In this video with the support of Universal Audio, Paul Drew shares his thoughts and ideas when it comes to mastering the track Thought of Love by Rooftop Renegades. In this final part in the series, Paul shows us how he uses the SSL Bus Compressor to glue to mix together then he reaches for the new Brainworx bx_masterdesk, which he uses as a “one stop” mastering processor.

From Mix To Master

Paul starts by letting us listen to the mix. This is the culmination of the previous 5 videos where the Drums, Bass, Guitar and Vocals have been recorded and mixed using the new Universal Audio Apollo X series of interfaces and UAD-2 plug-ins.

SSL 4000G Bus Compressor

When mixing Paul likes to mix into a Bus Compressor, making choices about the mix with the compressor engaged, normally compressing to a maximum of about 2dB.

Brainworx bx_masterdesk

For this track Paul is using the amazing bx_masterdesk by Brainworx for all the heavy lifting mastering duties. Starting with the Volume control, Paul brings up the level so he is getting between 6 and 8 dB of dynamic range, which is safely in the green zone. Paul then uses the Foundation control to add a tiny bit more bottom end to give the track some weight.

EQ duties are also taken care of by bx_masterdesk with it’s 3 band EQ and Presence control.

Paul uses the M/S (Mid/Side) controls to tweak the stereo image and make everything below 100 Hz mono before reaching for the THD control to add some very gentle saturation to the track.

To tame the unwanted sibilance in the vocal, Paul uses the built-in De-Esser to gently cut these hard frequencies back.

The Final Track

As a sign off to this project we give you the opportunity to hear the entire track mastered along with the performances that went into the song. Our thanks to the Rooftop Renegades for letting us use their song for these videos and to Universal Audio for their support in making these series possible.