Understanding ITB -6 dB on Master Bus

jaysunice · 5th August 2006, 11:48 PM

Questions:

1) If I set my master bus fader (in Logic) to -6 and let the levels peak at 0 is that the same as setting the fader to 0 and letting it peak at -6?

2) When I bounce (to do some DIY mastering) the master bus should I leave the fader at -6 (if I choose the first scenario from question 1) or should I bring it back up to 0 first -- or does it not make a difference?

--> I've been doing a lot of reading on the arguments for -3 / -6 dB on the master bus for digital mixing and I'm just in a spin...

jaysunice · 6th August 2006, 08:40 PM

Too stupid a question? Nobody wanna take a stab?

mixernet · 7th August 2006, 09:01 AM

you should DEFINATELY leave your master fader at 0, and adjust your mix to read at -6db or whatever you settle on.

Adjusting the master fader is just another calculation that needs to be done, it can only have a negative effect on your mix.

Sammy · 7th August 2006, 02:05 PM

I work in Nuendo. It always bugs me, having to keep an eye on the master to stay below 0. Kills my workflow, so I don't do it. I'll get a great sounding mix, check to see whether I have overs. If so, back off the master fader by the right amount, turn up mastervolume on the monitor-controller... done. Sonic impact is near null IMO.

jaysunice · 7th August 2006, 03:39 PM

Any more opinions? Two arguments going right now...

Any place where I can find some real "to-the-point" reading on the -3 or -6 dB thing?

Sammy · 7th August 2006, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaysunice

Any more opinions? Two arguments going right now...

Well I don't know about the two arguments:

Quote:

Originally Posted by mixernet

Adjusting the master fader is just another calculation that needs to be done, it can only have a negative effect on your mix.

In theory I agree fully with this statement. For me the keyword is *can*, though. I would abandon my practice if I would hear a difference. I don't. Do you? I think that's what matters in the end.

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5th August 2006, 11:48 PM	#1
jaysunice Gear maniac Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Cleveland, OH Posts: 153	Understanding ITB -6 dB on Master Bus Questions: 1) If I set my master bus fader (in Logic) to -6 and let the levels peak at 0 is that the same as setting the fader to 0 and letting it peak at -6? 2) When I bounce (to do some DIY mastering) the master bus should I leave the fader at -6 (if I choose the first scenario from question 1) or should I bring it back up to 0 first -- or does it not make a difference? --> I've been doing a lot of reading on the arguments for -3 / -6 dB on the master bus for digital mixing and I'm just in a spin...

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6th August 2006, 08:40 PM	#2
jaysunice Gear maniac Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Cleveland, OH Posts: 153	Too stupid a question? Nobody wanna take a stab?

7th August 2006, 09:01 AM	#3
mixernet Gear interested Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 24	you should DEFINATELY leave your master fader at 0, and adjust your mix to read at -6db or whatever you settle on. Adjusting the master fader is just another calculation that needs to be done, it can only have a negative effect on your mix.

7th August 2006, 02:05 PM	#4
Sammy Gear maniac Join Date: May 2004 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 186	I work in Nuendo. It always bugs me, having to keep an eye on the master to stay below 0. Kills my workflow, so I don't do it. I'll get a great sounding mix, check to see whether I have overs. If so, back off the master fader by the right amount, turn up mastervolume on the monitor-controller... done. Sonic impact is near null IMO.

7th August 2006, 03:39 PM	#5
jaysunice Gear maniac Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Cleveland, OH Posts: 153	Any more opinions? Two arguments going right now... Any place where I can find some real "to-the-point" reading on the -3 or -6 dB thing?