A slight pickle...

[gothamcity]

Hello,

I've just finished recording a Rock/Hip-Hop/Indie album, and mixed the majority of it in house, along with the help of a studio here in Ohio. I'm ready to give the album out for free, as a promotional tool. As ludicrous as it may sound - I was going to "master" (a decent amateur Master) it in house as well. The studio I work out of has T-Racks 3 and O-Zone. I booked a bit of time, and ran the mixes individually through T-Racks (like I'd done 100 times before for "works in progress"), and much to my surprise - DISTORTION. The next day I re-approached it and ran the mixes through O-Zone 4 - distortion yet again. I reverted back to old faithful - Massey L2007, and still am getting a bit of distortion with only slight gain reduction. Everything sounds beautiful until it's really pushed. At low levels, the masters sound full and vibrant - but when pushed beyond an everyday listening volume - everything falls apart. Modulation, distortion, mud. I feel that bass may be the culprit, but I'm no professional.

I'd like to ask if it would be worth my time to farm out the mixes to one of you experienced gentlemen (or gentlewomen), however, with all due respect - I feel that if I'm unable to push the songs without distorting - I wonder if a professional would be able to. I don't mean that in any sort of presumptuous way - only to say I'm afraid I'll pay for mastering and find out the problem is in the mixes. If the problem is in the mixes, I will just pay for mix adjustments and then "Master" the album DIY. If it's completely a mastering issue - I'd be willing to leave it to the professionals.

My dilemma is - how do I know if it's a mix or mastering issue? How can I know if a professional ME will be able to resolve my problems? I've got a .ZIP of the album MP3's (320) - "Mastered (w/ Distortion)" and "Unmastered", if anyone is willing to provide free consultation.

I appreciate any and all feedback. Thank you, folks.

[Mastering7]

Hi gothamcity,
Hope I can help you. I've sent a PM.
Cheers.

[gothamcity]

I'd like to thank all of the folks who were kind enough to PM me and help resolve this issue. I'm in the process of replying and putting together sendspace links for you guys. Thanks!