|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 8
Newbie
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 8 |
Hi Guys,
Can anyone suggest any quality mastering software/plugins?
I'm looking for something which is fairly easy to use and a good fit for ReadBand/BIAB.
Many thanks
Mike
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,616
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,616 |
Have you tried the plugins that come with PG Music products? Limiters, compressors and equalizers can get you a long way. You should first experiment with what you already have, and get the hang of using plugins and concepts of mastering.
I use Ozone by Izotope. I haven't tried it in BIAB/RB (I learned SONAR first) but it should work. Even if you don't buy it, they have a terrific free guide that is a must read for someone starting out in mastering.
Another top quality program you will encounter is the plugin suite by Waves. This is the industry standard but the last time I checked, it required iLock copy protection, which I will not use.
I am making a distinction here between mastering and mixing. If that isn't clear to you, then we need to drop back a step and clarify what mastering is.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,634
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,634 |
Another Ozone user here... it's great software. I use it with BIAB/RB files in Reaper.
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 118
Apprentice
|
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 118 |
Hi Mike,
I also use Ozone in Real Band. The beginner will find it easy to use by using one of the many presets. After getting familiar with the presets, you can tweek away at the many parameters for custom settings. The results are amazing! You can download the program for a free trial. I don't remember what the trial restrictions are, but I do remember having the ability to fully test on my arrangements. Go to their site and check it out; try out the free demo download!
Don
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,961
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,961 |
Yep! Another vote for Ozone! With all due respect to Matt, imho life is too short to be farting around with the built-in PG plugs! If you can afford Ozone you will be instantly amazed with what you can accomplish using the many presets!! If I never really understand mixing and mastering but I can get great tracks using these tools I will die a happy man! 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,982
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,982 |
My "go-to" polisher (I don't call it "big "M" mastering) is Ozone and I use it in Sonar.
Regarding the built in or default plugs that come with BB/RB as well as any other DAW on the market.... You can produce radio ready product with the default plugs, but, for many folks including myself, the aftermarket plugs help get the job done faster.
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 12/23/15 04:10 AM.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 8
Newbie
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 8 |
Thanks very much Guys for taking time and trouble to reply at Xmas, all very much appreciated and read with interest.
Ozone keeps coming up so I will check it out. The goal is to find a product which will allow me to produce music which will be professional enough to be played on radio and which will sound the same across most formats. I used to mix myself and pay for the mastering but it is about time I learned!
Have a great Xmas!
Cheers
Mike
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,616
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,616 |
Ozone costs a few hundred but is completely worth it. Ease of use is a great feature. My recommendation on this or almost any plugin: turn it up till you hear it clearly, then back off by half. Otherwise, it's very easy to overdo things.
Mastering also involves the relative balance of one song versus the others in the same collection. This used to be more important when people bought albums, cassettes or even CDs where there was a planned order of songs. Now, with individual MP3s etc. most songs are just jacked up to maximum volume, however horrible that is to the artistry of the music. And the radio station is going to further add their own compression to squeeze the life out of whatever you give them. Anyway, if you are making a collection of songs, then I recommend CD Architect by SONY.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 8
Newbie
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 8 |
Thanks again Matt.
I've checked out Ozone today and will be almost certainly get it. Just have to decide whether any of their bundled products are worth having as well. I'm back into this for the long haul with the goal of getting a few more songs on the radio!
Have a great Xmas.
Regards
Mike
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,616
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,616 |
They have a very effective noise reduction program.
They also have Alloy, which you could think of as Ozone Lite. Ozone is meant to go on the final bus, or a stereo audio file. Alloy uses much less of your computer resources and is intended to be applied to individual tracks in a mix, before you mix down to a stereo file. You can have many instances of Alloy running concurrently, but I don't recommend that with Ozone.
That isn't a knock on Ozone, though - I highly recommend it.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,116
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,116 |
Another top quality program you will encounter is the plugin suite by Waves. This is the industry standard but the last time I checked, it required iLock copy protection, which I will not use.
Waves moved on from iLok a couple of cycles ago. Their copy protection is similar to Celemony and PGMusic now.
Keith 2026 Audiophile Windows 11 RYZEN THREADRIPPER 3960X 4.5GHZ 128 GB RAM 2 Nvidia RTX 3090s, Vegas,Acid,SoundForge,Izotope Production,Melodyne Studio,SONAR,3 Raven Mtis
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,103
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,103 |
Yes, the waves copy protection is not bad now, and they have some fabulous plugins!
I use the waves plugins on individual tracks and I use Ozone for the final master.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,982
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,982 |
I use Ozone on tracks as well as busses and of course in the master output buss.
I haven't checked, but at one time, and perhaps still, Ozone was offered as a fully functional demo that worked for 10 days before shutting down into demo mode.
Anyone who makes the mistake of downloading the demo to use had better have the money saved up to buy it. It's THAT good. You WILL have to purchase it after you get a taste of what it can do.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139 |
Hi Guys,
Can anyone suggest any quality mastering software/plugins?
I'm looking for something which is fairly easy to use and a good fit for ReadBand/BIAB.
Many thanks
Mike The most salient point IMO was made by Matt: “Have you tried the plugins that come with PG Music products? Limiters, compressors and equalizers can get you a long way. You should first experiment with what you already have, and get the hang of using plugins and concepts of mastering.” Ozone is great, but it has a tendency to suck all of the dynamics out of a mix if overused. (And a lot of people overuse it, myself included  ). Real Tracks are already compressed at the time they were recorded (SOP), and adding more limiting and compression can reduce your headroom considerably. Try some judicious EQ, limiting and compression on the Master Buss, and you might find you have a brighter, cleaner mix. Regards, Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,116
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,116 |
I haven't checked, but at one time, and perhaps still, Ozone was offered as a fully functional demo that worked for 10 days before shutting down into demo mode.
That is still the case.
Keith 2026 Audiophile Windows 11 RYZEN THREADRIPPER 3960X 4.5GHZ 128 GB RAM 2 Nvidia RTX 3090s, Vegas,Acid,SoundForge,Izotope Production,Melodyne Studio,SONAR,3 Raven Mtis
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,237
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,237 |
Ozone also includes a standalone app that you can run your stereo mix through independent of the DAW. Also Ozone 6 (my product) has a suite of "light" presets and they will not "suck the life out of your" as somebody mentioned. The other presets can indeed do that unless you modify them per your song.
It may have been mentioned but I suggest you resist the temptation to use Ozone for mastering at any point during your production until you are satisfied with your mix.
A great companion to Ozone is Izotope's Nectar which is for vocal processing but has an incredible reverb that can be used alone for non-vocal tracks.
Bud
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,616
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,616 |
Also Ozone 6 (my product) has a suite of "light" presets and they will not "suck the life out of your" as somebody mentioned. Bud All very good advice. About just this quote, if you were referring to my post, I said the radio stations will do that no matter what you do. It's their mission to make all volumes sound the same over radio. But if it was Bob's post, or others, the advice is well taken to use Ozone or any other plugin in moderation.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,237
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,237 |
Thanks. Somebody else mentioned that. Think he said suck all the dynamics out. And it certainly can if you get carried away with the compression modules. Typing on phone so I'm not particularly expressive!
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,616
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,616 |
We're good! I just re-read the thread and clarified my post. Many of us are saying something similar. This thread should be very helpful to anyone starting out along this route. I remember twenty years ago asking the same question: how come my mixes don't sound like the ones on my CDs?
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 8
Newbie
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 8 |
All of your experience and comments are very welcome. Thank you and have a great Xmas!
Best wishes
Mike
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,448
Posts805,225
Members40,124
| |
Most Online64,515 Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|