Subject:See master levels of project?

Posted by: technicaltitch

Date:11/26/2010 11:04:44 AM

Hi,

I'm using ACID to create a DJ mix, and would like to check the final output levels over the whole 2 hour mix before rendering to ensure no saturation.

The only way I've found to do this is either to play it and watch the master output channel (takes 2 hours), or render it and look at the waveform in some third party app (takes an hour and a half). The problem is I have a smidgen of compression on the master channel so I have to check the entire two hour mix every time I make a tweak.

Is there any more convenient method? I don't want to resort to the 'Smooth saturation' checkbox, but the struggle to do it properly is sapping me of the will to live!!

Thanks hugely
Chris

Subject:RE: See master levels of project?

Reply by: Vocalpoint

Date:11/26/2010 11:30:02 AM

I am assuming the by "saturation" you mean no clipping - if so - slap a limiter (not compression) on the master bus....set the peak value and off you go.

If you want to use compression - I would insert a bus track and run a compressor on that - then feed all your tracks thru the bus and then to the master section...

VP

Subject:RE: See master levels of project?

Reply by: technicaltitch

Date:11/27/2010 5:01:08 AM

Sorry yes that's what I mean, thanks for the advice. Is it possible to identify the troublesome peaks?

Subject:RE: See master levels of project?

Reply by: Vocalpoint

Date:11/27/2010 8:02:14 AM

Well - why bother? Peaks are peaks and depending on the source material - you could be tracking a ton of them.

I would go the other way and ensure I have NO peaks to worry about and to get there you need to ask yourself - why is your mix so hot? If you want to control peaks - simply make sure there are none there to begin with - a proper mix should contain plenty of headroom and never have any peaks blasting past 0.0dbFS. A typical mix over here would have the entire thing peaking @ -3dbFS. - with no effects @ all. After that's taken care of - I would move into adding compression and/or limiting.

If you are seeing clip lights and such - effects are not the answer - you have a problematic mix and need to address that first. Then worry about adding a little "girth" to the sound with compression and or limiting..

VP

Subject:RE: See master levels of project?

Reply by: technicaltitch

Date:12/1/2010 5:42:35 AM

I was trying to squeeze as much as possible out of the bit depth, and struggling due to the extra sensitivity when DJ mixing with a DAW (I find I can combine kicks with analogue mixers but not in a DAW), but you are absolutely right of-course. Thanks for taking the time.

Subject:RE: See master levels of project?

Reply by: Vocalpoint

Date:12/1/2010 3:47:52 PM

Don't worry about squeezing out as much "bit depth" and such. Worry about maintaining headroom. If you want your mix to pack a wallop and still to be able to do a "volume" treatment on the final mix - you can't have the unprocessed file slamming zero BEFORE you get to this step.

Any mix (regardless of style) should be peaking no higher than say -5dbFS to allow adequate enough headroom to allow for the additional compression and/or limiting treatments.

Cheers!

VP

Subject:RE: See master levels of project?

Reply by: pwppch

Date:12/3/2010 7:04:55 PM

All of this advice is great. Vey important to know how to control your mix. If in general this is the first stage before a proper mastering stage, the all of these suggestions are perfect place to start.

What I want to add is that listening is the most important aspect. Use the technology, but don't forget to use your ears. I have had conversations with many a mastering engineer. All of them told me the same thing: listen, then listen some more. Set up the basics, then listen. Listen away from your editing desk. Remember where the problems are, don't go hunting for them.

Special case the specific problems, but keep it simple. A little goes a long way, and keeps the overall mix constant. Then listen again.

One guy put it this way: the best mixes are the most consitent ones.

Peter