If so, which one? Can you get any mileage out of comparing reference CD's to your mix in the graphic environment?
I've used HarBal & like it, but I'm absolutely in the "trial & error" phase....I don't know it well enough and it changes too much at once. I realize I need more time in the box, so......
Originally posted by Jazaddict: If so, which one? Can you get any mileage out of comparing reference CD's to your mix in the graphic environment?
I've used HarBal & like it, but I'm absolutely in the "trial & error" phase....I don't know it well enough and it changes too much at once. I realize I need more time in the box, so......
I have a hardware Audio Control analyzer in my mastering chain at all times. It's parked off to the side where I can refer to it when I want to but not in my face influencing my ears. It's most useful in helping me decide how much bottom NOT to chop off in a mix!
It's enlightening to play a cd mastered by someone I respect and "see" as well as hear what's going on.
I also teach a mastering course and insist that students, who are starting to fine tune their ears use a spectrum analyzer. Can't hurt!
I occasionally use Har-Bal to fix minor balance issues, however it has been a much bigger asset for improving my mixing ability thus far. If I load in a mix that sounds uneven and I'm not sure what to focus on, I will take a look at the average curve for the whole track. For mastering however, I only find myself using Har-Bal for extreme low frequency adjustments, since none of my systems are accurate low enough to adjust by ear.
Sequoia has a built in analyzer visualization. I had it up on a recent 96k session and I noticed all kinds of noise at 30k. That's the kind of stuff that these are good for. I was able to filter it out, but I wouldn't have known it was in the file without out it. However, using a spectrum analyzer to make EQ decisions can be dangerous. First, your analyzer might have some delay or distortion you don't know about. You might be looking at information after the fact. And second, you really have to develop and trust your ears in any recording arts application. Because the buck stops at the sound.
I'll use Voxengo's Span, It's free. I'll playback some of the finest mastered material(IMO) and slow the graph down on the Span to see what frequencies are dominant or cut. I also use it to find trouble frequencies during mixing. Very accurate and adjustable.
It's a tool, your ears are still the best tools though.....
I should also add that I do not master, but I'm Quite curious.... The Span cures my Voyeurism, for now
Still Learning, One mistake at a time
Posts: 239 | Location: One Prairie Outpost, South Dakota | Registered:: 07-10-07
