Mastering Basics

[nathanclarke]

Hi, When recording my songs, i record through the micro Br, i then export all the tracks as mp3's and import these to Cubase 4.  It is then through Cubase that i mix the tracks and get everything levelled out.

My Question is this, and i apologise for it being very basic,

I am now planning on mastering my songs to get the sound warmer....do i,

mix everything down and then master the 1 completed audio track....or
do i master each track individually before mixing down?

Many Thanks for your help in advance!

[64Guitars]

On the Micro BR, the Mastering Tool Kit effects are applied to the output of the MBR's 4-channel mixer. With the other BR series recorders, you have to first create a 2-track stereo mix using bounce mode, then you specify those two tracks as the source for mastering, and another two tracks as the destination. But the Micro BR saves you that step because the output of the mixer is already 2-track stereo. So you don't have to bounce to create a 2-track mix. The source for mastering will always be the stereo mix of the four currently-selected tracks. You only have to specify the destination.

[launched]

That's a great point, 64. "Mastering" on the MBR is effectively bouncing and mastering at the same time. I think the biggest difference between both modes is that you can record more music while bouncing. Both modes have the advantage of the mastering toolkit being available.

Nathan, I guess the biggest thing you need to decide is which device you think has better mastering capabilities. Hands down, the mixing can be handled much easier with your computer (DAW) software, but mastering can prove to be difficult (Maybe the newer software is more user friendly, I don't know).

Now to answer your question, yes, all you need is a stereo wav file after you have done your mixing with Cubase. There is no need to import each individual track, as that would defeat the purpose of the exercise, which is to take advantage of the MBR's simple, effective and easy to use mastering capabilities.

Also, you should stay away from mp3 files when producing your music. As 64Guitars has said in the past, the mp3 creation process uses a "lossy compression" format that basically strips tone and quality from the file. Mp3's are for listeners, not creators, bro! Always use wav files.

Oh, and there are a few people on the forum that are doing the same thing you are trying to do, and the results are very good!

Peace,

Mark

[nathanclarke]

Thanks for the advice, really kind of you both.  I will definitely be exporting WAV now rather than MP3.  Thats invaluable.

Many Thanks

[Geir]

If you don't already do it you will also find it easier to export your tracks with the "br wave converter"  instead of exporting each individual track.

[launched]

If you don't already do it you will also find it easier to export your tracks with the "br wave converter"  instead of exporting each individual track.

Yes, good call, bro. Here is the link.

This software will import and export WAV files to and from your computer in seconds flat - Works with most BR devices. Exporting via the MBR is painfully slow - You will need this program.

[nathanclarke]

That is pure genius. Thanks loads. I sit waiting for nearly an hour per song to export all my files. This is absolutly brilliant!!