Eddie TX
The "best" mastering suite for any particular user depends on a lot of factors.  That's why you ought to try several solutions to see which one best fits your needs.  
 
I'll agree that the latest version of Ozone is certainly a contender for "best" in a lot of situations.  Very hard to beat it with anything with a reasonable price.  It's easy enough to get started with, and deep enough to do just about anything you'll ever need.  The other suites mentioned above are worth a look, since you may prefer those.  Never hurts to try other things.
 
Cheers,
Eddie
 

Yeah...  The problem with trying a bunch is that it quickly gets pricey...  I think I'll keep practicing with the free plug-ins for awhile - but Voxengo seems like a good bet for me.  I use Span all the time.  I keep hearing great things about them and there prices are pretty good...  I could also slowly add the plugins which I can't do with Ozone.

You can get a Groove 3 subscription for $10/ mo right now. There are video tutorials for a lot of this stuff. It might be helpful to check some out to see if you like the work flow, etc.
 
Rocky

mikebeam
Yeah...  The problem with trying a bunch is that it quickly gets pricey...  

Oh, we're not suggesting you should BUY a bunch of different solutions ... you can demo them for free to see if you like them. Har-Bal may be an exception, since I think last time I looked at it there was no demo available. But nearly all reputable plugin vendors have a demo option.

Cheers,
Eddie

I use either Ozone or PSP Xenon.

http://www.pspaudioware.c..._processors/psp_xenon/

The Xenon is really worth checking out.

@ $250?!!
 
YEOWCH!
 

batsbrew
@ $250?!!
 
YEOWCH!
 

Yeah.  Pricey.  I think I got it during a big sale back in '10 plus they do the discounting for how many you already own (like Voxengo and FabFilter) and I already had quite a few of theirs.  I only paid $90, which at that price is a no-brainer for what you get in my book.

Yeah, I figured anything that Bob Ludwig and Bob Katz were saying good things about when it comes to mastering was worth looking into.
 
PSP Xenon is a valuable addition to my mastering toolbox.
Bob Ludwig, Gateway Mastering, Portland, ME, USA
PSP Xenon is brilliant, capable of preserving more of the mix at ghastly levels and pristine when used wisely.
Alan Silverman, Arf! Mastering , New York, NY, USA
PSP Xenon is a very clean, pure-sounding limiter which is also versatile. I have just begun to delve into its more sophisticated functionality, but I have already used it in basic mode on a jazz group and Xenon sounds very transparent to my ears.
Bob Katz, Digital Domain Studio , Orlando, FL, USA
PSP Xenon sounds great and the pink noise generator linked to the metering is a great tool.
Bob Olhsson, Audio Mastery , Nashville TN, USA
PSP Xenon is a unique addition to the world of digital limiters. PSP has come up with, in my opinion, one of the most versatile and best-sounding limiter plug-ins available.
Paul Abbott, Zen Mastering , San Diego, CA, USA
I find the PSP Xenon a truly remarkable unit which enables the mastering engineer to perform limiting tasks without any compromises.
Sakis Anastopoulos, DigiSound Mastering , Melbourne, Australia

So what's the deal with posts not going through sometimes.  I had a follow up post I tried twice and it isn't showing up.  I've seen people complain about this before.
 
Bit or Karyn - can you take a look please?
Many thanks.
 

I'm starting a new thread...  This has morphed into something different!  Please weigh in...
 
http://forum.cakewalk.com...-m3356785.aspx#3356785

Thank you , Bit!