant to sound like I'm bragging. All I'm saying is with the experience I have on all the instruments allows me to already have the song structure and arrangement and instrumentation in my head before I even fire up Sonar. So I tend to think as the kind of player I am on that track. I don't recommend just aimlessly playing parts that don't fit. I take into consideration that you already know what you want the song to sound like. And I also agree about the 6+ extender. I have worked sessions that tracked great with dynamics and by the time the producer and engineer got done it was just---- well,um,----LOUD! Hey,guys, pull the volume back and try dynamics. It makes a world of difference. Peace,Konradh.

Sidroe


BTW, Always set up a separate bus for the Vox. It makes it easier to deal with in the mix.

This is only if you have multiple vocal tracks, right?
Or am I missing something :)

Jonathan