Mastering: Bias Peak or PTHD3

DC11 · 29th August 2005, 07:42 AM

I just picked this Bias Peak up and am going to try my hand at mastering. I've never done it before, but I understand what to do, at least in theory. Whats the best way to go about it with Bias? I tracked and mixed everything on an SSL w a PT HD at 96k/24bit. The songs are banging at this point. I think it's my best work. I don't want to bouce to disk with PT, and I heard that Bias is a good alternate. What method's do you use with this?

I've been trying to figure out the best way to do it in PT without BTD, but nothing is comming to mind. We've got HD3 with all the plug-ins, so I'm sure I could do it there, but how do you do it without PT's BTD? I don't want to use PT's SRC, thats why I picked up Bias. I've read a few posts about similar topics, but I don't want to mess anything up, so a step by step would be great. Also, would burning the final in Toast be the best way to go about that before it hits the plant? Of all the projects I've tracked and mixed, I've never mastered. This album is all my work from initial conception, CD design, tracking, mixing, etc.. and I want to keep it that way, so thats why I'm mastering it myself. I usually record it back into PT at 96k 24bit and then give my ME the multiple mono files, and he takes it from there. I think I'll do fine as long I've got the technical aspects taken care of, which is the jist of my questions.

or

Should I just say F*CK IT and go to my usual mastering guy?

A101 · 29th August 2005, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DC11

...or Should I just say F*CK IT and go to my usual mastering guy?

Yes, as long as the mastering guy is not doing what you are trying to do.

dongle · 29th August 2005, 09:08 AM

No **** em. these glorified assholes, do it yourself, anyone that says let someone else master there own shit i mean jeese. To me thats like getting someone else to **** your misses. But im sure a lot of the guys around here allow that to happen.

thats why im gonna be a mastering engineer, to **** other peoples misseses, waaaaahhhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaahaaaaaaaa.

DC11 · 29th August 2005, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A101

Yes, as long as the mastering guy is not doing what you are trying to do.

Would you mind extrapolating on that a bit? Do you mean if they would do it differently, or do you mean my idea is bad?

**Riccardo** · 29th August 2005, 12:43 PM

DC11

1) get the stereo out of the HD3 interface into the interface you are using for Bias (I assume it will be different, maybe on a different machine).

1)a You could also transfer it to something like a Tascam 1000/Masterlink if you have one of those via AES.

2) If you did get Peak to avoid the SRC in PT ...well..... do yourself a favour, pick up a Mytech SRC a Weiss SRC (both hardware) or at least if you want to stay software Barbabatch and leave the toys to the boys. Peak won't be a huge difference in the SRC.

Off topic
I reallly do not undestand the point of doing it yourself but I assume you guys and Dongle have such a deep understanding of life and art such as that you always do everything youyrselves....so....enjoy!

Brad Blackwood · 29th August 2005, 12:50 PM

No problem with DIY, if you understand the implications. Are you sure you'll be able to nail translation across a variety of playback systems? Assuming that's a 'yes', and you are able to master it in a room that you are very familiar with (that's not your mixing space - you'll have the same room/monitor issues in that space as when you mixed it and won't hear the interaction of those issues within your mix) then go for it!

You can always call your regular mastering guy if it doesn't work...

Teacher · 29th August 2005, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brad Blackwood

Are you sure you'll be able to nail translation across a variety of playback systems? ...

After getting one of my tracks mastered by one of the greats I realize THIS is why they get paid the big bucks....and where I fall short in my DIY attempts big time.

DC11 · 29th August 2005, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brad Blackwood

Are you sure you'll be able to nail translation across a variety of playback systems?

You can always call your regular mastering guy if it doesn't work...

THat pretty much sets me straight.

I'll send it to my guy and also do a version myself, and compare. If anything, it'll help me learn to do it.

Thanks guys.

A101 · 29th August 2005, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DC11

Would you mind extrapolating on that a bit? Do you mean if they would do it differently, or do you mean my idea is bad?

Mastering is NOT only having all the gear/plugs that is needed.
It is also the Science of using the gear (besides being an art form).
So as long as you understand the Art and Science aspect of it (plus all the points Brad Blackwood pointed out) the answer is YES you can do Mastering.

DC11 · 29th August 2005, 11:22 PM

I hear you. It took me a couple years to be a competent mixer, at least for my standards, so I figure a couple more years, and hopefully I'll be come a compentent masterer. I plan on sitting in on the session as well. I'll learn alot from that.

wavcatcher · 30th August 2005, 08:54 AM

I've never really thought of working with PEAK VS HD more like Peak and HD.
They are just set up for such completely different work flows and both have advantages disadvantages.

I would recommend trying your hand at this but then going to your regular guy and seeing how your results fared. You'll probably learn alot and improve your whole mix process regardless.

Jem · 30th August 2005, 03:49 PM

I remember hearing a quote once that claimed "he who masters his own tracks has a fool for an engineer". I don't remember who said it unfortunately. I'm personally indifferent on the subject, just thought it was an interesting quote.

DC11 · 30th August 2005, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wavcatcher

I've never really thought of working with PEAK VS HD more like Peak and HD.
They are just set up for such completely different work flows and both have advantages disadvantages.

I would recommend trying your hand at this but then going to your regular guy and seeing how your results fared. You'll probably learn alot and improve your whole mix process regardless.

True, but I can use peak on my laptop when I'm not in the studio :)

I'm definately going to my regular guy. I'd rather learn to do it by watching a badass :)

bpatural · 30th August 2005, 04:30 PM

If I were you I'd master it myself and then take it to a pro and sit in and watch. I've been doing this for the last few years and my premastered CDs which the bands take home after mixing get closer and closer to the real deal. After mastering though, they sound just that little bit better. A pro sitting in a room that cost a few hundred grand with the best tools and a $20k speaker setup can tweak a lot of stuff I just can't hear on my krk speakers in my mix room.
-brian

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Who uses BIAS Peak Pro or Peak Pro XT??	jdjustice	Music computers	7	20th July 2006 05:46 PM
Bias Peak 5 Pro, XT, and LE SRC	Schmacko	Music computers	1	25th May 2006 02:33 AM
Bias peak pro5 and pro5xt, are they worth it?	FOURTHTUNZ	Music computers	13	3rd May 2006 07:26 AM
Peak 5.0 XT or Peak Pro With Waves Plug Ins?	Audy O	Mastering forum	1	26th April 2006 04:10 AM
Alesis Masterlink or Bias Peak with Jam	tgfoyl1472	So much gear, so little time!	2	11th April 2004 10:21 AM

29th August 2005, 07:42 AM	#1
DC11 Gear addict Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: LA, CA Posts: 370	Mastering: Bias Peak or PTHD3 I just picked this Bias Peak up and am going to try my hand at mastering. I've never done it before, but I understand what to do, at least in theory. Whats the best way to go about it with Bias? I tracked and mixed everything on an SSL w a PT HD at 96k/24bit. The songs are banging at this point. I think it's my best work. I don't want to bouce to disk with PT, and I heard that Bias is a good alternate. What method's do you use with this? I've been trying to figure out the best way to do it in PT without BTD, but nothing is comming to mind. We've got HD3 with all the plug-ins, so I'm sure I could do it there, but how do you do it without PT's BTD? I don't want to use PT's SRC, thats why I picked up Bias. I've read a few posts about similar topics, but I don't want to mess anything up, so a step by step would be great. Also, would burning the final in Toast be the best way to go about that before it hits the plant? Of all the projects I've tracked and mixed, I've never mastered. This album is all my work from initial conception, CD design, tracking, mixing, etc.. and I want to keep it that way, so thats why I'm mastering it myself. I usually record it back into PT at 96k 24bit and then give my ME the multiple mono files, and he takes it from there. I think I'll do fine as long I've got the technical aspects taken care of, which is the jist of my questions. or Should I just say F*CK IT and go to my usual mastering guy? __________________ My knob tastes funny

29th August 2005, 12:43 PM	#5
Riccardo Mastering Moderator Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Always on the Run Posts: 1,467	DC11 1) get the stereo out of the HD3 interface into the interface you are using for Bias (I assume it will be different, maybe on a different machine). 1)a You could also transfer it to something like a Tascam 1000/Masterlink if you have one of those via AES. 2) If you did get Peak to avoid the SRC in PT ...well..... do yourself a favour, pick up a Mytech SRC a Weiss SRC (both hardware) or at least if you want to stay software Barbabatch and leave the toys to the boys. Peak won't be a huge difference in the SRC. Off topic I reallly do not undestand the point of doing it yourself but I assume you guys and Dongle have such a deep understanding of life and art such as that you always do everything youyrselves....so....enjoy! __________________ Velvet Room Mastering "What quality level does it need to be? Personally, I work on mixes that range from marvellous to hideously diabolical.......I'd suggest you aim more towards the "marvellous" end of the scale!" - Darius van Helfteren -

29th August 2005, 12:50 PM	#6
Brad Blackwood Craneslut Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The home of Rock-n-Roll, Memphis, TN Posts: 1,767	No problem with DIY, if you understand the implications. Are you sure you'll be able to nail translation across a variety of playback systems? Assuming that's a 'yes', and you are able to master it in a room that you are very familiar with (that's not your mixing space - you'll have the same room/monitor issues in that space as when you mixed it and won't hear the interaction of those issues within your mix) then go for it! You can always call your regular mastering guy if it doesn't work... __________________ Brad Blackwood euphonic masters "What do I buy and how do I set it?"

29th August 2005, 11:22 PM	#10
DC11 Gear addict Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: LA, CA Posts: 370	I hear you. It took me a couple years to be a competent mixer, at least for my standards, so I figure a couple more years, and hopefully I'll be come a compentent masterer. I plan on sitting in on the session as well. I'll learn alot from that. __________________ My knob tastes funny

29th August 2005, 09:08 AM	#3
dongle Gear nut Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 97	No ** em. these glorified assholes, do it yourself, anyone that says let someone else master there own shit i mean jeese. To me thats like getting someone else to your misses. But im sure a lot of the guys around here allow that to happen. thats why im gonna be a mastering engineer, to ** other peoples misseses, waaaaahhhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaahaaaaaaaa.

30th August 2005, 08:54 AM	#11
wavcatcher Gear nut Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: East Bay, CA Posts: 91	I've never really thought of working with PEAK VS HD more like Peak and HD. They are just set up for such completely different work flows and both have advantages disadvantages. I would recommend trying your hand at this but then going to your regular guy and seeing how your results fared. You'll probably learn alot and improve your whole mix process regardless. __________________ peace and balance Chris wavetrap

30th August 2005, 03:49 PM	#12
Jem Gear Head Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Australia Posts: 34	I remember hearing a quote once that claimed "he who masters his own tracks has a fool for an engineer". I don't remember who said it unfortunately. I'm personally indifferent on the subject, just thought it was an interesting quote.

30th August 2005, 04:30 PM	#14
bpatural Gear addict Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 443	If I were you I'd master it myself and then take it to a pro and sit in and watch. I've been doing this for the last few years and my premastered CDs which the bands take home after mixing get closer and closer to the real deal. After mastering though, they sound just that little bit better. A pro sitting in a room that cost a few hundred grand with the best tools and a $20k speaker setup can tweak a lot of stuff I just can't hear on my krk speakers in my mix room. -brian

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread: