mastering for dance tracks

leighbeynon · Post by **leighbeynon** » Wed May 14, 2008 7:26 pm

any tips for this subject,

getting vocals to sound rigt in the mix, and get an overall pro soundng master,

i realise all sounds are different and there are no magic setting but tere must be roug starting points,

i tend to side chain my drums to the kick drum but only subtle effect

i also sub mix my drums and compress together try to make them all gel together,

vocals is something i would like to learn !

leigh

nbinder · Post by **nbinder** » Wed May 14, 2008 9:18 pm

First of all: There is no easy way.

You have to listen very carefully how the different channels interact, where in the frequency spectrum they should be placed and which ones disturb each other.

There are a few basic rules though. Last unit in the signal chain (master) should be a limiter. You should have a closer look at compressors for every instrument, especially side-chaning. I use it only on a very subtile amount (inauditable), but sidechaning the bass a bit with the kick prevents peaks.

Also you should think about which instruments are "in front" and which "in the back". This affects the reverb and the channel levels.

See these advices not as general rules, only as small pointers in the right direction.

Fidel · Post by **Fidel** » Wed May 14, 2008 11:58 pm

From what I have heard you shouldn't have anything on the master channel that limits or compresses. What is good to have on the master is clip indicator and an intersample clip indicator. When creating a song the master should be -6 decibels for the mastering engineer to have enough head room if you can't hear anything with the master at -6 then you should turn your monitors or headphones up. This is just what I have heard from people who I would trust.

kraze · Post by **kraze** » Thu May 15, 2008 6:13 am

Mastering isn't what makes the vocal stand out.

But when it comes to mixing, making room is what makes something stand out. You want the bass to be punchy? find out what frequency has the punch you want and subtract a few db's worth on all the other tracks. You'd be amazed.

kaffein · Post by **kaffein** » Thu May 15, 2008 7:18 am

For vocals you really shouldn't have to do any EQ, compress it @ -10dB w/ a 2:1 ratio, fast attack and release timed to the vocal track...

Set it in the mix to taste, and if that doesn't do it for you try another mic.

leighbeynon · Post by **leighbeynon** » Thu May 15, 2008 9:57 am

kraze wrote:Mastering isn't what makes the vocal stand out.

But when it comes to mixing, making room is what makes something stand out. You want the bass to be punchy? find out what frequency has the punch you want and subtract a few db's worth on all the other tracks. You'd be amazed.

ok i understand that taking away is better than boosting a signal,
so how do you find the freq that has puch ? sweep an eq across the master ?

or does anyone use a spectral analyser ?

Tarekith · Post by **Tarekith** » Thu May 15, 2008 12:30 pm

http://tarekith.com/assets/mixdowns.html

http://tarekith.com/assets/mastering.html

kraze · Post by **kraze** » Fri May 16, 2008 5:22 am

leighbeynon wrote: or does anyone use a spectral analyser ?

I usually use an eq with an analyzer, makes it a bit easier.

furrybum · Post by **furrybum** » Fri May 16, 2008 2:46 pm

Got a video of olav basoski doing a logic masterclass type thingy and he swears by having a compressor on his masters. Everybody works differently. I believe Kosheen use a limiter on their masters.

See what gives you the best results. There is no right answer

Clockpulse · Post by **Clockpulse** » Fri May 16, 2008 3:26 pm

Rob Acid gives mastering tips

http://www.vimeo.com/808485?utm_campaig ... rce=808485

three · Post by **three** » Fri May 16, 2008 10:27 pm

Tarekith wrote:http://tarekith.com/assets/mixdowns.html

http://tarekith.com/assets/mastering.html

Just to expand on this: there's a difference between a mixdown and a master.

The mixdown is where you do all the levels/fader rides, get the sounds to work together, etc. Simple: in the mixdown you work with the individual component tracks.

The master is where you do adjustments on the piece as a whole, after all the component tracks are mixed to together. Simple: the master is where you work on the summed output of the track.

Each require different things, there are plenty of places to read about both on the net.

HTH,

Chris

Tarekith · Post by **Tarekith** » Sat May 17, 2008 12:45 am

three wrote:
Tarekith wrote:http://tarekith.com/assets/mixdowns.html

http://tarekith.com/assets/mastering.html
Just to expand on this: there's a difference between a mixdown and a master.

The mixdown is where you do all the levels/fader rides, get the sounds to work together, etc. Simple: in the mixdown you work with the individual component tracks.

The master is where you do adjustments on the piece as a whole, after all the component tracks are mixed to together. Simple: the master is where you work on the summed output of the track.

Each require different things, there are plenty of places to read about both on the net.

HTH,

Chris

That's why I included both tutorials

three · Post by **three** » Sat May 17, 2008 1:03 am

Tarekith wrote:That's why I included both tutorials

Hey Tarekith,

didn't mean to take away from your post, just to expand upon the differences.

Read your articles, BTW, and thought both were excellent.

Thanks,

Chris

leighbeynon · Post by **leighbeynon** » Tue May 20, 2008 12:05 pm

as i understand the first thing in the mastering chain on your master channel would be a limiter to keep everything from peaking,

i also tend to compress slightly here, psp vintage warmer 2 is good i think
for a bright sound

i also found some good tips and help here specific to house and dance music
http://www.distortedrecords.co.uk/forum/