Level Of Final Mix Before Going To Mastering

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jaynm26

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I really would like to hear from the guys that run the mastering studios. (here we go again! :facepalm:). No, lol anyone that receives songs to master or that runs a mastering buisness. To me this is very important because not often do we get to hear what level the mastering engrs want or whats more entertaining what they receive lol.

Me personally i look at it like this. I see a mix going to master as way for me to polish everything I have mixed. I see it as house building metaphorically. If you want a big house you have to give your construction workers alot "ROOM" to build that big house. You cant even give them a house that is already "semi built" and def not a home that is already fully constructed? They might look at you a little weird. (Uggh?? what do you mean build you a house? Dont you see that HUGE 3 story in your own front yard??) You give them just a foundation with a lot of real estate and WHOALA! They can build you a gigantic beautiful home with all the splendor and detail.

I like to give the Mastering Eng ALOT of "ROOM" & "REAL ESTATE" to build upon. I dont want nothing in the way no high gain, no limiters, no nothing. Clean foundation and alot of real estate.

So my final mixes or at RMS -10, PEAK -6dbFS. So the highest audio level in dbFS is -6 for me. Im giving the Mastering Eng as much as 12dB of Headroom. Im allowing him all that dB "ROOM" to polish and build upon. Mastering Eng have some amazing equip. Manley's, API's, CraneSongs, GMLs, Chandlers, Masalec, Wiess, Neve, Prisim, & Fairchilds. And also some of the top converters in music PERIOD and you would only give him 1 dB to work with or worse 0.01? :facepalm: Dont know bout yall but I want to give him all the dB I can give. I want MORE of my sound to be able to go thru all those goodies not less. Thas just my take on it and how I perceive it...Could be wrong.
 
Assuming we're talking about summing digitally here --- As long as the mix "naturally" (as in, no limiting or excessive compression on the 2-buss) isn't clipping, it's all fine. Not a big deal if it's -1, -10 or -20dBFS peaks.

I'd also suggest that you might check your math somewhere -- If your mixes are sitting at -10dBRMS and peaking at -6dBFS, you're talking about a 4dB crest (which is - there isn't even a word for it really). Typically, I'd submit that the average -6dBFS peak mix is going to be sitting at maybe -24 or -30dBRMS (crests of maybe 18-24dB, which is pretty normal).
 
Sawtooth LMAO!! My peaks are at -6 dB they dont bounce from -10 to -6. No saw tooth. -6 dBFS are my peaks and there is nothing wrong with it. IM A GREAT MIXER lol. Hey Massive how much you charge for the master I will send you my mixes one day so you can master them for me.
 
Massive your jus a Forum Slut lol I see you on gearslutz, here and on another site i cant remember lol. This man massive is omnipresent
 
RAMI said:
I don't even think that's possible. And, if it is, I'd be scared as hell to listen to it. :eek:
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Im gonna be sending Massive my mixes. Hey is there a way to post songs on here? Sorry Im a newb
 
My mixes maybe at -6 but they have great balance and sound. They are not squished at all. What is there no way to mix a song at -6 dB and it not sound good?
 
jaynm26 said:
My mixes maybe at -6 but they have great balance and sound. They are not squished at all. What is there no way to mix a song at -6 dB and it not sound good?
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No, that's not what I'm saying. I'm saying it's impossible that you mixes peak -6db, while averaging -10db. -10db is extremely loud, louder than most commercial mixes AFTER mastering.

Your numbers have to be off somewhere.
 
Analogue - Digital scale.webp

The scale on the right Peaks at -6dB Full Scale is that really that bad? its only 4 dB from the ceiling I really dont understand the hype???
 
Once again, that's not what I'm talking about. There's nothing wrong with peaking at -6db.

I'm saying there's no way you're averaging -10RMS.
 
RAMI said:
No, that's not what I'm saying. I'm saying it's impossible that you mixes peak -6db, while averaging -10db. -10db is extremely loud, louder than most commercial mixes AFTER mastering.

Your numbers have to be off somewhere.
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Oh I see, Ok I see what the hype is about lol. (You know when things make sense to you but wonder why its dosent to everyone else..Yeah this is that moment) I mix my instruments/sounds at RMS -10. I record" round" -18 to -16 dbFS to stay close to VU 0 metering after that my my stems are round -10. (My kick bounce round -10 and -8.). Now at the mixing stage once Im done my final mix overall level "WHICH IS IN MY MIXBUS" is at -6. A 10-RMS and a level & -6 peak Im well aware that is impossible it dosent even coincide not in the same universe. LOL (Im really laughing bout sawtooth wav now LMAOOO!!!) No, I was thinkin and typing two diff things guys. It made since to me but I guess it came out wrong. Sorry lol gonna read what I type from now on LMAO!!
 
jaynm26 said:
No, I was thinkin and typing two diff things guys. It made sense to me but I guess it came out wrong. Sorry, gonna read what I type from now on !
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That would be a good idea. You'll be amazed at your literary prowess !
 
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