The SHOCKING Truth About Stock Plugins

Summary

In this video, the creator challenges the notion of achieving a professional-quality master using only stock tools in Ableton Live. Drawing from years of experience, they detail their mastering process by comparing an unmastered track to a previous professional master, utilizing Ableton’s limiter, EQ, and compression. Throughout the tutorial, they emphasize the importance of critical listening and highlight that the bulk of a track's quality stems from its production. The video also promotes a coaching program aimed at helping artists enhance their music production skills, emphasizing community support and personalized guidance.

Takeaways

• 😀 Understand the importance of the topic discussed in the video and its relevance to the audience.
• 📚 Explore the background information that sets the context for the main points.
• 💡 Identify key concepts introduced in the video that are essential for comprehension.
• 🚀 Discover actionable insights that viewers can implement in their own lives or work.
• 🔍 Highlight any common misconceptions related to the topic and clarify them.
• 🛠️ Learn about tools, techniques, or resources recommended in the video.
• 🤔 Encourage viewers to reflect on their own experiences related to the topic.
• 📈 Emphasize the potential impact of applying the knowledge gained from the video.
• 🔗 Provide links or references to additional resources for deeper understanding.
• ✅ Summarize the key points covered in the video for easy retention and recall.

Q & A

Can you create a professional-sounding master using only stock tools in Ableton Live?

Yes, it is possible to create a professional-sounding master using only the stock tools in Ableton Live, although it may be challenging compared to using specialized external plugins.

What was the backstory behind the video?

The video idea arose from a previous tutorial where the creator mastered a melodic techno track using external plugins. They decided to explore whether similar results could be achieved using only Ableton Live's stock devices.

What is the significance of using the original master for comparison?

The original master serves as a reference point, allowing the creator to compare the sound quality and characteristics of the new master created with Ableton's stock tools against a professionally mastered track.

What challenges did the creator face when using Ableton Live's limiter?

The creator found the Ableton Live limiter less clean and effective for mastering compared to their usual tools, indicating that it worked better for individual mix elements rather than the master bus.

Why did the creator choose to use a high pass filter?

A high pass filter was used to address the excessive low-end frequencies, helping to prevent a boomy sound in the final master while preserving the warmth and lushness of the track.

What alternatives did the creator consider for saturation during mastering?

The creator considered using the Ableton Saturator instead of their preferred K Clip 3. However, they found it challenging to replicate the same level of control and quality achieved with the K Clip 3.

How did the creator use compression in the mastering process?

The creator used Ableton's Glue Compressor with a 30 ms attack time and a 2:1 ratio. They aimed to achieve subtle compression to enhance the overall sound without overwhelming the track.

What role does EQ play in the mastering process according to the creator?

EQ is considered crucial in mastering, as it allows for significant tonal shaping. The creator emphasized that careful EQ adjustments can greatly enhance the sound quality of the track.

What were the creator's observations when comparing the new master to the original?

The creator noted that while the new master was in better shape than many released tracks, it still lacked the stability and clarity found in the original master. They acknowledged the importance of familiarity with tools for achieving optimal results.

What overall takeaway did the creator emphasize for aspiring producers and mixers?

The creator highlighted that 80% of the sonic quality comes from the production and mixing stages, with mastering serving as the final touch. They encouraged producers to focus on improving their production skills to achieve better overall results.