does mixing down up the dB?

[jimmyjames9]

i just recorded part of a song (a first), and then normalized it and mixed it down. all the levels were set to where i wanted them. then after i mixed it down it clipped like crazy. do you need to set the levels lower than what you want before mixdown? i'm using n-track.

 

[dobro]

Something I've noticed using Cool Edit: I record two tracks simultaneously, and the individual tracks aren't clipping when I lay the tracks down. But during playback, the combined tracks go into the red frequently (but usually sound okay, nevertheless). And I haven't even *started* to mix down yet.

 

[cwillu]

Are the tracks being recorded hard panned, and played back centered? If so, that could explain the clipping, maybe.

William Underwood

 

[Eddie N]

do you mean you mixed that initial track down with other tracks ? if thats the case then i can explain...

when you record a digital track you want to get it as hot as possible..which means as close as you can get to 0 db with out clipping.. after a few tracks at almost 0 db are mixed together and played in unison , the resulting mix will clip .. when you mix down to one track , you need to watch your main output level.. it if clips , just lower it until it doesnt..

bottom line : the more tracks you mix the hotter the signal gets the more you have to back off your levels during mixdown..

- eddie -