Mastering A Mixtape

[wado1942]

My first suggestion would be to use less limiting or use a different limiter. Make sure you don't have any super-deep bass stuff happening that you maybe can't hear but is heavily triggering the limiter as well.

[Owen Gillett]

Alternatively, use no limiting or compression unless there is a reason for it. For that matter, don't have anything in the signal chain unless there is a reason to.

This may seem like simplistic, obvious advice but sometimes the best advice!

If you are playing the compression wars game then yes, as wado is suggesting, essentially balancing the spectrum before dynamic processing will generally allow a higher RMS level to be achieved ie without as much distortion or undesirable artifacts.

If you are after (or can convince your friend to choose) quality over dynamic compromise then you can avoid sideeffects of limiting altogether!

Best,

Owen Gillett

[DrAudioBot]

Volume and EQ automation first, THEN maybe some gentle limiting.

[work2do]

As mentioned adjust the volume of each song first, then use the limiter lightly. Each song is probably limited already so u can push them all the way up if needed. Use your ears more than your eyes when doing this.

[Liam Judah]

Originally Posted by Owen Gillett

Alternatively, use no limiting or compression unless there is a reason for it. For that matter, don't have anything in the signal chain unless there is a reason to.

This may seem like simplistic, obvious advice but sometimes the best advice!

Really good advice. Especially when working with mix tape or compilation material coming from numerous artists, producers, or labels. A lot of times the material you receive will already have had major processing done before you ever see it. Outside of level setting, sometimes less is more when trying to get everything to work well together.

Originally Posted by work2do

Use your ears more than your eyes when doing this.

Can not be overstated. Again, good advice.