Brad B, John Scrip... Anyone... Multing during Mastering

[Blast9]

OK... technically, i'm not mastering per se... Just "maximising" level, and getting exciting mid-range happening, kinda post-mix-mixing: (Aboult 3 db GR on the limiter), mixing entirely ITB...

Can you give some insight and advise please?


I'm copying my 2 trk mix so I have 3 stereo pairs:

One normal

One with a tiny bit of reverb for cohesiveness (fader really low)

One bejeezusly compressed track, with a hi pass around 300 Hz, and some distortion, for "spank"

1)
Are there any things I shoud be aware of re phase, eg, where the hi pass kicks in?

2) LAWS OF PHYSICS, absolute rules etc...

If I have 2 identical stereo tracks, where should the faders be for unity? Each at Minus 3db?

How 'bout for 3 stereo pairs?

PS, this is subtle mangling, not optimod meltdown!!

[MASSIVE Master]

To add a little fuel to the fire -

Once you make any changes, compression, EQ, etc., you're no longer working with identical tracks.

Plus, unless those tracks are running hot already, you might want the added gain in the end.

I'd start at -6 and just work from there. Don't worry so much about the physics - Concentrate on the sound and all will be well.

DO look for phase problems with you "squash" track - Even with compensation, you may run into problems.

Workaround: Put the same plug on the other track(s) with null settings.

[Blast9]

OK, thanks for the advice!

I'll be listening!