Lots of Cool Hints and Tips

Good stuff.

I noticed you had a post on your blog about utilizing high frequencies to bring definition to a mix. Additionally, you should explore the use of a tube and/or tape simulation plugin to add “presence” or “warmth”. TAP TubeWarmth, for example, is often on every single track, to greater or lesser extent, in my sessions. One could call it the great “secret of the pros”. It’s a very subtle effect, but try hitting the bypass button a couple times to hear the difference. Plus the cumulative effect of using it on many tracks can really bring a mix to life. You can put it on the master bus too, though keep in mind you can actually *lose* definition if you put too much of it there, because essentially what the plugin does is add a bit of harmonic distortion (of a variety determined by the tube/tabe balance setting). “Tube” adds mostly even-ordered harmonics, as tube amps do… these have a warm character. “Tape” adds mostly odd-ordered harmonics, which have a crisp and present character. How you use them in the mix depends on the source material. I usually don’t turn the drive up beyond 7 or so, unless I am trying to make a distorted guitar really “scream”.

Thanks for the comments guys. tgoose, I was not suggesting that normalisation is a way of mastering, but rather a good tool for getting your tracks on an even gain level. After normalising you would want to firstly tweak the levels of each track and then master with JAMin which can maximise, limit and compress. I have a few articles on mastering here:
http://briansbedroom.blogspot.com/search/label/mastering

I would be keen to hear any thoughts you have.
Regards,
Brian

Thanks GMaq,

Its awesome to hear such good feedback. I look forward to hearing your kit.

Later,
Brian

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A blog relating to playing and recording music with Ubuntu Studio and Freeware: http://briansbedroom.blogspot.com/