Do I have to choose between clipping & low volume?

[timandjes]

When I mix down, my mixer program (software) often shows that I'm clipping. To reduce or almost eliminate the clipping, I lower the volume of the clipping tracks.... But, then my final product is much quieter than commercial CD's.

How can I solve the clipping problem w/out sacrificing the final volume?

 

[BrettB]

maybe a stupid question, but do you use compression?

If not, the answer is that simple

 

[xxx_Eli_xxx]

I am having the same problem. HEar is where i am at so far. My drums are compressed and eqed and mixed. it's track volume is all the way up almost peaked in fact it does at some times.
My guitar is compressed and compressed again with a multi band compressor My guitar signal is mixed and split into two tones it's track volume is almost peaking (I some times record Guitar in stereo)
The Bass track is same as guitar
My Vocals (WHich is the hardest track for me) is compressed and then compressed again with A multi band compressor,equalization,limiters,reverb,Echo,Anolog Delay, I do not peak the volume on vocals i use my head phones to blend in the vocals.
OK after all this then I turn up the main master volume beyond peak i mean its in the red so turn your monitor down so you don't blow your tweeters. now back it off until peaking and clipping goes away. This is where limiters come in on your master i have not figured limiters out but peak limiters are a key to high volume I haven't figured this out yet. Hope This Helps

 

[mixsit]

Actually yeah I could see where you might be still having a problem. That's a mess.

(..old thread alert