Mastering my tracks in live - can it be done?

[djsynchro]

it can only be done with the Mac version

[Tarekith]

I know this guy.... oh nevermind....

[timothyallan]

it can only be done with the Mac version

This.

[lolalola]

it can only be done with the Mac version

This.

Which is good! I have Mac! So, specifically, where would YOU start mastering within Live, using ONLY Live...?

[Tarekith]

The Limiter, that's it.

[timothyallan]

I do mastering for 3rd parties using Live... I would never use any of Lives plugins to do it however

I've bought tools from Sonnox, PSP and some other weapons which I use.

[Rupert Brown]

Can it be done? Yes. I master all our tunes in live. Live's racks are great for adding parallel compression if its not supported by the plug-in in question.

I use and really like T-racks 3. It has a great limiter, compression and metering tools.

Although from "I've a stack of vst's, but wouldn't know where to start." I guess you don't need more software but to put some real time into reading and getting schooled up. Follow through on the links already suggested, start practicing, listening and you will be on your way.

(putting aside as already mentioned: your converters, monitors and room etc)

[Klauser]

I like the psp plugins for mastering, they give everything a nice warm feel, adds a bit of colouration but nothing I don't mind. I used to master tracks completely in live and got, what I think were good results, maybe not but you notice a difference when you move to 3rd party plugins. Some great sounding software out there.

Download some demos from the plugin websites and see what one you like the best/ find most comforable to work with, then use it and use it till it becomes your bitch.

[lolalola]

I like the psp plugins for mastering, they give everything a nice warm feel, adds a bit of colouration but nothing I don't mind. I used to master tracks completely in live and got, what I think were good results, maybe not but you notice a difference when you move to 3rd party plugins. Some great sounding software out there.

Download some demos from the plugin websites and see what one you like the best/ find most comforable to work with, then use it and use it till it becomes your bitch.

I've a couple of PSP filters, which specifically did you use, for what, and why?

[Tarekith]

PSP Xenon is a great limiter, one of my fav's after Voxengo Elephant.

[importedearthman]

Curious about PSP Mastercomp - 250 for a mastering tool i'snt bad but then you have to pay another 40 bucks to get the stupid dongle license device? = Primitive thinking.

[dinaiz]

Although not a pro, I mastered tracks using Live 8 only.
Of course Tarekith guide is a must read.
Follow my signature to listen to results

- Best
- Pasha

OT : The results are very good indeed, not only in terms of mastering but also the compos themselves

[Klauser]

I like the psp plugins for mastering, they give everything a nice warm feel, adds a bit of colouration but nothing I don't mind. I used to master tracks completely in live and got, what I think were good results, maybe not but you notice a difference when you move to 3rd party plugins. Some great sounding software out there.

Download some demos from the plugin websites and see what one you like the best/ find most comforable to work with, then use it and use it till it becomes your bitch.

I've a couple of PSP filters, which specifically did you use, for what, and why?

I like using vintagewarmer 2 on a buss with the basslines, i find it colours a mix just too much if I use it on the master track. I also think that neon is a superb eq, just love it. As already said the psp xenon is a superb limiter, I absolutely use it on every track I produce.

I also quite like the mastercomp, phattens up a mix nicely. I tend not to infulence the mix too much with this, just use it a wee bit, just for the beef factor.

I suppose I have to like these tools cos I boght them when I was quite poor, so have just exploited them as much as I can to get my moneys worth. So ended up with a set of tools I have grown to love.