Loudness War

[64Guitars]

I don't use mastering effects at all. I've never found a need for them. I don't think any effect should be used just because it's there. It should only be used to solve a particular problem. If your final mix doesn't have any problems, then why use mastering effects? If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Basically, all BR mastering effects patches come down to two things; compression and EQ. I don't use compression in mastering because I want the biggest dynamic range possible. And I think that EQ, when needed, should be applied to the individual tracks rather than the entire mix. Better to apply EQ only to the instruments/tracks that need it than to adjust the overall mix. For example, if your acoustic guitar needs new strings and, consequently, sounds a bit dull, you might want to give it a bit of a boost in the mid-high frequencies. But, if you do that in mastering, you'll also boost the mid-high frequencies of everything else. So your cymbals, for example, might sound too bright and harsh. But, if you apply the mid-high boost only to the guitar track, you'll solve the problem without affecting the rest of the tracks.

So, try doing your mixes with mastering effects turned off. If there's something about the sound that you're not happy with, try to improve it in the individual tracks and re-mix instead of using the mastering effects. You might find, as I have, that the end result sounds better, especially when you turn up the volume on your playback system so that you can enjoy the full dynamic range.

[Ferryman_1957]

Ah well we are getting really philosophical here. I think mastering effects do have a place because they can add a bit of "unity" to the finished product and also you can cut some of the low end boominess and inject some "air" at the high end. But they do need to be applied with care. I agree a light hand is needed and you have to get the overall mix right first. The BR 800 (and I assume its big brothers) are better here because it's much easier to fiddle with the eq by track (due to the nice display and the dial), and the 8-track compression effect bank lets you adjust compression of each track nice and easily. I like those improvements over the MBR.

Good monitors makes a huge difference as well. Best investment I've made recently (apart from the BR 800).

Cheers,

Nigel

[Geir]

As usual I agree with Nigel !! ( He's a wise man that dude )

I have used mastering effects from I got the mbr a couple of years ago, but I always take that into account when I do the recording/bouncing. I hardly ever use EQ before mastering. I usually master with the same preset (Live mix) to get a more unified sound throughout all my songs. On rare occations I use the more compressing presets "Dance mix" or "Dance comp" if I want more compression and a bass-boost due to a "dull" recording.

[s.w.goatlips]

I also try to avoid the EQ maze. I much prefer rolling off (or on as the case may be) with those nice little knobs on my guitars. Same with volume in most cases. However I would love to find a clear easy guide to compression and how to use it well. I often screw around with the compressor/limiter on guitar patches but when it comes to compression regarding mastering/bouncing etc I am pretty lost on the subject. That's where I find the mastering patches a great comfort and huge relief.

[Facemask93]

Try Guerrilla home recording , by Carl Coryat

[bruno]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-v6ML2DsBfA

[Glenn Mitchell]

I wonder if I can plug in a limiter in line to the TV or radio. that would kill the volume surges.

[64Guitars]

I wonder if I can plug in a limiter in line to the TV or radio. that would kill the volume surges.

If you mean for loud TV commercials, you might not have to worry about it anymore. Many countries are now regulating the loudness of TV commercials. Just this past Thursday, the US passed a regulation requiring TV broadcasters to ensure that commercials are broadcast at a similar volume to the programs.

http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/loud-commercials

Canada passed similar regulations on September 1st.

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/info_sht/g3.htm

I believe many European countries have similar regulations too.

[T.C. Elliott]

The guy behind dynamic range day is pretty cool about sharing information about the loudness war. He has a blog somewhere, but the range day site is here: http://dynamicrangeday.co.uk/

Hell, I might have found that site from someone on here. Definitely an on-line musician friend whoever it may be.

At any rate, in one of his posts he talks about how the EU or parts thereof have a new system of measuring the loudness on tv broadcasts (and I think the U.S. does as well.) One of the problems was having a consistent measurement. The bonus is that with an established measurement it will be easier to compare tracks to see the loudness. I even use a Dynamic Range app (stand alone program) for the computer to check the range of a particular mp3 file.

[Oldrottenhead]

we have had regulations on add breaks for years but they still "sound" louder.