Is it bad to have anything on the master before bouncing for mastering?

[Suicide_As_Alibi]

I know this sounds like a dumb question but do you guys ever use plug-ins on the master before mastering to add even more volume, EQ), etc.. Or is this a bad thing to do?

Processing to add more volume before sending it to be mastered is a bit like recording guitar parts before the guitarist comes in because you think it'll make the end result better.

As a general rule, if you're going to put something on the 2-buss it should be adding something to the mixing, and not trying to emulate the mastering. Obviously if you know the guy who's going to be mastering your mix it's slightly different, as each will have a better idea of how the other works.

If you know where you're getting your stuff mastered, you can always give them a call and see if they have any specific requirements like James.

Steve

 

[mburton21]

My masterbus channel is very simple: Endorphin with some reduction to avoid clipping. Transparent as hell and only serves to make sure that I'm not clipping.