Mastering a DJ Mix

Can someone please tell me the best way to master a DJ mix for free? I record my sets with Traktor, but when I listen back to them the volume is always all over the place and I hate having to keep adjusting the volume of the recorder while I am playing. Unfortunately, I do not own Ableton and would just like to download a simple program to help me master the mix. I have heard many people say they use Audacity or Garageband, but I am not at all familiar with the programs. I have never mastered a mix and am pretty much clueless on how to do so. I do not need it to sound perfect, just would like to have a consistent volume throughout the mix. If anyone can help me with this issue, I would be very grateful. Thanks in advance to anyone that responds.

 

Audacity is really simple to pick up - if I cna do it it must be! You can select a recording volume in it which you mix will stick to all the way through. I would very much recommend downloading it and giving it a go. Its free so you really have nothing to lose.

 

Thank you for your response kind sir. I think I may have to download the program then. My only question is, do I need to record the mix with Audacity or can I just record it in Traktor and then open the file in Audacity?

 

Do you have Windows or OS X?

If you have Windows then Audacity is a great resource for you to use. You can record using Tractor's built in recorder and then master the mp3 in Audacity.

If you have OS X then Garageband is the resource to use. Again, you can record using Tractor's built in recorder and then master the mp3 in Garageband.

 

@ djefx.... I use a Mac.... Is garageband difficult to use?

 

I would rate it and Audacity with the same level of ease...both seem to be pretty straightforward to get comfortable with.

Google "master tracks with garageband" and you will find many tutorials for doing exactly what you are looking for.

Good luck!

 

I think I am going to try Audacity first...... Thanks for the replies.

 

Try mixing with just the EQ's, swap one for the other, lower one hi as you turn up the one your bringing in, you'll find the main output is much more pleasing on the ear, but garage band is best for mastering, it has a nice compressor here's a quick vid http://www.ehow.com/video_4955201_garageband-compressor-tips.html

 

Thanks David.

 

I used Audacity for a while and I have had no problems with it, but lately i quickly "master" my mixes in FL Studio (Sounds better/clearer to me).

Import the mix as an audio clip, raise the volume about 10%, add some EQ's to make the mix a bit warmer, add the multi-band compressor, a limiter and there you go a quickly mastered mix, that sounds pretty good !

If you want i can upload the preset for the master channel in FL

Walkie & Talkie

 

Thanks Walkie Talkie.... I have been messing around with Audacity and it seems pretty easy to use once you get the hang of it. Thanks for the tips, I'll let you know how the sound turns out.

 

Hi WAlkie talkie,

Can you send us your preset?

Thanx a lot