Is mastering software necessary?

[J Blazin]

I have got my mix sounding pretty good now thanx to the suggestions here on the DUC. However when I compare to CD's I have bought the volume is not as high. I dont want to add to much volume and EQ for fear of peaking, what should I do now. Is waves or other mastering software something I must buy to get me up to speed with commercial grade Cd's.

[Chompers]

Yes.

[Notefarm]

Chompers is right.
The waves plugs are great. I think they seem to bit a bit of an industry standard. But you might like to try TC Wroks Spark LE if you are on a tight buget or you want to get your feet wet with some mastering. I read a ghreat review in one of the recording mags, and for $20.00 it is amazing,
Peace and good mixes
NoteFarm

[1511]

I'm about at the same place you are, Blazin. Is there a thread somewhere on Waves vs T-Raxx mastering software? Or are the prices and contents so different that thay are apples and oranges?
Thanks,
1511

[GORILLA]

Hey ,download the Waves demo's and that'll answer probably all your questions [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] The Waves stuff is a almost MUST have.......and the McDsp sutff is Awesome too!!! (Analog channel/Compressor Bank/Filter Bank)..
Heck before you know it, you'll have about$2500.00 in KILLER cant live without em' plug-ins!!! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[J Blazin]

Originally posted by GORILLA:
Heck before you know it, you'll have about$2500.00 in KILLER cant live without em' plug-ins!!! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">That exactly what Im afraid of!

[J Blazin]

Thank you Mr Chompers and notefarm, I thought that was the case. Any specific recommendations?

[J Blazin]

Well I did the download and used a few of the plug ins and WOW what a difference. I used the L2 and another plug in and there are some many ways to tweak, I was wondering is there a specific bundle or plug in I want since I do HipHop/R&b?

[J Blazin]

Another thing my....PTLE set up comes with the same plug ins (limiter/EQ+ from different manufacturers) Why cant they get the job done like Waves? and is TRacks comparable?

[sagecleva]

what are some plugins that hiphop heads consider must haves with ptLE?