Mastering signal Flow.. what comes first?

[bartrose]

Hello again folks. I'm just looking for some clarification on mastering chains and what processors get applied in what order. I have cool analog toys like the Manley Massive Passive EQ, Manley Variable MU, and Waves L2. Here is the signal chain I've been using. Comments on if this is a typical chain and if any changes need to be made would be great. I start with Pro Tools then go to the Massive Passive EQ, then a DB or so of compression on the Variable MU, then to the L2 where I typically will do up to 3 DB of Limiting before things start sounding a little too squished. (And I do mostly rock music, from Metal to Alternative to Punk, but also do country). Is this the right chain for most applications? Should the Eq ever come after the Variable MU? What about multiband compression? I've got the Waves C4 that I can use in Pro Tools. At what point do you guys usually ad the multiband? First? After EQ? One final thing, I also have a stereo pair of distressors with the british Mod. I've used them for mastering compression before and they seemed to sound very good. Any comments on using a mixing tool like this for mastering? Thanks so much, you guys are awesome. Hopefully some day I can be as helpful to someone.. Bart Rose, TEXAS www.firststreetaudio.com

[MASSIVE Master]

I'd say "just use your ears" and *think it through* for the most part.

EQ - Sure - Almost any *corrective* EQ would come before dynamics. After that, some guys like to shape before dynamics, some after.

MBC I generally don't bother with unless something needs to be fixed. Other than that, I need to get some sleep.

[Bob Yordan]

Originally Posted by bartrose

Hello again folks. I'm just looking for some clarification on mastering chains and what processors get applied in what order. I have cool analog toys like the Manley Massive Passive EQ, Manley Variable MU, and Waves L2. Here is the signal chain I've been using. Comments on if this is a typical chain and if any changes need to be made would be great. I start with Pro Tools then go to the Massive Passive EQ, then a DB or so of compression on the Variable MU, then to the L2 where I typically will do up to 3 DB of Limiting before things start sounding a little too squished. (And I do mostly rock music, from Metal to Alternative to Punk, but also do country). Is this the right chain for most applications? Should the Eq ever come after the Variable MU? What about multiband compression? I've got the Waves C4 that I can use in Pro Tools. At what point do you guys usually ad the multiband? First? After EQ? One final thing, I also have a stereo pair of distressors with the british Mod. I've used them for mastering compression before and they seemed to sound very good. Any comments on using a mixing tool like this for mastering? Thanks so much, you guys are awesome. Hopefully some day I can be as helpful to someone.. Bart Rose, TEXAS www.firststreetaudio.com

Hiya, just a little question when using the Massive EQ + Vari-Mu isn't it a risk of getting to much tube character on the sound in the chain? I have not used the Massive, but I have a Vari-Mu.

[Bob Olhsson]

Be VERY afraid of "magic" boxes, signal chains or sequences of gear!

What is a revelation on one mix isn't necessarily going to be flattering to the next.

[bartrose]

Sometimes it seems like too much tube character with both the Massive Passive EQ AND the Variable MU, that's when I reach for my Distressors to replace the Variable MU in the chain. They sound great for mastering (in my mind). Still would like to know if anyone else out there is using them for mastering, and not just for mixing.. Bart