Loudness maximizer - gain reduction

[inthecorner]

Hi.

How much gain reduction (in db) is ok when using a loudness maximizer? What's the danger zone?

[huejahfink]

If it sounds like sh*t, you've really gone too far.

[inthecorner]

Originally Posted by huejahfink

If it sounds like sh*t, you've really gone too far.

Thanks.

But surely some of you have noticed an average over the years?

[staudio]

It really depends on the material and the device(s) you are using. Sometimes one dB is too much, sometimes four dB is still clean enough to get away with.

You have to listen and decide.

[inthecorner]

What would some of u say is a really good loudness maximizer processor to go with?

[staudio]

Originally Posted by inthecorner

What would some of u say is a really good loudness maximizer processor to go with?

I think Ozone 4 is pretty good. It has a wide variety of settings and the price is right considering all the other tools you get with it.

[huejahfink]

Originally Posted by inthecorner

But surely some of you have noticed an average over the years?

Not really. Completely depends on the material. Loads of heads around here swear that they very rarely reduce more than 2db on a single device.
It's not necessarily a bad guideline, but I wouldn't make it a rule personally.
I say it's a case by case basis.

[inthecorner]

Am I right when I say using an analog comp/limit is far superior to a digital one?

[staudio]

Originally Posted by inthecorner

Am I right when I say using an analog comp/limit is far superior to a digital one?

Not always. Digital has certain benefits over analog when it comes to transparency. I may use both analog and/or digital dynamics and EQ and that is how I get the results I want.

Digital has a bad reputation but as long as the tool is high quality it doesn't matter whether it is analog or digital.

[inthecorner]

Originally Posted by staudio

Not always. Digital has certain benefits over analog when it comes to transparency. I may use both analog and/or digital dynamics and EQ and that is how I get the results I want.

Digital has a bad reputation but as long as the tool is high quality it doesn't matter whether it is analog or digital.

Interesting... Thanks.
What is your opinion on the vintage compressor in T-racks?

[staudio]

Originally Posted by inthecorner

Interesting... Thanks.
What is your opinion on the vintage compressor in T-racks?

I've never used it so I can't say.

[Unclenny]

Originally Posted by inthecorner

How much gain reduction (in db) is ok when using a loudness maximizer?

I like 0dB.

I put up my trusty old L1 and carefully pump the gain into it. it usually starts making me smile well before any gain reduction gets registered.

[mr.farkendorfer]

Originally Posted by inthecorner

Interesting... Thanks.
What is your opinion on the vintage compressor in T-racks?

That's generally thought of as one of the better modules in T-racks, if not the best.

I've heard a number of posters say that its the only thing they really like or use from T-racks.

Worth checking out, for sure.

YMMV. Its obviously not an actual Fairchild, but it does act similarly, and it works as a mid-side processor [if you're into that].

[CJ Mastering]

How much gain reduction (in db) is ok when using a loudness maximizer? What's the danger zone?

Your ears will tell you when you gone to far.
There is no set range for this. The onyl way to know, it to use your ears!!!
Cj