Another mastering question: Understanding the issue of exporting a dry mixdown project into Wavelab and using the mastering tools for the entire song, is it okay to add reverb features (plugins) on the vocal track while in Cubase 6 prior to exporting into Wavelab 7? In other words, if I should add reverb while in Wavelab the whole project will be affected and I had added reverb on the vocal in Cubase, being in Wavelab this process will add more unwanted reverb onto the vocal. :0! What is your take on this subject?

The traditional way to approach this is to split mixing and mastering into two distinct processes. Mixing generally involves compressing, EQ-ing, adding space and depth (reverb/delay), level changes etc - basically sculpting the sounds in your project. You then bounce/render your mix to a stereo audio file. Mastering typically is adding that final polish and loudness (using compression, limiting, width if needed, etc.) to your stereo audio file. Sounds like Wavelab is perfectly suited for this purpose. Hope this helps Rounik

Sooooo, are you suggesting it is well and fine to add reverb on vocals during the mixdown process and if necessary add it in the overall mastering process in Wavelab?

I've never really added reverb to the final master... maybe some time ago - but anyway, I find reverb should be added during mixing... you should be really happy with the way your song sounds after mixing and use the Mastering stage to concentrate on loudness and giving it that final glue or sparkle. What genre / style of music are you making? R

Rounik, thanks again for confirmation. I am a Jazz, Pop,Rock and Gospel Singer. I write contemporary Gospel Music. "Music is forever" is my moto. ;0) Sooooo, mastering should be as Mathew states, "Shinny" "Punhcy" etc., etc.,..... So there is no need for overall reverb during mastering once all has been decided in the mix.

Yup.... not unless you really, really need to... but all this should be fixed in the Mix. The Mix should get you to 95% of your finished tune... the extra 5% done in Mastering adds the polish that makes it louder, fuller, radio friendly, etc, etc... but this extra 5% if done well and make the difference between a hit and an average sounding tune that doesn't turn people's heads... :)

Thanks. ;)