We probably have enough of these, but I just joined the Fusion forum, and I'm noticing that there is a lot of great information. Anyway here goes:
Compression:
you would usually use in mastering to compress the peaks in the track to allow for more headroom in the mix to gain up to zero dB, usually u want a Slow attack fast release. this may confuse you. so lets say have an attack of about 50 - 80 ms depending on the track, and a fairly fast release time of 10 to 20 ms. its all variable between the tracks.
EQ:
well EQ is used to Fix the Sound of the mix, and to alter inperfections in the mix, when u EQ and entier mix in Mastering, u want you EQ to be Subtle and not Severe, so depending on the mix a Couple dB high Shelf EQ, Remove some of the low mids with a couple dB and then cut with a Low Cut up to approx 20 HZ.
All is dependant on the mix of course so its all variable once again.
but bear in mind that you should refernce to another track see how the mix is compared to yours and if for example it is Brighter then yours then add some top end in refernce to the other track. if its needs more low end then add some bass in comparrison.
Limiting:
Well limiting is Exactly the same as a compressor. its a REALLY HARD compressor, so when u set a point in the Threshold of the dB Scale it will not go past it, its purpose is tom compress the really large peaks that are inaudiable to the Human ear but can take up space in the headroom, and also to gain the track up to its maximum of 0dBu.
when i usually master i set the threshold of my limiter at -0.5 dBu so that the track doesnt Clip on systems, just a technical thing.
there are alot of aspects when it comes to mastering like removing the DC offset which is inaudiable noise and distortion in the mix which takes up head room ect. but the main aspects of it are Compression EQ and Limitation.
the the order in which you would use them in would be
EQ
Compressor
Limiter
Hope this has given you some insight into mastering.
Toneshifterz' Mastering Guide
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Don't create topics asking questions, use the Sound Design or Software/Hardware section instead.
