Do you master your Film/TV tunes?

[gunter]

Do you master your Film/TV tunes?

[davewalton]

Quote:Do you master your Film/TV tunes?It's not really mastering like REAL mastering, but I've been using a mastering software package called T-Racks 24 for a while. After exporting the final 24-bit 44.1kHz or 24-bit 48kHz cut (depending on the requirements of the project), I run it through T-Racks to subtly sweeten the overall sound and dither it down to 16-bit.I would send out for mastering, I think, if I were doing a CD but outside mastering isn't practical (in my opinion) for doing disconnected things for different film/tv projects. Dave

[matto]

Quote:Do you master your Film/TV tunes?It depends; most of the libraries I write music for do their own mastering, so I won't do a separate mastering step in those cases, although I usually compress the 2-bus a bit.In cases where I know my music will get used "as is" I usually do a separate step, although nothing too drastic.

[gunter]

Quote:Quote:Do you master your Film/TV tunes?It depends; most of the libraries I write music for do their own mastering, so I won't do a separate mastering srep in those cases, although I usually compress the 2-bus a bit.In cases where I know my music will get used "as is" I usually do a separate step, although nothing too drastic.Thanks that's great to hear!

[andreh]

Most Film and TV post mixers expect to receive mastered music, and they'll usually only make changes to the music's volume, not to its EQ or compression unless there's a blatant problem with its mix.It's also common to deliver "stems" for film work, so the post mixer has better control over groups of instruments (eg - l/r strings, l/r percussion, l/r other). You may be nervous about a post mixer messing with your levels, but in the tradeoff between VO, FX, and music, offering the most flexibility actually increases the chances of your music being heard louder and more often (in the hands of a good post mixer, anyway) after the director has had his say.If you're only submitting one track for a listing, you don't have anything to master levels to; there's no reference. However, as others have said, a little EQ or compression for sweetening can bring out contrast and presence in a piece (and correct some mix issues, though that should be handled in the mix whenever possible).Even after my best efforts at nailing that "perfect" mix in a multi-track session, I always end up being able to add a little more polish with a quick mastering pass at the 2-track mixdown.Andre

[schmange]

I too have been using T-Racks to master tunes.Just as an experiment, I recently sent out a tune to be mastered at a professional mastering house.The result I got back was actually worse than what I could have done on my own. (over compressed and distorted)I think, unless you have the money for a well known, 'name' mastering house and can spend the time necessary to do it properly, you'd probably be better doing it on your own.Although, like anything, T-Racks needs several months of practice before you really get the subleties of how it works.

[ernstinen]

Quote:I too have been using T-Racks to master tunes.Well, I've been holding back on this subject, because "I too have been using T-Racks to master" my music. Really! I use the T-Racks EQ in Pro Tools to bump up a bit of low lows and some high highs.But I've never found anything to match the analog EQ of George Massenburg. I've rented that often when I master recordings, and it is unparalleled.Since I've been recording a long time, my mixes are pretty good. I just master them to make them better.Ern

[edteja]

I agree about the uneveness of mastering services. I sent an okay (not great) mix to an outfit for a free sample mastering. The track that came back was so bad that I deleted it. I could do better by running it through my guitar amp and rerecording it on a boom box! So Ern, you got a rate sheet?

[og]

Is there any freeware out there to try mastering--I'm just getting adequate at mixing, and I'm learning html, so I obviously need another challenge!(adequate may be stretching the point a bit, I'm learning what not to do)

[aubreyz]

Quote:Is there any freeware out there to try mastering--I'm just getting adequate at mixing, and I'm learning html, so I obviously need another challenge!(adequate may be stretching the point a bit, I'm learning what not to do)I don't know about freeware, but you could give www.wavearts.com a try. 30 day full demo. Not my favorite tools, but very good for the money. Lot's of presets too.Aub