A newbie mix question

Posted: Sun May 07, 2006 6:21 am

Somebody once told me there was no such thing as a stupid question, so...

I have a solo 'band' and I record by myself. I'm well aware that when recording, you don't want to have your input levels higher than 0Db. So, taking a song I've recorded, all the individual tracks are below 0DB when played by themselves. However, with all the tracks playing and the song mixed down to a single file, the levels hit 0Db. The simple question - is this a problem?

And, perhaps this is a separate question - is it a problem if the final track's sound is as I want it?

I was considering distributing my album by myself, and I have this voice at the back of my head telling me that if I send a CD off to be pressed, they'll send it back and say "go away, this CD has levels over 0Db".

Thanks for the help.

Posted: Sun May 07, 2006 11:15 am

I'm a recording newbie, too, but I'd say thats a Bad Thing.

In Cubase, and I assume most other programs, there's a master fader which controls the overall volume of the song. Try lowering that until your mix peaks at -.3 dB or so.

Posted: Sun May 07, 2006 11:46 am

So simple, so obvious, so effective... Laughing

thanks!

Posted: Sun May 07, 2006 12:53 pm

That's summing going on there. Is this clipping a peak thing that happens every now and then or is it on-going?

If you can determine the tracks/peaks that cause the clipping then maybe you can try lowering just those peaks or use some subtle compression on those tracks.

If the clipping is on-going then lowering the master might suffice.

Posted: Sun May 07, 2006 1:06 pm

How would you lower an individual peak on a DAW? Do actually go in and edit that single part, or would you just automate the volume and bring it down at tad at that moment?

Either way sounds kinda klunky...

Posted: Sun May 07, 2006 9:32 pm

Use a compressor on the track(s) causing the most clipping. That'll reduce everything above a specified level by ratio that you decide. It's perfect for reducing peaks, and will give you more headroom.

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