Cool Edit Pro for mastering?

[hudsonhawk]

Hi,

I've used CEP Pro a little bit for wave editing and really like the way it operates, but I am about to venture into the world of mastering soon and was wondering if people use it for such purposes. I'd prefer to stick with CEP rather than switch to an unfamiliar interface (or shell out more $$$), but the general consensus here seems to be that for mastering, you've got to use Wavelab or Samplitude. Will CEP be able to provide me with the necessary tools to master? If not, what do the others have that CEP lacks?

Don't mean to start a blistering discussion on which products are better than others, just want to know if the product I've already been using is up to the challenge....

Cheers to All!

[Bag]

Basically, CEP can give you good results mastering simply because it has the facilities to do it- the issue is whether or not you know how to apply the required tweaks and, more importantly, know how to make CEP apply them, if you know what I mean. However, I've definitely got the best results by doing most of the work in CEP, but applying dedicated plug-ins (especially compressors) at some stages. Timeworks compressors I like. Another thing is to take the time to make your own adjustments. Other programmes are often more popular, because they have better presets.
I'm going through the same process and keep wishing for a app' that has this magic, "make me sound awesome" button, but the truth is mastering is a complicated process. CEP, by the way, I think has an excellent Help programme which is an education in itself.
A recommendation- get a Mastering studio to process one of your songs and see how close you can get, too.
Summary... CEP can master, but you have to work out the settings for yourself, not rely on presets, and I'm not a huge fan of the compressors. Other will disagree, probably.

[GZsound]

One of the neat things about CE is the lower cost and also the ability to us DX plugins. The money you save on the program can be spent on some very professional mastering software.

You can use TC, Waves Bundles, etc. that are very professional mastering tools. You can get software like T Racks, etc.

"Mastering" is an overused word at best. I have recorded pristine tracks that only required a little level adjustment. I guess you could call that "Mastering". First see what your recorded product sounds like. Try to get a sound similar to store bought CD's that you like. Use what you have.