There are no strict guidelines for these questions and there is only 1 rule:

"If it sounds good it is good."

It doesn't matter how you achieve the end result. It is however recommended to keep the level of your master channel at least below clipping (0dB) . How you do that is (in my opinion) irrelevant because, again, the same rule mentioned above applies.

However, some people let their tracks clip on purpose, it's a matter of taste and working methods really.

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quote:

If less is more think about how much more more would be. -Frasier

Yes, there are no rules. But starting with the kick peaking at -11dB to -8dB is a good guideline.

Since a couple of weeks, I've been using a very free tool to check you dB output. The plugin is the Solid State Logic X-ISM and is very accurate. Link (you have to subscribe though, but it's really worth it).

I use this on the master out in Cubase. This little tool really helps me to see howmany dB my output is. I always make sure that it is just below 0dB.

I also use the kick as a guideline for how the levels of the different tracks should be. Mostly, the kicklevel is -6dB, but my compressor pumps the volume up again.

I also use the Waves L3 on my master. If the volume is to low, I can easily pump it up with the L3.

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quote:

Originally posted by Theran Since a couple of weeks, I've been using a very free tool to check you dB output. The plugin is the Solid State Logic X-ISM and is very accurate. Link (you have to subscribe though, but it's really worth it). I use this on the master out in Cubase. This little tool really helps me

Downloaded. Thanks for the recommendation.

Ive been basing my overall levels around the kick.
I peak it @ -8 db, and then run it through a maximizer at the final output when the composition is complete and I'm ready to enter the loudness war.

It's good to have certain levels as a starting point, so your sounds are roughly in the ballpark. However, where the levels finally end up is a matter of artistic judgement, based on the sound of the samples you use - one kick may sound fine at -8dB, another may sound fine at -6dB.

Use levels as a guide, but if you try to apply a mathematical process such as "my kick should be at -6, my snare at -10, my hihat at -16" (these numbers are pulled out of the air and bear no relation to any actual mixing situation) then you'll end up with some very uneven, unmusical mixes.

You will get better at setting your levels with experience, as long as you're paying attention to your results, comparing them to your favourite tracks, learning and making adjustments.

it's very unimportant to have the elements at specific volumes. the important point is the volume RATIO between those elements.

quote:

Originally posted by MOK I peak it @ -8 db

Thanks to everyone that has posted. All very helpful points.

quote:

Originally posted by echosystm

Thx descriptive quality input.

quote:

Originally posted by Theran Since a couple of weeks, I've been using a very free tool to check you dB output. The plugin is the Solid State Logic X-ISM and is very accurate. Link (you have to subscribe though, but it's really worth it). I use this on the master out in Cubase. This little tool really helps me to see howmany dB my output is. I always make sure that it is just below 0dB.

Why on earth would you need this when Cubase has a built-in meter on every channel?

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