DYIng...Help me getting it right please!

[camartins77]

Hi,

I've been reading through the threads here and wow!!!Now I know how wrong I've been getting it!
In these days of reducing budgets we have to do it all ourselves ITB.Recording, producing, mixing, mastering.And the clients keep asking for more and paying less.Anyway...Rant's over!
I try and get stuff as loud (yes the loudness wars again!) as the stuff I'm competing with. I love music with loads of dynamics.Classical and jazz still sound the best for me.But loud is the word of the day!
I now realise I've been abusing maximizers like L3, Inflator and more recently Sonnox Limiter with auto gain on!!!
I want to ask about tricks to make things "louder" in the box without getting all the weird stuff those maximizers bring.
I know this has all been discussed in previous threads, but seems it mostly refers to driving the A/D, analog eq,etc.
I'm after tips to do it all ITB with a few plugs.
After the mix is sorted I now tend to use a Waves SSL Stereo comp (I love this one from my old real SSL days, 2 db comp max), Sonnox EQ, Waves VEQ and Sonnox Limiter (adjust the attack and release and then some good 7db with auto gain on!).
I'm getting things louder, but to get it as loud as I want I'm also getting a bit of dodgy artifacts...I know!! :(
Last thing:
Do you apply a HPF to the entire mix as rule and how high do you go on that?35Hz/24db?Leave it at 20Hz?!
Please point me to previous threads if this has all been discussed.The Ted Jensen one gave me lots of info.
Thanks a lot

[ORC]

First question, are you mixing into the SSL, or adding it after the fact???

[camartins77]

I mix either in PT or Logic but mostly without any plugs on the master buss.I say mostly without because sometimes I put PSP Vintage Warner 2 across the master buss.But not often.I'm using the SSL comp just when mastering.
Thanks

[ORC]

When using a comp like the SSL plug, it usually works best to strap it across the 2 buss before you start mixing. This way, you're mixing into the compressor, rather than trying to slap it on later. The vintage warmer is a nice plug, but I don't care for it on the 2 buss.

When I was a mix engineer, I would use a HPF on each individual track, and leave the 2 buss hpf up to the ME. If you do this, your mixes will become less congested and louder almost automatically.

7 db reduction on the V comp is way too much IMHO.

I've been an ME for quite a while now, and I use 2 db max on my manley vari mu, usually less.

[camartins77]

Originally Posted by ORC

When using a comp like the SSL plug, it usually works best to strap it across the 2 buss before you start mixing. This way, you're mixing into the compressor, rather than trying to slap it on later. The vintage warmer is a nice plug, but I don't care for it on the 2 buss.

When I was a mix engineer, I would use a HPF on each individual track, and leave the 2 buss hpf up to the ME. If you do this, your mixes will become louder almost automatically.

7 db reduction on the V comp is way too much IMHO.

I've been an ME for quite a while now, and I use 2 db max on my manley vari mu, usually less.

Thanks
As I said I hardly ever mix to a comp.But I know what you mean.
I also use HPF on pretty much every single track.I just asked if MEs use it as a rule and how much of the low end they cut.
I meant 7db of input gain on the Sonnox Limiter.I don't use a VComp.

[ORC]

Here's what I do, First I listen carefully to determine if I need a HPF at all, if so, I'll determine what freq to hipass at, usually 20, 32, or 40 hz. Then i determine the slope of the hi pass 6db, 12 db, or 24 db. I'll use a steep 24db slope with a 20 hz hipass, and I might use a 6db slope at 40 hz. The tricky part in a mix and self master sort of thing is that most mix systems barely reach 40hz, let alone 20. My system is flat down to 18, so I am very fortunate. You may want use headphones when adding your hpf. I would use that ssl on the mix buss, then create your final mix. When it comes time for mastering try this sequence: HPF if needed, corrective EQ peferably linear phase, first compressor to control microdynamics, second compressor preferably something that sounds like a vari mu type, a colorful eq for sweetening if needed, (analog peak limiter if needed)sample rate conversion to 44.1, then a digital limiter (i use psp xenon), then dither to 16 bits.

[Adam Dempsey]

Originally Posted by camartins77

Do you apply a HPF to the entire mix as rule and how high do you go on that?35Hz/24db?Leave it at 20Hz?!

Seriously - no. Maybe 5% of tracks I get need low or high filtering.
What's your monitoring like?

Originally Posted by camartins77

I know this has all been discussed in previous threads

Originally Posted by camartins77

Please point me to previous threads if this has all been discussed.

Respectfully, if you know it's been discussed before, the search function is right there, above. Patience and initiative is one virtue of being an audio engineer.
HP- and LP filters
High Pass/Low Pass rules of thumb per instr plz
Are professional records filtered at 20/30Hz or not??
Masterers using Hi-pass in their mastering of tracks
and even My Subwoofer Surprise

[camartins77]

Thanks for the links and tips.
My room and monitoring are OK(ish), but not for mastering!Genelec's on an foam (auralex!) treated room!
I'd love start using MEs again, but at the moment, the budget's really not available.
Any more tips you can share regarding loudness ITB that don't involve using so much L3, Inflator and the like?Thanks