Mixdowns are quiet

[swayofpendulums]

Whenever I bounce a song from cubase, the overall volume is relatively quiet when compared to the other music files on my computer. The input levels were all optimal while recording, and the output slider in the mixer window in cubase is also optimal.

In otherwords, I need to turn the playback volume up more than I would have to while listening to other songs, like a CD or mp3s on my computer.

I had this issue with protools before, and currently with cubase.

I'm just wondering if I'm doing something wrong, or if it has to do with the limitations of my hardware, or otherwise.

Peripherals:

Cubase Studio 4
M-Audio Firewire 1814
AKG Perception 200 (this is the only mic i've used in this circumstance)

 

[Rokket]

It's the difference between comsumer rated gear and what the pros use. That and hard limiting and over use of compression. Be happy with your mixes if they sound good and have good dynamics. Or go out and spend $100,000 to get the same gear the pro studios use.

 

[swayofpendulums]

I find it hard to believe that theres no way I can make my recordings louder without spending an unrealistic amount of money.

Not even a better mic preamp will help? I was thinking ones on a $500-$800 mixer?

 

[elly-d]

Once you have a good mixdown (don't use too much compression) then it is time to master it. On a home system this basically means EQ, overall Compression, Limiting and Volume. Import a track from a similar commercial CD on the next stereo track and compare. I find using a plugin that shows the EQ in a visual way helps alot in the comparison, I cant remember the name of the one I use. You can master in Cubase, but there are more specific ones around.

 

[NYMorningstar]

I find it hard to believe that theres no way I can make my recordings louder without spending an unrealistic amount of money.

Not even a better mic preamp will help? I was thinking ones on a $500-$800 mixer?

Forget the preamp. Your first assumption would be correct because you don't need to sink alot of dough into it to make it loud.

The most common problem with getting your mix louder is recording and mixing the tracks too hot. If you record in 24 bit, your target area should be around -18db. When you are mixing remove your dc offset and try exporting your mix at about -6 db. Then import that stereo file and raise the gain to around -.2 or -.1db whilst using a compressor/limiter. There are many, many other factors to consider but this should get you into the ballpark.

Keep in mind it ain't all about getting it loud. Make sure you keep the dynamics in your music otherwise your music will suffer a painful death. Unless you're drugged out, a constant loud volume will cause you and mostly everyone else to hit the off button.

 

[swayofpendulums]

The most common problem with getting your mix louder is recording and mixing the tracks too hot. If you record in 24 bit, your target area should be around -18db. When you are mixing remove your dc offset and try exporting your mix at about -6 db. Then import that stereo file and raise the gain to around -.2 or -.1db whilst using a compressor/limiter. There are many, many other factors to consider but this should get you into the ballpark.

So I've got my mix in cubase, now I've turned the sliders in the mixer down so that the levels stay around -18db. Is this correct?

What is my dc offset? And how do I export my mix at -6 db?

 

[NYMorningstar]

So I've got my mix in cubase, now I've turned the sliders in the mixer down so that the levels stay around -18db. Is this correct?

What is my dc offset? And how do I export my mix at -6 db?

How did you get your mix into Cubase?

When you record your tracks into Cubase is when you should target your average level at -18db.

Once the tracks are in Cubase then mix them to arrive at the -6db target. You do this by keeping your master level at unity and moving the faders on the individual tracks while also getting the proper balance, equalizing and adding your effects if any. Once you have the tracks balanced and hitting around -6db, you export the mix as a stereo interleaved file.

You then import the stereo file to do the final tweaking. What you need to do depends on the mix itself and like I said before in no way is this a comprehensive list but just a basic way to process your audio.


A DC offset happens when your hardware adds dc current to your audio signal and it results in the wave not being centered on the baseline. It may or may not cause glitches when you add sound effects to files that have offsets.

You should be able to determine the offset with the spectrum analyzer. You can correct the offset using the remove DC offset function which will increase the dynamic range of your digital audio file.

Oh ya and by the way, welcome to the BBS.