pre-mastering magic box?

[hollywood_steve]

Interested in what folks use for their mix bus? I know some guys always have a bunch of stuff strapped across their console outputs while other guys only stick something before the recorder when they absolutely have to. But in either case, what is your magic finishing tool? I'm wondering if there are any single box solutions; either something like the Avalon 747 stereo compressor and stereo EQ in one unit, or maybe the Tube Tech SMC-2b that features multi-band compression?

I realize that most of us (me included) are less than thrilled at the amount of overcompression and other processing that takes place on most master tapes, even prior to mastering. So I don't want that debate to be part of this thread. Let's assume that this is a really swell world where dynamic range is still a part of the listening experience and where recording engineers leave the final processing to the mastering dudes. But back up a step and most of us will agree that many recordings could use some overall tweaking before its ready to go to the mastering shop. Whether the room was a little muffled and the highs need to be tweaked just a bit, or the nearfields didn't reveal some uncontrolled bass rumbling, or uneven kick drum hits. Is there a single tool that can be utilized as a Mr. Fixit device to rescue these kinds of recordings?

The downside with these types of boxes is that they are often really expensive; this can easily be $3k to $4k territory. What's available in that price range (or elsewhere) that can save a mix with problems?

steve
lex125@pacbell.net

[jazzius]

good amp-monitors-room.........the ultimate mix-fix tool

[Jules]

The Cranesong STC-8 is my current 'cream machine' it's effect is VERY subtle but VERY nice!

Thresh 3
Atack 6
Release 0
Shape 5.5
Peak limiter - off
Ki - on

Bearly registering on the meters.

In = great
Bypass = less great

In this configuration I find it a genuine 'glue' and it's perceived effect on the music doesn't seem to fall into any previously experienced dynamic control category.

In other words, it's subtle.. but great!

(hey Dave & Scott, you can use that!)

[FOURTHTUNZ]

Originally posted by Jules
The Cranesong STC-8 is my current 'cream machine' it's effect is VERY subtle but VERY nice!

Thresh 3
Atack 6
Release 0
Shape 5.5
Peak limiter - off
Ki - on

Bearly registering on the meters.

In = great
Bypass = less great

In this configuration I find it a genuine 'glue' and it's perceived effect on the music doesn't seem to fall into any previously experienced dynamic control category.

In other words, it's subtle.. but great!

(hey Dave & Scott, you can use that!)

Hey Jules, I can't decide between the stc-8 and the api 2500 Do you use the stc-8 on instruments very much or just leave it patched to mix buss?
If you leave it on the mix buss, do you monitor while tracking or do you monitor off another set of outputs?
I've not used hardware comps on the mix buss before so I'm curious about whether folks leave them on all the time,even while tracking? I do like that the stc-8 has separate controls, while api has one set. Thanks
daniel

[jho]

Originally posted by Jules
The Cranesong STC-8 is my current 'cream machine' it's effect is VERY subtle but VERY nice!
In = great
Bypass = less great

I'm telling you, that is it for me lately too. I run the STC-8 thru the HEDD 192 in/out's, with the HEDD going AES on the mix buss. I'm even happy with the "C" preset setting (bottom left program dependent release I think) and I just dial in the thresh until it's just hitting greens (3-4 db reduction) occasionally...mostly in the red (0-3?). So about 1 - 1.5 thresh.

compressor In=awesome glueness

compressor Out="put that back in now, please"

[Jules]

Originally posted by FOURTHTUNZ
Hey Jules, I can't decide between the stc-8 and the api 2500 Do you use the stc-8 on instruments very much or just leave it patched to mix buss?
If you leave it on the mix buss, do you monitor while tracking or do you monitor off another set of outputs?
I've not used hardware comps on the mix buss before so I'm curious about whether folks leave them on all the time,even while tracking? I do like that the stc-8 has separate controls, while api has one set. Thanks
daniel

I've used it on acc gtr - it was great!
I usually dont compress the mix buss while in tracking or overdubbing mode

[Sofa King]

Ive really fallen in love with the Fatso.
I love it on my drum bus, and it was nice on the mix too. I guess I need a second one.

take care

[thethrillfactor]

Originally posted by jazzius
good amp-monitors-room.........the ultimate mix-fix tool

Jazzius... i couldn't say it better myself.

If your room is off and your monitors can't reveal problems than you are screwed already.grudge

You'd be better off spending the $4K mixing in a professional control room.

You'll save more money in the long run.

[HEDDcase]

Has anyone had a chance to compare the Cranesong STC-8 to the SLAM ?

I just used my SLAM on some vocals at mix and it was incredible. I had planned on buying the Cranesong, now I'm wondering if I need to.