Hi, Just wondering what the pro's uses to master there mix Compilation so that in the mixing part there will not be changes in the level of the Volume?

I think that useing Brick Wall Limiter is the Answer but all the Track's are already copmressed , so maybe useing an Expander is the answer?

I'm talking about "A State Of Trance" "In search Of Sunrise" series and others

what do you think?

ableton and just draw volume curves, you didn't think that anyone actually is mixing these compilations with 2 Pio's and a DJ mixer?

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Analogue Mastering
Esoteric sound for the discerning ear

Some purists still do. Even some of the big ones

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quote:

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

quote:

Originally posted by Storyteller Some purists still do. Even some of the big ones

didn't know that, thought everyone was using Ableton now and Virtual DJ / Tractor / Serato if they wanted to do something "live" But then again i know nothing about DJ'ing

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Analogue Mastering
Esoteric sound for the discerning ear

Raphie, if you have no idea then please stop giving advice on the topic.

I'm under the impression that most DJ compilations are mixed live then edited. You can mix live in ableton then go back and edit the automation you've recorded. All the live feel with no risk of messing it up. There are probably similar solutions for serato and traktor too, but I'm not sure.

Alternatively, I imagine that they record each new track to a new audio track in a DAW, so that they can go back to whichever point in the mix they like and start again. So they'd mix a track in on a new audio track, create a new audio track in DAW, mix another track in onto that track etc. But I'm not 100% on that.

Certainly no one would just use ableton's automation curves. And NO ONE would ever just use a limiter, @ the OP, you should probably familiarise yourself with this concept of DJing.

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quote:

Originally posted by kitphillips Raphie, if you have no idea then please stop giving advice on the topic. I'm under the impression that most DJ compilations are mixed live then edited. but I'm not sure. Alternatively, I imagine that they record each new track to a new audio track in a DAW, But I'm not 100% on that.

I know this much: you either record 1 mix,(this is how i get them for mastering and i place PQ codes and insert markers) or you align tracks up a timeline which after mixdown more or less have the same result, being 1 file with no markers.

If you still want to even out your volumes, do that AFTER you've mixed your track, but do appreciate this nevers goes without dynamics artifacts. Maybe consider that part of DJ'ing might be making sure that you maintain volume throughout your set? also recognize that dynamics is not a bad thing, something can only be loud if something else is soft right?

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Analogue Mastering
Esoteric sound for the discerning ear

I think you've all misunderstood the question actually.

I think the OP is actually asking how, after mixing the CD, the loudness of the main sections is made consistent across a CD. With all the will in the world you'll never manage that by carefully controlling the gain and EQ of each track as you go along, so it takes some post production.

Although that doesn't necessarily make the answers so far invalid: if the mix was just put together on Ableton etc, they can actually ensure that the levels stay consistent as they draw the volume curves. But more often than not they will apply a bit of compression then stick a limiter on top. Yes all the tracks are already compressed, so it's up to the studio engineer to be careful to stop it from being too noticeable.


This should probably be moved to the DJ Booth btw - even though it involves tools of the 'production' trade.


EDIT: Raphie's last post touched on this, but he was clearly just guessing

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Stu Cox |

oh no.... yet another mastering topic

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Analogue Mastering
Esoteric sound for the discerning ear

this thread now is about raphies gear

quote:

Originally posted by Stu Cox I think you've all misunderstood the question actually. I think the OP is actually asking how, after mixing the CD, the loudness of the main sections is made consistent across a CD.

Thats the true, so your saying that everyone useing abelton today to do that? I'm useing "MixMeister Studio" if you familiar with these Sofware. i can create there tight mixes but didnt find the way to keep the gain of the all Set like the pro.

So what that i thaguht to do is to export the set to 1 file and then just add a Ducker ( Expander) and programe the parameter without loseing the Dynamics of the tracks,

what do you think? i don't have a Dj Both (sold) and i like to built the mix from zero manually, so Abelton is the solution for me?

thanks guys !

i have an alesis 3630 for sale. cheap.

quote:

Originally posted by _dinamit_ Thats the true, so your saying that everyone useing abelton today to do that? I'm useing "MixMeister Studio" if you familiar with these Sofware. i can create there tight mixes but didnt find the way to keep the gain of the all Set like the pro. So what that i thaguht to do is to export the set to 1 file and then just add a Ducker ( Expander) and programe the parameter without loseing the Dynamics of the tracks, what do you think? i don't have a Dj Both (sold) and i like to built the mix from zero manually, so Abelton is the solution for me? thanks guys !

Use whatever you like. There's nothing wrong with MixMeister.

Although mastering's a real case of "rubbish in, rubbish out", so if your levels are flying all over the place try improving your use of levels first:

If one track's louder in its main section than other tracks, turn its volume down

If you find the total level goes up during a mix (when 2 tracks are playing), try either:
- Bringing both of their levels down slightly for that part, or
- Reducing the bass of one or other as bass frequencies add together more dramatically than high frequencies


If you just use compression to level out a mix which is really varied in level, you'll just end up destroying the louder tracks, so get it as good as you can just using volumes and EQ first.

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Stu Cox |