4
Slate Digital FG-‐X Virtual Mastering Console
I.
I
NTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the Slate Digital FG-‐X Virtual Mastering Console Dynamics
Rack.
This FG-‐X line of mastering processors was created to provide you with the most precise
tools for the mastering stage. These processors use Slate Digital’s “Advanced
Algorithms”. This term describes a unique and complex communication system
between the DSP algorithms that make it possible to achieve new heights in signal
processing.
This manual will help you understand the FG-‐X Dynamics Rack, and give you some tips
on how to use the processors in the mastering stage.
II.
L
OUDNESS VS
. N
ECESSITY
As you are about to witness, the FG-‐X Dynamics Rack will give you the capability of
making mixes very loud without the degrading artifacts that a mastering engineer
commonly deals with when using peak limiting.
Therefore you hold in your grasp a great power, and we ask that you use it wisely.
Regardless of the processor used, a record at -‐7dB RMS (more on RMS:
VI.1 RMS Level
,
p.15) will never sound as good as one at -‐10dB RMS. Luckily, the general music buying
population has now even become wise to the loudness wars and is demanding that it
stops. We hope that you can use the FG-‐X processor sensibly, and not as a tool to show
clients how loud you can now go without turning the mix into squash. If we all aim for
an RMS goal of -‐10dB to -‐9dB, music will sound better, and maybe instead of “loudness
wars” we can have “loudness parties”.
