Newbie needs some help

[rewt_]

Hey guys, I'm a newbie and I could use some help...

Just got done with my first recording project, which went well for a first effort, but I found that even with compression/limiting (Waves Ultramaximizer, Digidesign Maxim, etc) I couldn't get the tracks as loud as I wanted. I've been giving it a lot of thought, trying to figure out whether it was a recording problem, mixing problem, or whether my gear just doesn't have much headroom. Like I said I'm a newbie so this is all new territory to me. I'm using the following:

Digidesign Digi 001
Pro Tools LE
Mackie Mixer (1402 VLZ-Pro)
Cheap mics (57, 58s, an AT shotgun condenser, and some Sennheiser tom mics)


You can hear the tracks at:

http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/507/rizen1.html

I'd really appreciate your opinions (even if you can't help with the volume issue). Since it's my first effort, don't expect sonic bliss lol. But I could really use some pointers or at least a "You Suck"/"You're on the Right Track" message. Anyway thanks in advance, I appreciate any help you can throw my way.

Jim
rewt@rawx.com

 

[Fusion2]

dude, your cross posting from newb, why?

 

[chessrock]

Rewt,

I've been giving your mix a lot of thought, myself. And I'd worry about getting out whatever it is your singer has lodged in his throat before I concerned myself with your mix.


Hey Rewt, I just made your mix really loud. Wanna' know how I did it?

I cranked the volume up to 11 ! ! !

ROCK ! ! ! ROCK ! ! ! ROCK ! ! !

 

[malcolm123]

you have waves and didnt mention the L1 or L2 ?

uhmmm.


To answer your question. Try limiting. small amounts then suit to taste. Play with the presets and see if you can hear the differences. Also make sure it's the last step of your processing.

Malcolm

 

[rewt_]

I said Waves Ultramaximizer.. I thought that's what L1/L2 were called. I could be wrong.