can someone gimme a quick step by step on how to use that effectively---also how do i get my final mix volume up without clipping / and getting all my final mixes volume to match??? I usually get em close by ear but some times theres still a noticible difference once everything gets mixd down...

Open up a new document and create a basic bare-bones setting (just the rewire and the mixer) Go to the create button in the menu and add MClass Mastering Suite Combi to your rewire panel (the one at the very top). Select the 8 Band Parallel Compression setting. Then save it as Document 1, that way, when you boot up Reason, it'll become your default. As you create songs in other file names, the Document 1 setting will remain the default.

Everything will seem louder than what you're use to, so adjust the volume settings in the mixer as you compose. I recommend getting monitor headphones if you don't have them already. Samson makes a great brand for the price they're offering: the CH700 model is around $60. It's like having studio monitors around your ears. GREAT if you're doing music with heavy drums.

I hope this works out for you. Trust me, you *will* notice a difference vs. making something without it.

If you get a chance, stop by and give me some honest critique. It's appreciated! http://www.mybeatshop.com/nilelata

Jes'
FBE

You can get some hot and punchy tracks from the mastering suites and here's how I usually approach things.

Start with the Default Mastering Suite as is, with nothing selected except the punch and thats done automatically. From there its all about your mix more than anything, so what I do is pump up the Master Gain to about 2 o'clock or around 4:86 on the dial just to reference the music very loud. It will help you find frequencies or instruments that are out of wack, such as a clap or snare that's to high in the mix or too bright. Then I go back fix any offending problems and reset the Master Gain to about 12 or 1 o'clock permanently. I use the compressor a lot too, in that suite but not too harshly. If I need my tracks to have that MPC thick and chunky sound I dial it in until it sounds right.

Trust me though, the main thing is making sure your mix is tight and balanced. Not too bassy, spread things around slightly in the stereo field and make sure frequencies don't clash because it will muddy up the overall sound.

The main key to mastering for me is giving my music more punch and loudness, but not to fix my poor mixes. If something is too heavy in a certain frequency within a small range I'll use the mastering eq to notch that area out a little bit, but if its to f'kd up then I'll fix it at the source. Also, when using the mastering eq try to cut offeneding frequencies rather boost others to compensate. A well balanced mix can get as loud as you need it to when mastering, but a bass heavy or midrange heavy song will eat up your headroom quick and start to make the limiters and compressors react harder and you'll get pumping and more clutter, etc.

ay thanx for the tips yall!!!