mastering with ozone & TL mastermeter

[rockizoid]

trying to get a true output level reading. i've got my mix sounding good using ozone on the master fader. in ozone, the output meter tells me that the max output is -0.3db. that's fine and dandy, but in protools, the master volume fader is post ozone, which allows me to change the volume, not knowing what the "real" output level is. i tried plugging in TL mastemeter, but same thing, the protools master volume fader is post all that. if i set the protools fader at 0, it's way too loud and distorts. so, what can i use to check what the true output level is at the master fader on protools? I'm trying to get the maximum loudness without distorting. the way i have it, i'm still relying on ears.

any help much appreciated.

HD3 7.4.2
mac OS 10.5.4
digi192i/o
macpro 2.8 6gigs ram
millenia pre's HV-3R
UA 6176

[zakco]

This is one of the many reasons I use an AUX instead of a master fader.

[rockizoid]

so you output all tracks to a stereo buss path, then set the aux track input on the same buss?

[twig]

Originally Posted by rockizoid

so you output all tracks to a stereo buss path, then set the aux track input on the same buss?

just use an aux as a master fader.. send the aux to the master. this gives many more mixing options in my opinion as far as headroom control. some mastering engineers pref a mix at -18 db. cheers

sorry, yes output all of the tracks you would usually have sent to you master fader to the aux bus (3-4, 5-6,... etc). ......aux out to master fader. sometimes i pref to only send my drum aux, vox aux, etc...(later grouping them) as sub groups, making it a bit easier to raise my levels to my "master aux" without effecting the individual vox or drum faders and how they feed the sub aux's.....

[zakco]

Yes. Bus 1-2 is permanently named "mains" and every session starts with this. Another advantage is the fact that you can put sends on an Aux track. Not that I need that on the mains very often, but when you do it's handy...

[rockizoid]

where do you insert the mastering plugs...ie ozone and mastermeter?

[MoritzRock]

Originally Posted by rockizoid

where do you insert the mastering plugs...ie ozone and mastermeter?

You insert them on your aux channel, and use only the dither plug on the master fader.
This will also allow you to do fade outs with the master fader without altering how the track hits the processing, so there will be no change in sound due to less compression etc.

[twig]

Originally Posted by rockizoid

where do you insert the mastering plugs...ie ozone and mastermeter?

it depends on your pref. both will have different effects (which is the benefit). in theory, it gives you a bit more headroom control if you have ozone on the master. also, adjusting the main input and output levels on ozone is important. having a meter on the aux and also after ozone should help. ozone has a decent meter system on board. this is definitely not how i prefer to master but it does sometimes get the job done. trust your ears.

[twig]

Originally Posted by MoritzRock

You insert them on your aux channel, and use only the dither plug on the master fader.
This will also allow you to do fade outs with the master fader without altering how the track hits the processing, so there will be no change in sound due to less compression etc.

ive always thought that ozone included dither within (to 16 bit on some presets)? i may be misinforming you but this is just my past setup for doing temporary mach masters for some clients and myself. i love massey lim even more for this app. i dont master within PT unless its strictly in the box. hope this helps.



just went to the ozone 3 (full version) and the "CD master" preset has a dither option in the "loudness maximizer" area. ive always thought this was for use as a dither plug. id love to hear why or why not. thanks

[MoritzRock]

Originally Posted by twig

ive always thought that ozone included dither within (to 16 bit on some presets)? i may be misinforming you but this is just my past setup for doing temporary mach masters for some clients and myself. i love massey lim even more for this app. i dont master within PT unless its strictly in the box. hope this helps.



just went to the ozone 3 (full version) and the "CD master" preset has a dither option in the "loudness maximizer" area. ive always thought this was for use as a dither plug. id love to hear why or why not. thanks

Perhaps you should turn the dither of ozone off and just use the one on the master fader. If you use ozone inserted on the master then it can be on.

To my knowledge Dither should always be the last process applied, that is even after the master fader. On PT the master fader inserts are post fader for that reason.