9
bx_
XL
manual
alternately to get used to how your mixes sound separated into these
2 mono sums (respectively 3 bands). You will very fast be able to hear
stuff inside your music that you might want to process / adjust, so why
don´t you just do it?
Mastering in M/S takes a little time to get used to - it´s just really
different limiting 3 separate mono-sums than limiting conventional
L&R-signals with a 1 knob “auto-limiter”. But, it´s a very musical way of
working, and there is a reason why some of the top mastering studios
in the world have been working like this for ages with custom-made
M/S-boards - without really telling anybody…
M/S-Mastering might just be the key for your music to sound as big - yet
still open and clear - as productions often referred to as being “BIG”…
Many people who have used the M/S-modes for the first time told
us that they had the impression of a “3D-like” depth in their mixes
after processing the M- and the S-Signals individually. While using the
M/S-technique for mastering does affect your phases in the stereo-
signal we do not see this as a problem. In M/S modes altering phases
is done intentionally.
Once you are used to the basics of M/S you might easily get into
more detailed functions… try balancing out a mix that is not centered
100% (most mixes that come from an analogue desk with inserted
compressors, EQs, in the main stereo insert, etc. are not balanced
100%!) by Solo-ing the S-section and adjusting the Balance Gain until
all the things that should be centered (like bass drums, snares, lead
vocals, bass, etc.) in your mix disappear completely.
If that´s the case you can be sure that your mix is balanced!
Use the Sidechain mixer and let your music bounce to the groove of
your bass-drum, record stem mixes that are still being triggered by the
whole mix (through the external Sidechain input).
Make your mix wider than it originally was by increasing the Stereo
Width without losing the center of your recordings! You will not loose
bass drum power or vocals by making your mix wider this way… and it
will not sound different played back in mono at all.
