I have 5 songs all done with BIAB and RB ready to release on an EP, I need some helpful advice on how I can Cheaply Master these 5 songs. This is a ministry project with a budget of "$0.00" Since they are using all of my original songs I have done all the recording, mixing, and production work.
The problem is some of the tracks are different volumes, 3 are where I want them to be, the other 2 are too soft. Any help would be appreciated. The only other SW tool I am using is Audacity.
"When you help somebody else you are really helping yourself"
dga, if all you want to do is to even the volumes you have the tools to do it yourself. Bring one of your ok volume songs into Audacity and look at the playback level. Then put in a not ok volume song and by either using amplify or normalize and match this level with the ok song.
If there is a lot of dynamics in those songs and the soft sections are still to low then you will have to either manually raise the those volumes in your DAW or in Audacity try some compression or a limiter then repeat the above mentioned process.
I got banned from Weight Watchers for dropping a bag of M&Ms on the floor. It was the best game of Hungry Hippos I've ever seen!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
With only 5 songs, your ear and PGPeakLimit may be the simplest cheapest answer. Run the other 2 softer songs thru PGPeakLimit and adjust to match the others.
VERY simple method; load Song 1 (louder) on track 1. Load song 2 (softer) on track 2. Insert PGPeakLimit in the plugin area for track 2, audition back and forth while adjusting the pregain in PGPeakLimit..
Or whole 'nother route is use the 10 free day trial of Izotope Ozone .. and then try not to buy it once it expires .. <grin>
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
With only 5 songs, your ear and PGPeakLimit may be the simplest cheapest answer. Run the other 2 softer songs thru PGPeakLimit and adjust to match the others.
VERY simple method; load Song 1 (louder) on track 1. Load song 2 (softer) on track 2. Insert PGPeakLimit in the plugin area for track 2, audition back and forth while adjusting the pregain in PGPeakLimit..
Or whole 'nother route is use the 10 free day trial of Izotope Ozone .. and then try not to buy it once it expires .. <grin>
Never thought to pull 2 songs into one session and adjust the volume like that. Much appreciated. Works like a charm.
"When you help somebody else you are really helping yourself"
dga, if all you want to do is to even the volumes you have the tools to do it yourself. Bring one of your ok volume songs into Audacity and look at the playback level. Then put in a not ok volume song and by either using amplify or normalize and match this level with the ok song.
If there is a lot of dynamics in those songs and the soft sections are still to low then you will have to either manually raise the those volumes in your DAW or in Audacity try some compression or a limiter then repeat the above mentioned process.
Tried this but was not able to get the levels quite right. Using rharv's suggestion
Last edited by dga; 04/19/1604:58 PM.
"When you help somebody else you are really helping yourself"
Or... learn a bit about the process and roll your own. It's the harder way, but certainly more worthwhile in the long run.
Or... if you like the tone and overall mix... the 3 that are "at the right levels".... simply use them to compare to the others and use Normalize to bring the other 2 up.... burn the output when you think it's right. Then, put all 5 on a disk or player and listen for a few days to see if they all sound like they're part of the same project.
You can also post the 5 to a hosting site and let the ears here, hear the songs in question and offer advice.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
Or... learn a bit about the process and roll your own. It's the harder way, but certainly more worthwhile in the long run.
Or... if you like the tone and overall mix... the 3 that are "at the right levels".... simply use them to compare to the others and use Normalize to bring the other 2 up.... burn the output when you think it's right. Then, put all 5 on a disk or player and listen for a few days to see if they all sound like they're part of the same project.
You can also post the 5 to a hosting site and let the ears here, hear the songs in question and offer advice.
I tried landr once, got so so results. Been digging around for methodology, on a bunch of sites, usually they are employing expensive plug-ins in DAWs like Pro Tools, Cubase, Performer, Sonar etc....
I'm looking for solutions in RB and Audacity. I'm getting close to a process, just wanted to know if others have tips. I like your Or.....section a lot. Thanks
"When you help somebody else you are really helping yourself"
This is an exciter effect which, when used sparingly, adds some nice finishing touches to your track. Excite a bit of the low/mid/high and it will sound good, just don't overdo it.
The second device I added is a compressor (ReaComp - it comes with Reaper) that allows for parallel compression. You can use any compressor of your choice as long as it allows you to independently set the Wet/Dry signal amounts. It's important that the Wet/Dry amounts are independent of each other. The key here is to heavily compress the master track at a high ratio and threshold so it pumps and breathes, and then mix that in with the dry signal of the master track. When you find the right level balance the track will become thicker and fuller with the heavily compressed track mixed in. This is called parallel compression and you can look it up yourself for further details. You don't necessarily need a compressor that has independent Wet/Dry signal balancing, but it makes it easier.
The third device is a multiband compressor. I use the standard one that comes with Reaper (ReaXComp) and it works great. The key is to use 3 to 5 bands and compress each band. You will have to research a bit of multiband compression as it is an advanced subject and takes a bit of learning to get the best results. I recommend reading "The Dance Music Manual" by Rick Snoman which even includes some beginning preset settings for multiband compression that come in very handy for beginners.
Reverb #2 - Nebula3 Free (http://www.acustica-audio.com/index.p...) - You have to order this one and go through the shopping cart procedure but it's still 100% free and well worth the effort
Use either of these 'verbs and put just a small touch of reverb on your master to make everything gel together. A little goes a long way so don't overdo it.
The final chain I have decided to go with in this exact order is:
Many Many Thanks Pipeline. I just had a long discussion with one of my recording friends and he also suggested Reaper, and the ThrillSeeker VSTeffects. He demonstrated them to me I am quite impressed. I understand now why so many people are wishing RealBand (PG) had a full plethora of VSTs. Seems like they could cut a deal for a few from everyone and include it in their package.
"When you help somebody else you are really helping yourself"
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