Originally Posted By: Mike Halloran
Originally Posted By: Matt Finley
… for mastering I use CD Architect to assemble the tracks and burn the CD.

Whoa! There's a blast from the past. Does that still work? Good for you if it does. Pretty sure that Sony discontinued it years ago.

Originally Posted By: rayc
…
Ozone and other mastering suites aren't "references". …

I'm sorry but that's not correct. Ozone 9 most certainly can and iZotope has other tools that, when bundled makes such a reference even easier. They make it sound like all you need to do is hit a few buttons and everything come out perfectly — only if you want your mixes sounding like everyone else who pushed the same buttons (no, thank you).
Ozone 9, Pro Mastering Suite etc.

Not that old guys like I would ever use it for that. Again, I am current with everything iZotope is offering. I almost never use Ozone 9 Advanced but, when I need it, glad it's there. RX, OTOH is one of my absolute essential tools.

I don't know how many here have experience with a cutting lathe but I do. My ears are still the best weapons in my arsenal.

IF you read my post in the context of the previous post about references my point was/is that it's not intended to be a reference but a mastering suite. The term reference is, usually, applied to a song/recording/set of instances to which one refers...as a genre etc. "template" mate. Those suits make make referring easier but that's not their real purpose. A 12" record can be used as a frisbee, a circle template, a food platter or head dress but these things aren't it's intended purpose. Using a mastering suite's out come as a reference to achieve in mixing can be done, I'd argue shouldn't be done. Clearly we have different ideas about mixing and mastering.
Further, you didn't read my post properly as you've made assumptions that are incorrect nor supported by what I wrote OR you've conflated issues into the response to me that don't belong. Either way I'm pleased that you've had related cutting experience and that you rely on your ears.

Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe