Image Line
Maximus by A. Arsov
I got IL Maximus as a bonus along with my FL Studio Signature Bundle, and I already mentioned it in my Fl Studio review. So, why the hell am I writing a new, separate review for this, one of many Image Line plug-ins? The reason is pretty simple – because it deserves it. I simply fell in love with this worth every penny plug-in. At first, I used it because it didn't use much processor power and slowly figured out that songs that I mastered with Maximus had much better definition than those I mastered with my old tools from competitors. It’s not a matter of magic, a secret spell of programming code, or other nonsense. Image Line simply get the point of how mastering is done, what can go wrong during this process, and what a user really needs. You can make the best simulation of unbeatable hardware from the past, but if you forget to add a stereo separation tool for enhancing or reducing the stereo image divided at least on three essential bands (low, mid, and high), you have missed the whole point of mastering. Sometimes it is not so easy to control the stereo image in the low end. It always happens that some stereo sound sneaks itself in the low end, no matter how hard you try to have really low end centered. Some basses sound excellent if they are stereo, but if the stereo image goes under 50 hz, you are out. Yes, I know, there is a tool for fixing that, but as I said, it always happens that some other instrument squeezes its nose where it should not be. With IL Maximus, you can reduce low end and enhance the middle and high ends. If 78
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I can use an expression from a Hip Hop world: “This sh*t really gives a good definition.” A golden one, if you ask me.
compressor and the stereo separator, are more than enough for starting a love relation with this Maxi tool. Master
More reasons to fall in love I stole a preset from Deadmau5’s demo FL Studio song and with a few As old studio masters love to say: if you need a multiband compressor modifications I use it on most of my during the mix stage, then something songs. It looks like he is a deaf in the is wrong with you and not with your same way I am. mix, but if you don't have a good That's the sentence where our proofreaders usually ask: What do you multiband compressor for the mastering stage, then don't master mean by that? your own music. Simple, but true. O.k. Let me explain. The art of mastering is an easy job. The only Low end shouldn't be squeezed too much. As the studio pros say, it thing you should do is admit to should breathe, but on other hand, if yourself: I'm deaf. It’s the same for alcoholics; they should admit first that it breathes too much, it will ruin your mix. As for the Maximus multiband they have a drinking problem and compressor, it is a top notch. It does then they can change themselves. the job without any problems. For me, Send a few of your mixes to one of those two additions, the multiband your friends with a good ear and he September 2011