Please help, basic limiting?

[Realziment]

Hey Guys,

Im just finishing up on some rough mixes for a client, and i wanted to ask what is the best way to do a basic limit to bring the volume right up to maximum level without changing the sound. I have the Sonnox stuff, I have waves. I have Urs. What do you guys recommend and what type of settings should I use. Sorry for the ultra newb question but mastering is in no my forte and i understand it is a very specialized job. But this info would be invaluable for presenting my rough mixes and having car mixes etc.

Also what do you guys use (software) for a little sweetening on top to give a little sheen for the listener.

Is a stereo imaging one thing? And what software stereo imagers are good and how are these usually used. Thanks guys!!

[Storyville]

"Stereo Imaging" is the placement of elements within the stereo field. It generally refers to Left-Ride placement, Mid-Side proportion, and loosely can include Front-Back depth. An Imager, or Widener, or whatever, will pull up or down the Mid-Side proportion.

Easiest way to get volume on a rough, slap on an L2. Pump it up until you start losing low end and creating nasty artifacts, than back it down until those go away.

Easiest way to sweeten something is to add a little high end or low end IF IF IF the mix doesn't already have a lot of it. If the mix is already very high endy (which is common in Hip Hop), dip down a little high end to sweeten things up. There's usually a couple of magic spots in the mid range than a little notch boost will emphasize a nice tone. There's also usually some build up in the low mids/high bass range than can open up with a slight dip. But this is all 100% dependent on the mix. Just some things to listen for.

[CJ Mastering]

Is a stereo imaging one thing? And what software stereo images are good and how are these usually used. Thanks guys!!

For hardware, I use the Rupert Neve Portico 5014 and for software I use the waves S1.
That said, be careful because you can lose your low end if you don't play your cards right.
This should be done in the mixing stage, not the mastering stage.
I have done it and still do it when its absolutely needed, but I dont condone doing it in the mastering stage

[Realziment]

Thanks for the help guys really appreciate it.