Message 21/30
Date: 30-Aug-02 @ 04:59 PM -
RE: Mastering a mix CD...
Here's my technique:
I use compression more for its sound and then a limiter for volume. I can tell you that most pros won't hit an L1 or L2 limiter more than 3, maybe 5 dB depending on the music. Any more and it starts getting audible.
When I mixdown, I put it into Sound Forge or Wavelab and analyze the song in sections. The loudest sections shouldn't have an RMS level more than -10dBfs, and that's REALLY screaming in my opinion (although unfortunately, that's how many pro albums are mastered these days and ya gotta compete). For my downtempo stuff, I try to get the loudest sections about -12 to -14dB. Analyzing it also lets me check the left/right balance. So if there's a level or balance problem, I just go back to Sonar, adjust my limiter and stereo imager on the master fader, and rebounce it. Check it again. Works for me.
If there are quiet sections that need brought out, sometimes I'll edit the mixdown with some fades. But I don't like to try and "level" a song with a limiter or compressor. It becomes too audible.
psylichon