Newbie Mastering help needed

[JoshG]

Newbie here, be kind

I need some advice and tips:
Finished Mixing my first tracks in Logic 8 for a self produced album. They sound decent in Logic. When I export the finished mixes to disk or iTunes they lose something. So I tried comparing them to professional releases as a reference and I can hear a big difference. My mixes sound weaker although I like the dynamics of my mixes they lack the punch of pro recordings. I do all my Mastering using Logic's plug-ins, but I am struggling to get to grips with the Multipressor and have sketchy knowledge on the different Compressor types.

I want to understand more about the techniques and over time build a better studio.

I began to scour the knowledge base here. Amazing resource, but it is a bit over my head. I see Bob Katz's book mentioned so am considering it to be an essential guide to Mastering? I prefer video guides as I find books hard to follow for learning audio based techniques. Can any kind people recommend good video tutorials on Mastering?

TIA
Josh

[MASSIVE Master]

Exporting it to iTunes... as MP3...?

There's your answer.

[JoshG]

Originally Posted by MASSIVE Master

Exporting it to iTunes... as MP3...?

There's your answer.

Sorry of my original post is unclear.

I exported to AIFF 24 bit 44100 Khz, 16 bit 4100Khz and also direct to MP3 and converted to MP3 by iTunes. All versions sound weak and not loud enough.

I need help to get my Mixes sounding louder, fuller: more like pro songs I hear. I tried using Logic's Multipressor, Compressor and Limiter and want to learn more about how to use them to achieve good Masters.

TIA

[It'sJoeAgain]

Originally Posted by JoshG

Sorry of my original post is unclear.

I exported to AIFF 24 bit 44100 Khz, 16 bit 4100Khz and also direct to MP3 and converted to MP3 by iTunes. All versions sound weak and not loud enough.

I need help to get my Mixes sounding louder, fuller: more like pro songs I hear. I tried using Logic's Multipressor, Compressor and Limiter and want to learn more about how to use them to achieve good Masters.

TIA

Set ceiling to -0.1dBfs....set threshold -10 or so dB and increase the desired RMS power (try at about -10 or -9dBfs if u like it)......Set release to 1ms.....dither set to 24bit, noise shaping to normal...export...done.... Open up that hard limited mix and save as mp3 at 16bit/44.1kHz - 320Kbps bit rate...finished.

[MASSIVE Master]

Originally Posted by JoshG

Sorry of my original post is unclear.

I exported to AIFF 24 bit 44100 Khz, 16 bit 4100Khz and also direct to MP3 and converted to MP3 by iTunes. All versions sound weak and not loud enough.

I need help to get my Mixes sounding louder, fuller: more like pro songs I hear. I tried using Logic's Multipressor, Compressor and Limiter and want to learn more about how to use them to achieve good Masters.

To get good masters, start with good mixes. Joe's "make it loud" technique (which I have issues with from the first instruction) might (MIGHT) make it "loud" -- That has nothing to do with "full" and "more like pro" recordings.

[Officer Dibble]

Mastering for loudness may be just what you want? But Massive is right that a louder track won't always make it sound more "pro".

You mention not quite grasping Logic's Multipressor? I recently feasted my eyes and ears on a Logic Mastering tutorial, which shows you how to use Logic's built-in plug-ins to Master your tracks. It demystifies most aspects of Mastering.
macProVideo.com - Download Tutorial Video & DVD Training for Logic 401: Logic's Mastering Toolbox

Best
OD

[It'sJoeAgain]

Originally Posted by MASSIVE Master

To get good masters, start with good mixes. Joe's "make it loud" technique (which I have issues with from the first instruction) might (MIGHT) make it "loud" -- That has nothing to do with "full" and "more like pro" recordings.

is it the ceiling or the threshold??.....anyway, i agree with your comments that it will not make it sound better only louder which is i thought what the OP had in mind...

[JoshG]

Thanks for all the advice guys. I've tried everything. I want to learn more about Mastering and the mastering settings and effects in Logic so I got the macprovideo 401 Mastering tutorial that Officer Dibble suggested.

Wow, I've watched the first 4 videos and already I am loving it and learning lots.

Can't wait to see more this weekend. Nice one!

[keepitsimple]

Your mix should be sounding decent before you master it IMO.

I also prefer my pre-mastered mixes not exceeding -6db , this way i can leave more room for the master bus limiter/maximizer to do its magic.

Next, i chug the PSP vintage warmer along with PSP master Q and sometimes a master bus Comp.

Then i use my DAW dither option ( powr 3) to dither from 24 to 16 bit.

Then i convert that 16 bit wave file i got to an mp3.

Done.

[donsolo]

I can't believe noone brought it up yet.

Amazon.com: Mastering Audio Art and Science: Katz Bob: Books

Why learn about the plugs in Logic when you can actually understand what those tools are from the best?

[matt2525]

The OP mentioned THE BOOK in his first post - but he wants a video......

[flober1970]

get Ozone mastering guide it is quite interesting even you dont have the plug...

iZotope Ozone - 64-bit analog modeled mastering effects for Pro Tools, VST, MAS, Audio Unit, and DirectX audio applications

F