Mastering Signal Flow

[waterloo]

I'm trying to get my head around the details of a typical mastering set-up and I have a few questions. I'd really appreciate any help.

First, how do you deal with the multing of signals and not worry about compromising the master? Specifically, how do you hit the analog processing chain, an A/B switcher for monitoring, and an analog meter with the source mix? Do you just multi it?

Second, do you need 3 converters for the system? (assuming analog processing). One DA to play the mix, one AD to record the master and one DA to monitor the master? (I guess that could be one AD/DA like a UA2192?) If someone could explain their signal flow, including the clocking and interfacing?? I'm also figuring you'd need two computers? One to play the mix and one to record the master? I don't see how you can play pro tools out and record into a different program at the same time. (not mastering back into pro tools)

Thanks a lot!
Adam

[kjg]

on google try:

site:gearslutz.com/board/mastering-forum processing order
site:gearslutz.com/board/mastering-forum signal chain
site:gearslutz.com/board/mastering-forum analog loop
etc.

you'll find answers to all your questions.

yes, that would be 2 DA's and 1 AD.
some people use two soundcards on one machine, some use two machines. or one could use one soundcard with at least 4 outs and 2 ins, but then the samplerate has to be the same. some engineers like to have the recording machine running at the destination samplerate and the source at whatever SR the source might be, or upsample the source. for example: source @ 48/88/96 > DA > analog loop > AD > master @ 44.1.

chain could be something like this:
source machine > corrective EQ plug x > DA > comp > EQ > device y > AD > recording machine > limiter > DA > ipod earbuds

cheers!

[macc]

Originally Posted by kjg

source machine > corrective EQ plug x > DA > comp > EQ > device y > AD > recording machine > limiter > DA > ipod earbuds

You're killing me today man

[kjg]

Originally Posted by macc

You're killing me today man

you mean you prefer EQ before comp in you analog loop? :P

it is not about the earbuds right? those are the de facto reference. if it doesn't sound good in those what is the point of mastering in the first place?

[waterloo]

Thanks. Any hints about multing to hit A/B monitoring and processing gear?

[bachconnelly]

One way is to have one more D/A converter that is just used for your source track. Have the source file come out of 2 outputs from whatever system you use. One goes through your processing chain and the other goes straight to a D/A for a reference. This will ensure the integrity of the audio by not requiring a mult.

D-

[waterloo]

Thanks

[DSD_Mastering]

That's why we use 8-channel converters (EMM Labs and DAD AX24)

A great mastering converter to get started on would be the Lynx Aurora


Regards,