mastering big_drums for soundtrack equipment help

[drpenguen]

currently i am working on big_drums project to be used on movie soundtrack

i was thinking of some equipment for my existing studio so i could deal with my own mastering....

i was thinking of

Rupert Neve 5042 true tape emulation
elysia mpressor
drawmer masterflow

[Greg Reierson]

Maybe they don't need any further processing. From your description, these are to be used as elements in a larger mix. In that case, let the final mixer work with them. If your mixes sound good, you're done.


GR

[drpenguen]

they do require mastered versions... not too loud tho...

[Silvertone]

Originally Posted by drpenguen

currently i am working on big_drums project to be used on movie soundtrack and trailers...
( i am already making my living from trailer and advertising music, and music CD releases)

i usually send my production to mastering houses.... and i usually get great results...

this time i am dealing with 20-50 tracks of drum/percussion to mix-program and master...
it doesnt really make sense to send them out for mastering 100s of 30-50 sec loops
for mastering.... also, i need to get distinct sound on my final masters....

there is no synth, bass guitar etc in this production...
but plenty of deep/long/sustained sub kicks

i was thinking of some equipment for my existing studio so i could deal with my own mastering....

i was thinking of

Rupert Neve 5042 true tape emulation
DIY Sontec EQ
elysia mpressor
drawmer masterflow


current set up for listening:
2 mac laptop (intel chip), one with windows XP for samplitude
lynx aurora 8 AD/DA
PMC FB1+, Yamaha NS10m, blue sky 2.1 monitors


cheers

kam

I do this all the time for Lionsgate, Q Factory, APM Music and Robert Etoll productions.

I just finished 210 cues for Lionsgate that is all the music and sound FX for their "Masters of the Universe" series of movies. The Incredible Hulk being the first release. Total I'll do over 500 of these 30 sec, 60 sec and 1:30 second long pieces with in the next year... not so uncommon.

The most important thing I have at my disposal is the reproduction system. The room, the speakers (B&W N802's) and power amps are probably the most important thing as it gives me an idea of how it will sound when they post it to the film in the end. I couldn't imagine trying to master for these things without a similar playback system.

Second to that is the Daniel Weiss gear, I just couldn't imagine getting the same results without this gear... which keeps getting me the work ... soooooooooooo...

btw with percussion you have to be careful of the limiters stripping out the low ends impact. I've found clipping the converters works best but you have to be able to monitor the results to make sure you can't hear "any" distortion. It's unacceptable!

Listening to the X Files commercials that are running currently I can hear those are all music and sound FX cues I've worked on as well...

Pretty cool when you hear the work on the commercials like Spiderman and Beowolf and such...

Good luck with the project!

[24-96 Mastering]

Big Drums -> Cranesong STC 8 with a high shape setting. The only compressor I know which can consistently turn an "dong" into a spectacular "DOSH". It won't turn a 12" Mapex tom into a mongolian war drum, but it'll give whatever you're treating more oomph.

Those who have an STC-8 will, I think, know what I'm on about. Whether it's rock n' Roll drums or big trailer drums, the STC-8's SHAPE knob is god sent. Dial down the SHAPE knob and you turn your big bad dog into a tame and well behaved puppy.

I have a feeling that the mpressor and the masterflow, great as they may be, will be too clinical, if that word can be used, to get you what you're looking for.

[Alcoor76]

Originally Posted by 24-96 Mastering

Big Drums -> Cranesong STC 8 with a high shape setting. The only compressor I know which can consistently turn an "dong" into a spectacular "DOSH". It won't turn a 12" Mapex tom into a mongolian war drum, but it'll give whatever you're treating more oomph.

Those who have an STC-8 will, I think, know what I'm on about. Whether it's rock n' Roll drums or big trailer drums, the STC-8's SHAPE knob is god sent. Dial down the SHAPE knob and you turn your big bad dog into a tame and well behaved puppy.

I have a feeling that the mpressor and the masterflow, great as they may be, will be too clinical, if that word can be used, to get you what you're looking for.

Does CS stc 8 or other gear do this kind of rich smooth warm sound either percussions and final mix? like this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3G0gGbE9KTU