About Mastering and the Pre Master

Armando · Post by **Armando** » Thu Jan 13, 2011 5:20 pm

Hi Guys i've a problem with the mix of two tracks that i've to send to master.
Both, with the master channel @ 0, or @ -3, -4 too, go on CLIP (The red light that shines on the master channel).
Only with the master channel at -5 db they sound without "CLIPPING".
I think that i should put down every channel and let the tracks sound with the master channel @ 0 db without clipping.
Am i right?
Any Advices?

AK · Post by AK » Thu Jan 13, 2011 6:29 pm

I had trouble understanding your post, what 2 tracks? Tracks from the mix? Its just these 2 that clip? im not getting the question, sorry.

LouisVee · Post by **LouisVee** » Thu Jan 13, 2011 8:55 pm

It is normal that your Master channel isn't at 0db. I always keep mine at -3 or -4 db to avoid clipping
I'm also not sure about your question?

suli.belarto · Post by **suli.belarto** » Thu Jan 13, 2011 9:00 pm

you pre-mastered track should not have any channel in the red.
my suggestion would be to keep your master @ 0 db and remix other channels accordingly as to not have the master clip. I would lower the mix and not the master, but you can always just lower the master and leave the mix untouched. However, if you are clipping the master when its @ 0 db chances are that your mix is a bit unbalanced. But if you are attempting to achieve some type of effect by the way you have mixed your tune then just lower the master.

::BLM:: · Post by **::BLM::** » Thu Jan 13, 2011 9:06 pm

i bring the master channel down to about -6db as thats what my mastering engineer asks for.

tone-def · Post by **tone-def** » Thu Jan 13, 2011 9:25 pm

::BLM:: wrote:i bring the master channel down to about -6db as thats what my mastering engineer asks for.

you mean peaks are at -6db?

::BLM:: · Post by **::BLM::** » Thu Jan 13, 2011 9:30 pm

exactly that yes. the peaks are at about -5db/-6db with nothing on the master channel before I send to mastering.

Armando · Post by **Armando** » Thu Jan 13, 2011 10:46 pm

::BLM:: wrote:exactly that yes. the peaks are at about -5db/-6db with nothing on the master channel before I send to mastering.

Really useful!
However, if the peaks are at max at -5/-6 db, for having a reference, what's the peak of the kick? And the bass?
After having arranged the whole song, do you raise up the kick's fader?
How?
I know that it depends, but....always to have a reference!