Hi all,
I’m searching for metering, and a mastering software for beginners.
The idea is to get some visual insights during production, and then to record the performance for a release.
I’m looking now at Wavelab elements, is there is a better alternative?
Setup:
Digitone -> Octatrack MK2 -> Lyra -> Windows.
Thanks
Studio one prime includes the spectral analyzer and meter I think, not 100% sure. It’s one of the best spectral analyzers imho. Ans studio one prime is free.
Also: youlean loudness meter. Also Free and very good!
Forget mastering software for beginners. mastering is the final stage that can’t fix a bad mix. If the mix is right let a track mastered by a master. If you want to release a track for the first time it’s good to hear what the difference is between your mix and the final master. You can use both audiofiles for future reference and master yourself eventually. Focus on the final mix, trust your ears, listen to reference material, use headphones, monitors etc.
Metric A/B is a nice vst to compare your mix to any reference with all the visual feedback you need if you really want to visualize.
Yeah, efforts are most productively devoted to tracking and mixing over looking for Ozone-like fixes.
What specific problem with your music are you trying to solve?
The OT gives you a lot of tools to control your mix. Are you sure you need mastering?
Ok, let’s take the word “mastering” out. It causes too much confusion.
I need a metering solution, and an audio editor to record stuff from the octatrack before the release.
I’m looking at Wavelab, because the metering looks nicely integrated into the software.
Don’t want to use a daw and third party plugins, it looks awful.
I agree with everything posted so far, but if you’re going to get some software then Reaper, TDR Kotelnikov and Nova, and Voxengo Span will go a long way for no money at all. As a long time Wavelab user I am comfortable saying that Wavelab is completely unnecessary in 2021.
EDIT: while I was writing this you posted that you didn’t want to use a DAW with third party plugins, but that’s really the way to go. With the possible exception of Ozone there’s really no reason to use an overpriced legacy program like Wavelab anymore IMO.
How about a digital audio recorder?
My Sony M10 provides adequate metering. The Zoom H2n does too, but is said to cut off the low end regardless of settings.
I want to utilize my audio interface for better quality.
What about this:
Just put in in the hardware chain, looks sexy and you only need to fire up a pc when recording. This way you always have some accurate measuring from start to finish.
Use audicity (free) for plain an easy recording and some cuts, fades or whatever.
Thanks, will consider this option!
Whatever you settle on, make sure your level meter can display LUFS, if you’re planning to master your stuff for modern platforms you’ll want that.