Output levels when exporting a “song”

[TommyTime25]

Is there a way to increase the output levels when exporting a song as an audio file?  In order to share drum parts with other band members that are remote – I’ve been exporting the Bus output channels into wav files for them to use, either to record to or mix with existing recordings.  But when they drag and drop the wav files in Logic – the files are “tiny” (low level) and not filled out.

When I bounce the output channels, I will usually select 24 bit and then Bounce Output Channels – with the exclude ambience channels with no bleed enabled selected. I always increase the gain to 12db – but I don’t think that makes a difference.

Is there a way to get “fatter” wav files for my band mates so they aren’t having to max me out?

 

Thanks!

 

Superior Drummer 3 version: 3.3.6
Operating system: macOS Ventura (13)

Topic

[Bear-Faced Cow]

There isn’t much info here. Are you bouncing unprocessed kit pieces? Preset?

jord

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Jordan L. Chilcott

Web Site: https://jordanchilcottmusic.com/

• This post was modified 1 year, 3 months ago by Bear-Faced Cow.

[TommyTime25]

From the SD3 instance – I’m exporting the tracks output channels into wav files.  Whether it’s just exporting the mic channels only or the processed output channels – I’m being told that the wav files are low in gain.

I tried increasing the volume in the multiple output channels of the SD3 mixer to 12 DB, each one, but when you go to export, it automatically bounces the mixer at a lower level. Probably because everything is over modulated.  I’m guessing.

I’m not sure if that answers your question but thanks for the interest!

[John]

Hi,

there is also a Gain fader on the Bounce page, please check what it is set to. Perhaps you could save a Project file, zip archive it and attach to a post here, to see if we can reproduce?

BR,
John

John Rammelt - Toontrack
Technical Advisor

[TommyTime25]

Here is my process when bouncing the track. Basically going top left to the right.

I noticed it says bouncing the mixer at 12 DB but then it switches and says it’s bouncing the mixer at -18.9. Is there a setting that I should look into for this? Maybe a normalizer that I can turn off? When I then dragged the wav file into logic, the size looks and sounds small and then has trouble competing against other tracks. Please let me know if there there’s any other adjustment I can make.

[Bear-Faced Cow]

To start, you are confusing your fader settings with meter readings. Secondly, you should not be concerned with how loud your audio is. It’s more likely that you are trying to compete with other tracks that you have already set way too loud. At this stage, volume is your enemy and you should not be having your faders all the way up. Turn everything down and get your mix sounding good before you try to make it loud.

I highly suggest you grab a course on mixing. You should be able to find a course from a reputable producer in your genre that illustrates the proper way to mix a song.

jord

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Jordan L. Chilcott

Web Site: https://jordanchilcottmusic.com/

[Mark King]

If you are using a DAW then you could always normalise the files. Another option if your DAW supports it is input gain so you can gain stage. Just a couple of alternatives for ones you have already done.

SD3 with older sdx,s plus Rooms of Hansa and Death & Darkness. Cubase and wavelab current versions. Roland TD50x using all trigger inputs for triggering SD3 only. Windows 11 computer. Various keyboards and outboard gear as well as VST instruments. Acoustic drums: Yamaha 9000 natural wood and Pearl masters. Various snare drums. RME BabyFace Pro FS and Adam A7X monitors

[Bear-Faced Cow]

There should be no reason to normalize any instrument within a DAW for mixing purposes. Normalizing will produce other consequences in the mixing process. it is best to mix with -10 dB of headroom. Loudness with a purpose follows afterwards.

Jord

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Jordan L. Chilcott

Web Site: https://jordanchilcottmusic.com/

[TommyTime25]

I’m collaborating remotely on projects with other bandmates that use logic and ProTools. I’m using Logic to create a superior drum instance. But when I go to bounce the track to be able to send WAV files of my output channels – I’m noticing superior drummer adjusts the mixer bounce gain level on its own.

I’m trying to see if there’s a setting in Superior drummer that is making it to where I don’t have the ability to have full control of the gain output should I choose to. Is there something in Superior Drummer that is normalizing the track when it bounces? There are two pictures above that show the initial bounce setting at 12 DB as it goes through each track in the mixer to bounce – then it notifies that it’s now bouncing the mixer at -18.9.

I’m understanding the concept of not needing a ton of output when mixing. But I’m trying to understand if there’s a setting I can adjust or remove for more control.

thanks!

• This post was modified 5 months, 1 week ago by TommyTime25.

[TommyTime25]

Also, I don’t normally have my output channels completely maxed like this, I typically leave it as is from the drum kit pre-mix.  Also above is a picture of what my settings are when I bounce a track. This example I maxed out the outputs just to show how superior drummer somehow normalizes the track output gain on its own.

[John]

Hi,

from what I can see in your screen shots, you are first boosting the Output Faders in the SD3 Mixer +12dB, then you also have the Gain fader on the Bounce page set to +12dB.
The Bounce process recognises a significant overshoot in volume and backs the Gain fader down -18,9dB to avoid distorting audio files before it makes another Bounce.
Leaving the Mixer Output fader at unity and the Bounce Gain fader at 0 would likely produce a Bounce with good levels.
As for what level is “correct” in a DAW and Song, it depends so much on context but it is what you have your DAW for, to mix and set levels correctly. If you have received e.g. guitar tracks from someone else that have them individually squashed against digital zero, the right move is to lower them instead of trying to raise the volume of the drums to compete with them.

BR,
John

John Rammelt - Toontrack
Technical Advisor

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Thanked by: Bear-Faced Cow and Brad

[Author]

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