how to get my overall volume louder?

[stevethecarr]

I want to make the overall volume of my projects louder, I have them as loud as I can turn it in my program without clipping but what do I need to do to make it louder without clipping. Do I need to use compression when recording? I'm not using a pre-amp could that be it? Someone help! Thanks.

[LRosario]

This is a bit of a double edge sword:



Mics with higher head room and high SPL levels, combined with higher signal to noise ratio equipment will help this.

Mastering will allow for added volume.

Higher sample rates and bit resolution will continue to add to the ability to record higher freqs without foldover and distortion.

[Farview]

What you have done is mix a song with all the dynamics of all the instruments intact. It probably sounds pretty good too. If you want to go a little louder a limiter will shave the peaks off and give you the headroom to turn it up. If it is insanely quiet you could try compressoin then limiting, but it will not sound as clear and wonderful.

Depending on the style of music, you could just mix it louder. Turning up the guitars and bass will make the song louder.

[HangDawg]

I've been experimenting with how much compression and limiting can be placed on a mix before it turns to shit. Doesn't seem like it takes a whole lot before it starts to sound like crap. Personally, I'd rather a mix sound good and have to turn up the stereo.