I have EZ3 multi out into Logic Pro X and EZ3 meter shows way below 0db but in Logic Drum track meter is +4db. Is this a glitch? Is there a way to fix this?
Is that a summing track stack? If so, that is why. All busses, aux channels and outputs sum up whatever is fed into them. That’s part of what mixing is.
Is that a summing track stack? If so, that is why. All busses, aux channels and outputs sum up whatever is fed into them. That’s part of what mixing is.
Jord
Should I lower all the individual drum levels? I didn’t change any levels in EZ drummer. It is a preset drum kit. I wouldn’t think the preset would peak.
This post was modified 3 years, 2 months ago by vsdookie.
Yes and no on the preset. On a multi-out, the bus processing has been removed, so you’re not controlling any of the output anymore. That would explain a higher level. You would probably want to add some bus processing to reign in the dynamics.
Not to mention, it’s floating point audio. You’re not really peaking at that level.
Yes and no on the preset. On a multi-out, the bus processing has been removed, so you’re not controlling any of the output anymore. That would explain a higher level. You would probably want to add some bus processing to reign in the dynamics.
Not to mention, it’s floating point audio. You’re not really peaking at that level.
jord
Thank you. Thats good to know that it’s not really peaking. All my other tracks, Guitars, Vox, keys etc are all in the -6 range. When I mute to drums, the stereo output is at -3 average. When I unmute drums, it pushes output to +3 or 4. What do I do at that point if I want to master? Should I use a limiter on the drums or the output track?
You can lower the output bus fader of the drums a bit. You can also add a compressor on the drum bus. The preset probably used a compressor on the output. There are many things you can do, depending on how you want your mix to sound.
You’ll want to ensure that all levels are lower when you start mastering (don’t do the loudness wars thing – Spotify & Apple Music don’t like that stuff now). If I’m not mistaken, you said you were new at this, so I would suggest getting the opinions of a fresh set of ears as they will hear things you didn’t when you were mixing.
I have learned that it is often best to leave around -6 to -10db of headroom. Less chance of introducing transient distortion when adding compression or limiting. You can always bring up the volume during the mastering phase. Levels are key, especially when doing any final encoding to MP3 or AAC.
I have learned that it is often best to leave around -6 to -10db of headroom. Less chance of introducing transient distortion when adding compression or limiting. You can always bring up the volume during the mastering phase. Levels are key, especially when doing any final encoding to MP3 or AAC.
jord
Do you use gain staging or track volume to bring down levels?
Depends on how you define gain staging. When I record a track, my main goal is record it as close to as the song as possible. That way, at mixing time, it practically mixes itself. To me, gain staging is about hitting the sweet spots in my recording chain. I worry about volume when I am mixing. At that time, I will briefly take a listen to each track to see what I have in order to make everything interact. I also employ a few other mixing tricks at the start to help tame my mix and get the sound I am looking for.
I really appreciate your time and input. I’m in a situation where all my tracks are at -6 to -8 except the drums. Without lower all the other tracks, how do I lower drums to -6 without lowering the drum volume? should I stick a limiter on the drum stereo track?
I have 2 songs recorded so far. Now I know to get the drums at the -6 level, then record all the other tracks. But what should I do for these 2 songs?
Lower the output bus of your track stack to start. Put a compressor on it if you want to control the dynamics of the drums. It’s hard to say without hearing the track. If you have to lower the other instruments, it’s not a huge deal. Again we’re dealing with floating point audio so you are not losing any resolution. I’m continually working with various instrument levels when I am mixing a song.
Lower the output bus of your track stack to start. Put a compressor on it if you want to control the dynamics of the drums. It’s hard to say without hearing the track. If you have to lower the other instruments, it’s not a huge deal. Again we’re dealing with floating point audio so you are not losing any resolution. I’m continually working with various instrument levels when I am mixing a song.
jord
Thanks again, I will give it a shot with compression. Should I turn off the compression in EZdrummer? Also, could I put a limiter on the track stack?
Yes you can put a limiter on it the track stack. However, I would probably just do a gentle compression. Personally, I wouldn’t get too aggressive on the drum bus as one can easily suck the life out of the drums. Considering you are going multi-out, the EZD3 compressor settings probably won’t make a difference wbether you turn it on or off.
Yes you can put a limiter on it the track stack. However, I would probably just do a gentle compression. Personally, I wouldn’t get too aggressive on the drum bus as one can easily suck the life out of the drums. Considering you are going multi-out, the EZD3 compressor settings probably won’t make a difference wbether you turn it on or off.
Jord
Im sure a little compression will give it more life. Have a great evening. Thanks again, you have been a lot of help.
Get all the latest on new releases, updates and offers directly to your inbox.
[tt-popup-newsletter-form]
Note: By clicking the 'I WANT IN' button, you will not be creating a Toontrack user account. You will only sign up to get our newsletters, offers and promotions to your inbox. You can unsubscribe at any time from a link at the bottom of each email. If you want to learn more about our privacy policy, please find detailed information here.
