Originally posted by kingsley:
I enjoyed all the posts on the loudness topic but i one question, How do you do it!

Recording to analog tape is one good way. Of course that's got nothing to do with mastering, well maybe it does.

Originally posted by kingsley:

Where can i get more volume without smasing the dynamics?
Thank You,

bruce

Well, really, you can't. None of those super hot CD's *have* any dynamics. That being said, you could try a few things- First, mix very evenly- use some compression in mixing, but pay attention to actual levels as well- smooth out the mix more with fader moves/automation than compression across the board. Make sure the bottom is clear and present, but not muddy. Then, when mastering; first compressor with a threshold really far down (-30 to -40), ratio between 1.1 and 1.2 to 1, and medium long attack and release. Get 2-6 dB of gain reduction from that one, and pull out some of the bottom end that will push a compressor harder. Second compressor a little higher ratio, faster attack and release, and higher threshold. Another few dB from that. EQ to taste if you need to- less bottom and more top will lend itself to a louder CD. Finally, a good lookahead peak limiter. Depending on what quality we're talking about, you can get anywhere from 1 to 6ish more dB from this stage. I'd try at least the Waves plugins for this. Then just play with all the settings and get a feel for how it's all interacting.

Now, I am not a mastering engineer, and I don't necessarily think that the above exercise of excess will always produce a decent _sounding_ CD, but it'll be loud. The good comes with the guy turning the knobs!

Here is an article that you should read.[[url=http://[/URL]="http://www.digido.c…"]Katz article.[/]="http://www.digido.c…"]Katz article.[/]