2014/06/04 20:45:01
liv4ree
Hey guys. I'm done mixiing our album, 10 songs in sonar 8.5.3. I want to master in sonar. What's the best way for me to do this? I'm using the stereo mastering template in sonar. Here's my issue. How do I input the 10 songs so that I can compare the mixes as I master? Last night. I cloned the stereo track 9 times and imported my 10 songs. Problem is, I mastered the first song, how do I master the second song when my plugins are on the master buss, and set for the first song? I'm trying to figure out some sort of work flow for this. Thanks for any help in advance.
2014/06/04 21:30:46
Cactus Music
I know some people do what you are doing, but unless all 10 songs were recorded exactly the same, as in a real band in a session, there is no real reason to treat each song the same. 
I treat each song as an individual. I use my ears for mixing and at this point I'm not fussing with overall Mastering details, That is a completely different step. I then then export them as a stereo 44.1 file. 
I do final touch ups in Wave Lab such as average RMS level and trimming tops and tails. 
Using a wave editor and working with stereo files makes this step much easier and gives you better control. 
You could use Sonar in a pinch if you don't have a Wave editor for mastering but your still going to want different settings for your mastering efxs anyhow. The only advantage I can see to having all 10 songs on the screen is to save time re loading each file to a fresh project that is just the stereo tracks. I know some bring the song back into the original project but to me this is all very inefficient. 
 
I know Sonar can do wonders with Mastering, but once you've used a wave editor such as Wave lab or sound forge, you would see what I mean about the right tool for the job. I don't believe Sonar can give you average RMS levels? 
Sonar is my Multi Track Sequencer
Wave Lab is my Mastering 2 track deck 
 
2014/06/04 22:52:46
liv4ree
Thanks Cactus..
2014/06/04 23:45:54
quantumeffect
Try moving the plug-ins from the master buss to your stereo track for your first song and leave the effects bin of the master buss empty ... and then set-up the plug-ins for the remaining 9 stereo tracks individually.
 
Alternatively, leave only the limiter (or whatever your secret ingredient is) in the effects bin of the master buss and have individualized plug-ins in the effect bins of the 10 stereo tracks.
 
Either that or use Wave Labs.
2014/06/04 23:53:47
scook
Another option would be to place all the songs on one track, automate the plug-ins on the bus(es). Bounce the songs to A/B them just like you would compare to reference tracks.
2014/06/08 07:28:22
liv4ree
Thanks Dave & Scook. Dave, I just realized your suggestion yesterday. Thanks a bunch guys.
© 2026 APG vNext Commercial Version 5.1

Use My Existing Forum Account

Use My Social Media Account