Automating the Master
Static mastering settings rarely deliver the impact your tracks deserve when different sections need unique treatment. Mastering engineer Markus Abendroth from Zodiaque shares some neat techniques from Chris Gehringer, Reuben Cohen, Randy Merrill and Mick Guzauski, showcasing limiter adjustments, EQ and volume rides that make choruses hit perfectly and masters reach their full potential.
Mix with the Masters
Choosing and automating the limiter
Chris Gehringer demonstrates the use of Izotope Ozone 11's dynamic limiter to achieve a cleaner and more balanced master for Dua Lipa's track. He emphasizes the importance of selecting the right limiter settings to enhance the song's character and movement. Gehringer uses EQ to subtly boost the bass, complementing the limiter's inherent color and character. He explains that limiters can alter the frequency balance, so EQ adjustments need to reflect the limiter choice, and vice versa. To address specific sections where distortion or artifacts occur, Gehringer advocates for automating limiter settings. By adjusting Ozone's parameters like the transient setting and character speed, he ensures the song maintains its integrity and vibrancy throughout, highlighting the significance of tailoring limiter settings to different parts of the track for optimal results.
Mix with the Masters
Using master volume automation to enhance song dynamics
Reuben Cohen emphasizes the importance of volume automation during mastering to enhance a song's dynamics and musicality. By manually adjusting bus levels, particularly from verse or bridge to chorus, Cohen builds tension and lifts the chorus, creating a more engaging listening experience. These subtle volume rides are designed to be imperceptible to the listener, yet they significantly contribute to the song's emotional impact. Cohen also integrates EQ adjustments into the process, ensuring that all elements work cohesively to maintain the song's dynamic flow and overall impact.
Mix with the Masters
Gain automation for consistency and loudness
Randy Merrill demonstrates the use of gain automation on the master track to achieve a more consistent vocal presence and overall loudness throughout a song. By carefully adjusting the gain, he ensures that quieter sections are brought up without losing the natural dynamics and nuances of the performance. This technique reduces the dynamic range, allowing for a more controlled and natural increase in loudness, which in turn places less strain on the final limiter. It's important to not overdo this process to retain the song's dynamic arc and emotional impact. Additionally, Merrill highlights the use of different EQ and limiting plugins for various sections of the song, adapting the processing chain to suit the evolving dynamics and tonal balance. This approach helps achieve a polished and cohesive final mix.
SonicScoop
Lift the chorus with volume automation
Mick Guzauski demonstrates how to lift the chorus in a mix using volume automation on the mix bus. By slightly increasing the volume—about 1 to 1.5 dB—just before and during the chorus, he creates a subtle yet effective dynamic lift that enhances the impact of the section. This approach is a simple yet powerful way to add excitement and emphasis to key moments in a song, ensuring the chorus captures the listener's attention.