level of mix...?

[davecg321]

i am curious as to what the ideal db level for the loudest instrument in a mix should should be. i have been having problems when mastering such as clipping/distortion/nastiness. i assume i should leave more headroom in the mixing stage to allow more processing when using compressors and such at the mastering stage.

what do you guys mix at??

regards

dave

 

[bouldersoundguy]

Try choosing something as a reference, e.g. the kick drum, set it to peak around -18dBFS and mix everything to that. I like to aim for peaks around -12dBFS in the final mix, but they usually end up higher.

 

[RAMI]

Try choosing something as a reference, e.g. the kick drum, set it to peak around -18dBFS and mix everything to that. I like to aim for peaks around -12dBFS in the final mix, but they usually end up higher.

There's no reason for anything to come close to clipping. It doesn't matter what volume your mix comes in at, just turn everything down. Make sure it peaks well below 0db is really the only rule. Personally, my mixes usually peak around -12db to -10 db. There's is no good reason to worry about overall volume on a final mix. That's something you'd take care of after you have your final mix and take it into the mastering stage.

 

[davecg321]

thank you

that really helped!