RMS Level

[paulybear]

I've seen it mentioned here and have searched on google for an article or definition but am still non the wiser. What is RMS Level and why should I be worried about it? Is it the overall level of the track?

[Kevin Deschwazi]

As I understand it RMS or "root mean square" level simply means the overall level (as opposed to levels for individual frequencies, known as spectrum levels, which will differ).

Many sound level measuring devices are capable of sweeping through a range of frequencies and measuring the level of specific frequencies (spectrum analysis). When the overall level is measuerd (all frequencies together) this is called the RMS level.

I don't think it's anything you need to worry about, I guess in most manuals and articles relating to recording gear etc. it's just a fancy way of saying 'overall level'.

This is about as technical as I get. I'm sure one of the mastering guys would know more about this stuff.

[ecktronic]

Its the average level in dBs. comercail stuff is at around -10 and below.
Some commercial stuff goes right up to -6dB!! Queens of the stoneage.

[paulybear]

excellent stuff. thanks. how do i check this in Cubase SX? I presume I should be worrying about while mixing or do i wait until i mix down the stero file and am mastering in Wavelab for example?

[apl]

RMS is an average, as opposed to peak which is instantaneous. The ratio of peak to rms is called the crest factor. For example, a drum hit has a high peak value but a low rms value. An organ has similar rms and peak levels (except for the scaling factor).

You probably don't really need to be worried about it, since in the digital domain 0dB is as loud as you can get.

[Atterion]

Originally Posted by apl

You probably don't really need to be worried about it, since in the digital domain 0dB is as loud as you can get.

Not as loud as you can get, but as loud as you can get before, your're signal turns nasty.

[apl]

Originally Posted by Atterion

Not as loud as you can get, but as loud as you can get before, your're signal turns nasty.

Yes, this is what I meant. Thanks for clearing it up.