Lastly, I reduced the output gain by 2dB and blended the effect into the signal with the Mix dial. I used soft clipping distortion to add a greater perceived loudness.įurthermore, I avoided using the limiter since I felt it wasn’t needed at this stage of the master. To accomplish this I used a low ratio and carefully set my threshold.Īdditionally, I used the auto-gain option at 0dB and introduced some subtle soft-clipping distortion. I chose to use the Classic VCA and attenuate the signal only 1 to 2dB. I kept my gain reduction to only 1 - 2dB. Logic’s stock compressor is great in that it gives you a lot of options for your compression - these can be clean and highly transparent, or a bit smoother and slower. The compressor lets you choose between 7 different compressor styles.Ī little bit of compression can tie loose sounds and instruments together as well as help you achieve a greater loudness. Step 2: Subtle Compression and Distortion with ‘Compressor’ If you want to subtract some more frequencies from the Mid or Stereo image, you’ll need to use another equalizer to accomplish this. How much you cut out will depend on the genre and particular track that you’re working on. To do this, find the ‘Processing’ tab at the bottom of the plugin and select ‘Side Only.’ Using a high-pass filter, attenuate the side-image up to 130Hz. This will keep the low end focused and clear, in turn, keeping the master driving and centered. The first thing we want to do to a mix is attenuate the low frequencies on the side image. Although it only allows you to control either the mid or the side, it’s helpful nonetheless. Logic’s ‘Channel EQ’ is fortunately capable of mid-side processing. In the processing section, you can select which channel you want to affect. Step 1: Subtractive Side Image Equalization with ‘Channel EQ’
Best mastering plugins for logic pro x free#
We’ll master it for you and send you a free sample for you to review. If you’re an artist or engineer and you have a mix that you need mastered, send it to us here: We’ll be using 6 different processing steps as well as measuring the signal with some of Logic’s stock meters.Īs the name of this post suggests, each of the plugins we’ll be using is Logic’s stock plugins. If you’re using Logic, and you want to try and master your music, here’s a quick guide that can help you throughout the process. Logic offers many great plugins for mixing and mastering. Fortunately, modern DAWs give you more than enough flexibility to create some great sounding masters without the need to purchase additional software. Mastering music can definitely be challenging - especially when you only have stock plugins. Step 7: Loudness and Level metering with Logic’s Meters Mastering Pop Music with Logic’s Stock Plugins in Detail Step 6: Brick-wall Limiting using True Peak Detection with ‘Limiter’ Step 5: Additive Side Image Equalization with ‘Channel EQ’ Step 4: (Optional) Subtle Harmonic Excitement (<1%) with ‘Exciter’ Step 3: Additive Stereo Equalization and Distortion with ‘Tube EQ’ I also use MANY different devices to test my mixes on.Step 1: Subtractive Side Image Equalization with ‘Channel EQ’ Personally, I just work with 2 pairs of headphones and one pair of speaker monitors. That being said, it really depends on how much money you want to put down (and how much space you have). Some of the old-school mixing and mastering engineers still swear by rack mount effects processors (instead of using plugins). With the recent popularization of spatial audio (which you can read about HERE), a special type of speaker referred to as a “soundbar” could also be a good investment.
Now, the sky’s the limit when it comes to equipment you COULD use for mixing and mastering. Of course, that’s when the acoustics of your room/studio come into play…Ĭan you work without speaker monitors (if you really don’t have a choice)? Absolutely, that’s why I’d personally prioritize headphones.
Speaker monitors are essential because headphones can only go so far in regards to recreating the sound of a room (referred to as “soundstage”). Headphones are the most important piece of equipment (if you ask me).
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