Below you will find pages that utilize the taxonomy term ““Mastering””
Headphones
Opinions
The Sony MDR 7506 are not quite as good as the others on this page, but nothing else in that price range can touch them. I’ve mixed a lot of stuff with the Sony’s (live and in the studio) and they’ve always shown me what I need to hear. Another bonus of the Sony is that you can drive it with anything - if you’re looking at any others, make sure your headphone amp can drive them.
Audio Companies
Take my money companies
“Oh, you have a new product? Ok, I bought it now tell me what it is and tell me why it’s going to make me happy this time.” These companies are above Top Tier and created a new class for themselves.
- Fractal Audio
- Townsend Labs (Not sure yet whether the UAD merger will take this down a notch)
- FabFilter
Top Tier Companies
If you’re thinking about one of these companies, there is only one question. Can you afford it. If yes - just buy it. Don’t waste time looking for alternatives. There aren’t any. (Unless you really can’t afford it and are willing to compromise a lot).
Favorite Processors
These are some of our favorite effects and processing tools.
Reverbs
- Exposed solo vocal: UAD Capitol Chambers
- Ambience on everything: UAD Ocean Way Studios
- Lush Digital: Liquid Sonics Seventh Heaven
Delays
- Messy tape smear: UAD Tape Echo
- Everything else: FabFilter Timeless
Equalizers
- Subtle color: TDR Slick EQ
- Tube Vibe: UAD Pultecs
- Everything Else: FabFilter
Compressors
- In your face: UAD 1176’s
- Smooth and vibey: UAD LA2(a)’s
- Smooth and clean: UAD/Softube Tube Tech
- Bus: UAD SSL or API
- Drums: UAD Distressor or DBX
Meters
- Track: mvMeter2
- Loudness: iZotope insight
- Everything: Decibel
Cleaning
- Noise: iZotope RX
Mastering
- Surgical EQ: FabFilter set to Natural Phase
- Shaping EQ: TDR Slick M
- Vibe Compressor: Shadow Hills or SPL Iron
- Transparent compressor: TDR Kotelnikov
- Limiters: TDR Limiter, Ozone, or FabFilter
- Magic: Gulfoss or Soothe2