Vinny, You are correct that a plug cannot know what neds to be corrected.  EZMix and similar packages make some asusmptions.  For example, a common trick is to boost a kick drum at around 60-80 cycles, cut it around 200-400, and boost it around 3000.  So, one kick drum preset may have settings like that and be called "Std Kick" or something.  EZMix has a variety of kick presets for different styles of music.  They all assume that the kick you are processing is fairly normal but you will have to try the presets to see what you like.

The same goes for vocals, guitars, etc.  EZMix combines a number of effects into each preset, so a guitar preset may consist of EQ, compression, delay, and distoration, or some other combination.

For mastering, you will either have to know something about what you are doing, or go through the presets on a trial and error basis.  Mastering does not seem to be EZMix's main focus or biggest strength, at least in my opinion.  It seems to be better at processing individual tracks or submixes. That said, I bought an add-on Mastering pack for EZmix 2 and it has a couple of presets I like.

Oh I should have read further.......... ezmix is exactly what the tin says EZ = MIX. It's not designed for people who want to tweak and fix. Not what it was made for. That is NOT to imply a pro can't use it (that would be silly) but if controlling parameters is your wish, this isn't for you.

Thanks Konrad,

I get it now. makes sense. I'll try the demo on a simple song. see how i get on.

many thanks

DPTrainor


Nice Review!

Thanks - it's a fun product to work with.  I continue to use it for various tweaks here and there in my mix.  I also really like the bass chorus (as Bapu mentioned above).

I tried it but actually it didn't do much for me-I have been using alloy and alloy 2 for a while so I guessI am use to them. Very transparent and very powerful

Bottom line. With some patience and persistence you can acheive the same results using what you have in the PC. Learn what those plugins do and you will have that knowledge that will help you to KNOW what to do when a track does not sound right. That knowledge also carries over to the hardware units as well. If you understand what those knobs do on the plugin then you inderstand what those knobs do on the the hardware. That is a wealth of info to have. When you get your sound tweaked then save the setup as a PC preset. It doesn't take long to start getting a long list of your own custom presets waiting to be loaded in PC. I like the concept of EZMix but unless you are willing to tweak a lot you are not going to learn much about crafting a sound. As stated before, most presets are over done so when you hear it you say "WOW, WHAT A DIFFERENCE!" The problem is later down the road you are probably still going to be tweaking for the mix. There is not and never shall be a magic plugin that mixes the perfect sound for us. It is the knowledge of the tools you have at hand that makes your mixes better.