Okay..

So I've got to grips with the software's basics (i'm using Studio 7) and have put together a few decent mixes. Now I want to improve the final output quality.

Two plug-ins I hear mention lots are the Classic Master Limiter and the Classic Compressor.

I am a bit consused as to what each one does, and the benefits of using them. So...

(i) What does the Classic Meter Limiter do, what benefits will it bring to me, and what potential drawbacks are there from using it?

(ii) Same as (i) but for the Classic Compressor

Also, should I be using them together? If so, what order do I do things in? For example, do I add them both before starting to lay any traks down, and if so in what order do I add them? Or do I add them to individual tracks?

BTW I generally mix trance (from proggy stuff to more peak-time stuff)

Many thanks - and what a wonderful site this is :-)

Hi trance4life ..... and welcome to the forums

"improve the final output quality" .... now there's a question

I'm no expert, but some things that I've gleaned over the years that might be useful.
Firstly, it all depends on what you want to "improve". Get this straight in your mind first.

Secondly, in very basic terms a Limiter will limit the sound peaks, and a Compressor will do the same plus boost lower sound levels. Check out this entry in Wikipedia for an intro.

But ... with EDM (such as trance), your source tracks will probably be heavily compressed already, so be wary about adding further compression to your mix. You might end up reducing the total dynamic range, so it all sounds in your face all the time, if you catch my drift.

So, getting back to your original question .... what do want to improve?

Hope that helps (probably not, but hopefully got you thinking )

Neb.

Hi Nebulus

Many thanks for the response - it's certainly got me thinking!

In terms of what I want to improve...

Currently, the end result of my mixes I am pretty happy with. I use MP3Gain to set all my tracks to 94db befrore hand, and this has improved things greatly.

However, compared with a commercially released CD, there are two main things which I would like to improve to get closer to it:

(i) In certain parts of my mixes (mostly during a mix of two tracks at the peak of the mix, but sometimes also during a track plyed on its own) I sometimes get a little bit of distortion. This only happens on a couple of mixes, and I know I can help this by tweaking the volumes/EQs of the tfacks themselves, but I was wondering whether the Classic Master Limiter would help here. (p.s. I have installed this and had a quick play, and I think it solves the problem...)

(ii) Commercial CDs tend to have a greater "warmth" about them, and in comparsion i'd say my output sounds a little flat. What would you reccomend here? Maybe I should be looking at EQ plug-ins instead?

A couple of questions then:

(i) I know MP3 gain does not alter the dynamics of teh track, just the overall volume, which is good as at all costs I do not want to lose the dynamics if the original track. Would using the Classic Master Limiter affect the dynamics of the track? If so, does it affect it to such an extent that it would ruin the effects of the big kicks you get following breakdowns in peak-time trance tracks?

(ii) When using the Classic Master Limiter (based on the fact I have already set all tracks to a constant volume using MP3 gain) do I just set the threshold to 0DB (i.e. the furthest it will go clockwise)? And if so, do I just leave it at this setting for the entire mix?

(iii) Based on my requirements, would you recommend using any other plug-in? If so, which ones, and what settings would you recommend?

Thanks in advance for sharing your knowledge!

For anyone who wants to learn about audio dynamics and how products like limiters and compression affect the recorded sound, I highly recommend reading the User's Manual for the full version of Izotope's Ozone (a lite version of which is one of the effects provided in Fusion/Studio 7.)

You don't have to buy Ozone to read the manual AFAIK ... I believe you can download it from the product website support section. It is a PDF file with many illustrations.

It is full of detailed technical information presented in an easy-to-grasp style and will really give you some useful concepts when considering how to tweak your audio.

As I say, highly recommended ...

Thanks for the advice MadamFly - I will go check it out!

I see you are based in Florida - I am very jealous!! Been there a couple of times on holiday and it is such an awesome place :-)