So if you had just one Mastering tool (regards the sound polishing side of mastering, instead of the release format prep) would it be a Dynamic EQ Bit?
 
I believe you are talking about the MELDA Dynamic EQ too, aren't you?

I have several dynamic equalizers, but yes, MDynamicEQ is the one I use most.
 
Oddly, though, I rarely use dynamic EQs or multi-band compressors for mastering anymore. If I do any master bus compression at all, and I usually don't, it'll more likely be Kotelnikov from Tokyo Dawn.
 
Interesting question, what would the ONE tool be if I could only have one. I presume we're excluding limiters. I think that one tool would be MSpectralDynamics.

bitflipper
I have several dynamic equalizers, but yes, MDynamicEQ is the one I use most.
 
Oddly, though, I rarely use dynamic EQs or multi-band compressors for mastering anymore. If I do any master bus compression at all, and I usually don't, it'll more likely be Kotelnikov from Tokyo Dawn.
 
Interesting question, what would the ONE tool be if I could only have one. I presume we're excluding limiters. I think that one tool would be MSpectralDynamics.

Could you elaborate on why that is, please?

dubdisciple

Could you elaborate on why that is, please?

Dave already did that (at very considerable length  ) here:
 
http://soundbytesmag.net/spectraldynamicsdynamiceq/

bitflipper
I have several dynamic equalizers, but yes, MDynamicEQ is the one I use most.
 
Oddly, though, I rarely use dynamic EQs or multi-band compressors for mastering anymore. If I do any master bus compression at all, and I usually don't, it'll more likely be Kotelnikov from Tokyo Dawn.
 
Interesting question, what would the ONE tool be if I could only have one. I presume we're excluding limiters. I think that one tool would be MSpectralDynamics.

Just read your article on (well the third part) and can see why you have such and enthusiasm for it. Way more versatile and effective then I had imagined. I enjoyed your writing style, like many of your explanations on the forum, you have a way of relaxing the experience of understanding something.
 

Dang, is that Melda's "king pin" plug? Solo purchase that is 20% of the MTotalBundle (all 78 plugs).
 
Edit: I need to stay clear of Bit's posts, he keeps giving me GAS
 
I read Bit's review and am a little confused by adding this to the master buss... reason it caught my eye is that the guy I touched base with sent me demos and some tracks were not mixed the best, but there was nothing I could really do with them (vocals masked in most cases). I just mastered them "as is" since he intends to re-track anyway. Can that plugin be used in this case where the track is already "baked"?

Nope, if the vocals are already buried there's not much you can do without stems.
 
However, this plug can expose many subtleties that were previously masked, things such as the jangle of a tambourine, the "ting" of a ride cymbal or pick attacks on acoustic guitar. But it can't do magic. The mix has to already be pretty good, then it just adds the frosting. Or to be more accurate, it takes away some excess frosting.

Thanks Bit. I was assuming this was the case but when I first saw "master buss" I was thinking that is 'sorta baked" so had to ask.

You can alter things a little if the vocals are buried slightly by using stereo to M/S conversion.  Push the mids up a little on the M signal then convert back to stereo.  You will end up with a centre image that has a little more presence hence it may cut through better.  (As long as there is not too much other stuff around near the centre that will clash with the vocal range) You can also use this approach to pull centre images down a little if they are poking through too much as well.
 
Nothing beats getting it right in the mix.
 
Dynamic EQ requires you to think about the threshold that has been used with the EQ.  And that applies to either tracks, buses or a final mix.   Then you need to think about what happens to the EQ (boost or cut) when the signal is below and above the threshold. A lot to think about.
 
With multiband compression the main thing is the bands will usually always reduce in gain once a threshold is reached. It is important to get bands all reducing gain by very similar amounts so the overall EQ stays intact. It can seriously be put out of whack if a multiband compressor is set badly. ie one band reducing way more than the others.
 
With dynamic EQ the EQ changes can occur in a band too but they can boost as well as cut. Not to mention that the dynamic EQ effect can happen either under or over the threshold so it is more complex in a way.
 
I find the better you are tracking and mixing the less you should need this.  It is more about repairing than creating. Although it could be used to advantage in a mix. I prefer to automate EQ and volume changes instead. You have more precise control over that.