Cubase Question when Recording

[leaversday]

Gotta question regarding Cubase. I have a Firepod and use the version of Cubase that came free with the interface. It dosen't have nearly the functionality but like I said, it was the chopped down free version. When my band uses it to record, the recordings have a fairly good sound with good levels. When I try to make an MP3, I lose musch of the quality and have to crank the levels on the computer to hear it.

I don't know much about recording just yet so can someone please tell me what step am I missing? whats the best way to mix this thing down so that it has the levels of the recorded version in Cubase? Do I need to send this signal into something else for the mixdown?

 

[Atterion]

As far as mp3 quality is concerned, you are going to have some loss of quality, so your best bet is to use a higher data rate when exporting to mp3 (i.e. 192 or 256kbps instead of 128kbps). As far as the mp3 playing back at a different level, I don't think that is the fault of the mp3 itself, but rather the playback device you are using (i.e. Windows Media Player, Winamp, etc...). Your best bet is to always have your master outputs in your software set to 0dB (which should provide uniform playback level from your computer), and adjust your speaker volume via your your monitor amp (or Home Stereo....Cough,Cough,,,,,), mixer, or even through your Firepod's control panel (consult your documentation here, I don't use a Firepod).

 

[Markaholic]

Dont mixdown to mp3...mix it down to a stereo wav !
All burners support wav files and will convert them to a cda just like it would an mp3..but you get to keep the quality and not the shit ass conversion loss of an mp3!
Now, If you need to use mp3 format for say the web or portable mp3 players...then like atterion mentioned...use the highest bitrate you can go...320 kbps i think?

Thats just for starters

 

[leaversday]

Thanks for the info everyone, i'll give the other format a try