Mixing/Master levels

[cstockdale]

I use SONAR 2.2 XL. I have a decent mix, but was comparing it to a "similar" song on a commercial CD that has dynamics/instrumentation like mine, namely Radiohead "bones" off "The Bends". The radiohead tune is WAY bigger than what I have been able to turn out.

Main question: when mixing, at -6dB, it turns to "red" just when it crosses that threshold. I have all my levels peaking at -6dB to keep it out of the red, then apply light mastering compression. Do I want to keep it out of the red altogehter? Or do i want to push it into the red, but avoid hitting 0?

The main issue that crops up is the drums... I am using a drum sequencer (DR008), and at certain points in the song, when snare/kick/hihat all occur at the same time, it pushes the wave peak up another 5-6dB than when they happen on their own. I want to have the drums (esp snare) up front in the mix, but when I drop the drum levels to keep it from clipping at these transient spots, the overall impact is way too light, and then I have to drop all other levels down to keep the relative levels right in the mix. This is where I am losing the "punch" the song needs. IF these transients weren't popping up so high, everything would be great, but there they are standing up like Everest and K2 in the Appalachians.

The drums are in MIDI , so is there some trick? Is this what dither is all about? or what is it?

Enquiring minds need to know!

[Analytical Man]

What i think you need to dois apply a compressor, or limiter to the drums. it will keep the volume more consistantwhich in turn will allow you to increase their volume without spikes...and loud sections. And if you want to apply compression to the overall mix you can increase your end volume and presence in that way. But don't overdue it.