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I am an owner of a loaded-to-the max UAD-1. I do not have much experience with it though.

I am now using Wavelab to mix & master my first serious demo project.

Although I have Waves Diamond Bundle & Ozone 4, I predict the UAD-1 effects are superior.

My project has a few crappy merged/distorted takes (easily revealed when adding master EQ and effects).

I have read that the UAD-1 Precision modules (EQ, Multiband-Comp & Limiter) are good for mastering.

I think I found some presets from each module that sound pretty good (but I have questions).

1) Is it overkill to use both a multiband compressor and a limiter?

2) What order is best for these three? I assumed 1-comp, 2-eq, 3-limiter. Yes? No?

3) Is there a good stereo imaging widener on the UAD-1?

4) Is there anything else I should consider adding (from the UAD-!) and in what order?

Keep in mind that I am pretty much an idiot when it comes to dialing in custom parameters (like with multiband & EQ).

I would like to just use SUGGESTED presets (from you all, hopefully) and tweak a little from there.

Honestly, I am "sickened from flaws in this recording, just want it finished & chalk it up as "schooling" for future recordings.

At first, I was just going to use My Ozone 4 (as everyone says it is a great ALL-IN-ONE box).

However, to my ears, the UAD-A presets are WAY better.

Now, I just need to make sure that when I MANUALLY choose effects, I do not leave any important effect out of the mix.

May I ask you all to comment? I will only have one shot at mastering before I make my music public. Please comment.

again...

1) DO YOU AGREE THAT THE PRECISION MODULES ARE THE BEST FOR MASTERING?

2) WHAT ORDER DO I PUT THE EFFECTS?

3) WHAT PRESETS DO YOU SUGGEST I START TRYING FIRST?

4) WHAT ADDITIONAL EFFECTS MIGHT I CONSIDER?

Comments

BDM Sun, 03/01/2009 - 01:32

i don't have a UAD 1, but i think the best route is to capture the best sounds possible in the first place so you don't have to use plug ins to 'fix' things. it is impossible to suggest 'presets' or settings as all recorded sounds are completely unique, especially without hearing the recordings!. ie: record an acoustic guitar, then move 1 inch left, re-record and listen to the potentially huge difference... i like 'presets' for plug ins, especially for compressors, as it gives a general STARTING point for tweaking, but the only way to find the setting that woks for you is to LISTEN. whatever makes the recording sound better is the right setting or effect.
and perhaps consider letting a specialist master...