Using K system meters...

jayjay · 25th August 2009

I have been reading bob katz book and I am a bit unsure about using the K system without a calibrated monitor system.

Is it possible to use something like rnd inspector for metering with the K-14 scale and mix using that as a guide..

I should only be hitting O on the K scale,so everything is low on the channels in logic?

Will that help give me a more open mix?

Confused..

Larry Mal · 25th August 2009

I know the NuGen audio Visualizer will allow for K system metering. I would imagine that the RNDigital Inspector XL would let you, but I'm not sure about the free one though. The Presonus DAW Studio One also allows for it, possibly even defaults to it. Surely there are some other choices folks will post. Good luck, L

syntax · 25th August 2009

I know that Bob Katz is a Metric Halo SpectraFoo user. Foo is comprehensive metering program, and implements the K-system.

Metric Halo Spectra Foo Features
Katz Embrace SpectraFoo

I think you can demo it for 14days (with no crippling).

jayjay · 25th August 2009

thanks for the suggestions.

Im just unsure of how I should be working with the meters.

Should I make sure that I am hitting the sweet spot on the k meter?

This means everything is a lot lower within logic. All the chs end up being really low.

Will this ensure a better mix? Not overloading the mix bus etc..

Still feel that Im missing something.

-Noodles- · 25th August 2009

You need to calibrate your monitors (re: amplitude at your listening level).

Then when you use the meters you're actually listening to the music at the right level, instead of it coming out at the right level - and you monitoring too loud or too quiet in relation to the K-Scale.

But Bob will be along shortly to tell me I was talking rubbish!

jayjay · 25th August 2009

so using the k metering system is of no use or benefit without a calibrated monitoring system?

I was thinking that if you use a meter with (k 14 for example) on the 2 buss you will keep everything really low so that your are not clipping.Giving you a lot of headroom and a better mix.

jayjay · 26th August 2009

bump..

someone must know

blueshowdoyoudo · 26th August 2009

My admittedly inexpert understanding is that the "quick and dirty" method is to set your volume control so that full range pink noise at -20 dBFS RMS creates a reading of 83 dB SPL on a wideband, C weighting, slow response meter placed at your monitoring position. (see page 200 in Mastering Audio) I believe that would be K-20. Mark that monitor level so that you don't vary from it while mixing. Now your digital levels will be appropriately low and you'll have plenty of headroom (because if they aren't your playback will be much too loud).

Corrections welcome.

jayjay · 26th August 2009

thanks..but do you know if using the metering system without a calibrated monitor setup is of any use.

25th August 2009	#1
jayjay Gear nut Joined: Apr 2006 Location: london Posts: 98 Thread Starter	Using K system meters... I have been reading bob katz book and I am a bit unsure about using the K system without a calibrated monitor system. Is it possible to use something like rnd inspector for metering with the K-14 scale and mix using that as a guide.. I should only be hitting O on the K scale,so everything is low on the channels in logic? Will that help give me a more open mix? Confused..

25th August 2009	#5
-Noodles- Lives for gear Joined: Oct 2006 Location: Scotland, UK Posts: 717 1 Review written	You need to calibrate your monitors (re: amplitude at your listening level). Then when you use the meters you're actually listening to the music at the right level, instead of it coming out at the right level - and you monitoring too loud or too quiet in relation to the K-Scale. But Bob will be along shortly to tell me I was talking rubbish! __________________ Mac user; Logic and ProTools.

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25th August 2009	#2
Larry Mal Lives for gear Joined: Dec 2007 Location: Saint Louis Posts: 1,482	I know the NuGen audio Visualizer will allow for K system metering. I would imagine that the RNDigital Inspector XL would let you, but I'm not sure about the free one though. The Presonus DAW Studio One also allows for it, possibly even defaults to it. Surely there are some other choices folks will post. Good luck, L

25th August 2009	#3
syntax Gear addict Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 472	I know that Bob Katz is a Metric Halo SpectraFoo user. Foo is comprehensive metering program, and implements the K-system. Metric Halo Spectra Foo Features Katz Embrace SpectraFoo I think you can demo it for 14days (with no crippling).

26th August 2009	#7
jayjay Gear nut Joined: Apr 2006 Location: london Posts: 98 Thread Starter	bump.. someone must know

26th August 2009	#8
blueshowdoyoudo Gear Head Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 31	My admittedly inexpert understanding is that the "quick and dirty" method is to set your volume control so that full range pink noise at -20 dBFS RMS creates a reading of 83 dB SPL on a wideband, C weighting, slow response meter placed at your monitoring position. (see page 200 in Mastering Audio) I believe that would be K-20. Mark that monitor level so that you don't vary from it while mixing. Now your digital levels will be appropriately low and you'll have plenty of headroom (because if they aren't your playback will be much too loud). Corrections welcome.