(03-08-2017, 06:53 AM)Mike Senior Wrote: This month's episode includes lots of general-purpose mixing tips for Nerve 9's 'Pray For The Rain' ...There's also an in-depth critique of jeffd42's version-three mix of that same production.
Many thanks Mike for reviewing this mix in the Patron's podcast. I learned a lot from the process, and can highly recommend to any of the CMT contributors.
As I've changed a few plugin libraries since the initial mix, going back to the multi-tracks would have required redoing the entire mix. So, instead, I decided to tackle this as a good exercise in (re)mastering from the 2-track. The objective was a "power ballad" with a very intimate vocal and an adult-contemporary balance.
The results are attached. (Although they don't/can't address all the points made, I feel the result is definitively an improvement over the initial master.)
Would very much appreciate others' thoughts!
For reference, the mastering chain I ended up with was as follows:
LexConcertHall: Adding a tiny bit of hall reverb to generate additional detail and depth within the stereo image.
Slate Virtual Mix Rack: Brit 4K E mix bus. Small amount of Slate Revival.
Logic EQ: Sides only processing, to add width to 2K-5KHz and 300-500Hz.
Eiosis AirEQ: With a touch of Earth/Air, and slight boost centered on 244Hz and cut at 2870Hz. I started from the Mastering Balance preset.
Fabfilter Pro MB: With four bands. Particularly tightening below 140Hz, and controlling harshness in the 2K-7K range.
FabFilter ProL: Starting from the "Ballad - Clipped, Slow Release" preset. About 3-4db off on peaks. Aiming for -9 RMS DBFS during the loudest passages.
Cheers, Jeff
All sound is a distortion of silence / soundcloud.com/jeffd42