Gearslutz.com - View Single Post - DAW Mixing: Lower Levels=Better Sounding Mixes?

uptoolate · 27th April 2007

I've been reading alot about keeping the input and channel levels lower (around -6) to get cleaner, better mixes.

Has anyone found this to be tue? I for one, am a believer.

My question is this though: When doing "do it yourself mastering" ITB on a 24 bit file, is it still desirable to keep everything lower?

I basically use EQ,mulitband compression and the L2 plug to punch it up, but do I just accept that it will be more quiet?

Or, since this is the final stage, is it ok to go ahead an take it close to zero?

I know the real answer is "dont master it yourself", but for some of my clients, pro mastering is out of their budget.

Thanks!

27th April 2007	#1
uptoolate Lives for gear Joined: Apr 2005 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 565 Thread Starter	DAW Mixing: Lower Levels=Better Sounding Mixes? I've been reading alot about keeping the input and channel levels lower (around -6) to get cleaner, better mixes. Has anyone found this to be tue? I for one, am a believer. My question is this though: When doing "do it yourself mastering" ITB on a 24 bit file, is it still desirable to keep everything lower? I basically use EQ,mulitband compression and the L2 plug to punch it up, but do I just accept that it will be more quiet? Or, since this is the final stage, is it ok to go ahead an take it close to zero? I know the real answer is "dont master it yourself", but for some of my clients, pro mastering is out of their budget. Thanks!