Mastering levels?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Flamin Lip
  • Start date Start date
Flamin Lip

Flamin Lip

New member
I am sending my CD to a pro mastering guy this week after I do some final mixdown tweaks. Just a quick question.

Do I push the levels as close to 0 db, or should I leave him some headroom to push it further on his high end gear?

Thanks!
 
I guess I wasnt clear enough. When I mix down from a multitrack to a single WAV file. how close to zero db should I push it?
 
Oh I see... I was saying to leave it as is if you had already mixed it and the levels were set... no point in additional unnecessary processing when the ME could adjust it anyways.

When I mix, I generally get it within that 6dB range...
 
It depends on how comfortable you are in your ability to avoid overs.
In general, try and leave 1 to 3 dB room if you can accurately measure your peaks. Avoid going under -6, especially if you mix down in a DAW -- where you loose bitrate when summing down at low levels.
If you find any wild peaks - address those in your mixes rather than puling the overall volume of a mix down.
Also, as you mastering person what format is preferred (data or red book), what clock speed, bitrate etc.
 
I use PT's, so when using Maxim, or any plug like it, I just set the ceiling to a dB or two short of 0 and just listen carefully to any pumping and breathing during the mix. Keep in mind some softwares like PT's have some headroom before actual distortion occurs. At times when the red light comes on it will be a warning and not entirely distortion. I guess if you're not using a maximizer or whatever, just get the levels loud enough to not clip as these other guys are telling you.

later
 
Digidude824 said:
I use PT's, so when using Maxim, or any plug like it, I just set the ceiling to a dB or two short of 0 and just listen carefully to any pumping and breathing during the mix. Keep in mind some softwares like PT's have some headroom before actual distortion occurs. At times when the red light comes on it will be a warning and not entirely distortion. I guess if you're not using a maximizer or whatever, just get the levels loud enough to not clip as these other guys are telling you.

later
Click to expand...

Please note that when you send something to be mastered professionally - one of the best things you can do to make an ME's job hell, and ensure he can't do the best job possible, is to put a plug-in like Maxim (or any other 'mastering' plug-in) on your LR bus. It restricts an ME's ability to apply any type of processing.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top