Message 9/40
Date: 20-May-02 @ 08:16 PM -
RE: graphic eq on final mix?
If you really want to be a master at mastering, invest in either a DBX Quantum or a TC electronics Finalizer. I chose a Quantum because it has more compressor bands, but many prefer the Finalizer. Expensive, but well worth it.
You can then compress/limit/gate the whole mix and adjust eq, use tape saturation emulation to warm it up and colour the sound all with nice dithering algorithms. My Quantum really adds warmth and sparkle to a mix.
Many people leave it to the master engineer to get their work as tight as possible, but you could master it yourself and send them both versions of the track (Mastered and Unmastered).
Undoubtedly they would probably use the unmastered version, but if they allow you to sit in on the mastering session, or if not, at least ASK them what adjustments they made afterwards, you can learn from them and apply it to your next master - Hopefully, they'll one day adjust less and less until they don't touch it at all.
In the end, I'd love to be able to send a master straight to the Dup house without anybody touching it. Unrealistic maybe, but total control is what I'm all about, dammit!
