'Mastering' your compositions?

[braj]

I can't seem to figure out how to mixdown all the tracks (audio and Midi) into one AIFF or MP3 file. How is this done? I just want to make simple mixes of what I'm working on to play in the car on the way to work to spur my brain into thinking of new approaches to each composition, without it taking too much time. Is there any simple way to 'save as MP3'?

[Jerm]

How to mixdown to MP3 from our FAQ

[braj]

Hmm, I really only need to record the internal sounds, since I'm not using any external devices (and don't ever plan to). I'm wondering if Audio Hijack will do the trick without having to use external wiring.

I'll post the answer when I know for sure.

[braj]

Strangely, AudioHijack only recorded the drum track, but not a VST synth track.

So, I got a 1/8" to 1/8" cable, plugged it from my Powerbook's audio out to the audio in, then followed the instructions Jerm posted, sans the mixer. It worked great! There is a very slight reduction in headroom, but no noticeable noise or other degradation occurred that I can tell. Great! I'm even using a cheap thin cable, maybe with a better cable I could get even better results (but it is way more than acceptable as it is).

Thanks for the tip, Jerm!

[Scoot]

Could your headroom be affected by the mac's volume setting?
If not a compressor or eq could bring it up again later.

scoot.

[braj]

Could your headroom be affected by the mac's volume setting?
If not a compressor or eq could bring it up again later.

scoot.

Maybe, as it is the headroom issue is very, very slight. Really, it is very hard to tell the difference. I just scrutinized it a lot because I was testing it out. I'm certain it could be improved, but like I said, it is way more than acceptable. It doesn't feel like a compromise at all.

[braj]

And you make a good point for the benefit of routing it this way: you can go back and tweak the EQ on the final master. I'm really pleased with the results and I think it's actually better than if Metro had just a straight 'export all tracks to mp3' feature or something. I feel like I'm in total control.

[Scoot]

>I feel like I'm in total control.


That's the reason you're on a mac!