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In Cubase, if I wanting to do an audio mix down (in order to master in Wavelab using processing), what is a safe level for the master outs? Should I keep it in the green-yellow (or can it creep into the read every so often? Should I not let it past 0db (as I can always increase it during mastering)?

Comments

RemyRAD Tue, 03/03/2009 - 18:13

Giving yourself some headroom always makes more sense. Especially if you want a Mastering Engineer "to make it better". You don't want to pay a ME just for damage control. You want them to give you that extra sparkle. You need some sparkle space to make that happen. And so, 24-bit mastering, makes sense in that situation as it gives you more room to move further down. So being lower doesn't mean it's not good. It means you have some sense to yourself and will end up with a superior product because of it.

I'm tired of this snow. Can't get into my studio. Blah!
Ms. Remy Ann David

Codemonkey Wed, 03/04/2009 - 08:34

You lose nothing (nothing audible) by mixing with peaks at -8dB.

When it goes to the mastering stage of the lifecycle, they can slam it up 0dBFS once they're finished with their magic, when the producer starts prodding them in the back.

Even if you master it yourself you should keep it lower on mixdown. Then when you master it, you can slam it.