Track or Master Fader - which to 'push'

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sp_clark

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I posted this in the Mixing/Mastering forum, and someone suggested I put it here. I don't think this is a specific mfg'r question, but rather a general one that would apply to any mixing/mastering equipment.

I have a question regarding mastering. Once I bounce my tracks down to a stereo mix, I then create a master mix. I am using a BOSS BR1600CD. When I bounce the tracks, I try to get the 'hottest' sound I can to the stereo tracks, but I don't 'max it out' at that point. Then, I take those stereo tracks and 'master' them, tweaking little things here and there. Which fader should I use to increase the overall output level to near 0db. Should I push the track fader 'above' the master, or vice versa or does it matter either way. I keep thinking I am getting a bit of distortion, and it seems that leaving the track fader lower, but pushing the master causes this to be worse than the other way around. My guess is that it does not matter...Any thoughts? I am pretty new to this stuff...but LOVIN IT! ; - )

Steve
 
I think that either way, you should not go above -1 on the master level. I use an 1880, so I assume it's a bit similar. I always mix so that when I have the master fader at 100, and the level never hits 0. Then I record all tracks to the Master tracks, still making sure it never hits 0. That's the only way to get distortion, is to overdrive a track (or buss) by hitting 0 on a digital device. So, to answer your question, I would leave the tracks you are recording to on 100, and adjust the tracks you are playing to make sure the meter on the master never hits 0.

Do you have Mastering Tools on the Boss? I use it as a limiter so my peak hits -1 to get the hottest signal.
 
Phosphene, thanks for the response. I do have the mastering tools on the BOSS. As I am pretty new to this, how should the limiter be used?

Steve
 
I always set the limiter in my Mastering Tool Kit to -1 and try to get the stereo track level to not hit it TOO hard, (it is a brick wall), but just often enough so I am getting a hot level. If you hit it too hard, you could get unwanted artifacts, distortion, or smearing.

Throw it on your Stereo Master Buss on INSERT.
 
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