Volume levels issues

[BoneDigger]

I use Mixcraft 7 and a Scarlett 18i8. I'm recording at peak, just before clipping. Yet, when I mix the song it always comes out so much quieter than my reference tracks. It's frustrating me to no end. I enven tried bringing in the mixed MP3 into the DAW and raising the levels a second time. It still comes out at low low a level.

Any ideas? Here's one I just finished for reference.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B63...ew?usp=sharing

Todd

[Andy Howell]

Which DAW?


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[BoneDigger]

Mixcraft 7.

[paulp1960]

What are the reference tracks you are referring to?

[BoneDigger]

Mostly I mean recorded songs on CDs and Pandora. If I play them and then play my song, I have to turn up the volume quite a lot on mine.

Todd

[KevWind]

Originally Posted by BoneDigger

I use Mixcraft 7 and a Scarlett 18i8. I'm recording at peak, just before clipping. Yet, when I mix the song it always comes out so much quieter than my reference tracks. It's frustrating me to no end. I enven tried bringing in the mixed MP3 into the DAW and raising the levels a second time. It still comes out at low low a level.

Any ideas? Here's one I just finished for reference.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B63...ew?usp=sharing

Todd

First off most likely your reference tracks have had some fair amount dynamics processing at the Mastering stage if not also at recording and mixing.

Second I take it you have not done any dynamic processing (compression or limiting) ? If so then I would say the recording level is likely not actually the issue. In fact to me it sounds like A. the vocal is noticeably louder than the guitar. and B. it already sounds like the vocal is distorting. So I would say it ( the vocal) is most likely recorded to hot as opposed to to low
If you are recording in 24 bit then you should be well below ..0.. if that is where your meters are set to show clipping . Somewhere between - 6 to -10 at peak and preferably more like -12 -18 RMS . And then use compression and or limiting to get it closer to the volume level of prototypical mastered tracks. Also as a general rule your tracks faders should be at -0- for recording and any boost or cut to get to -6 --12 etc should be done at the pre amp/input stage
Can you post a screen shot of the mixer while playing or screen movie of the example in the mixer window while playing back. ?

Also can you give a brief list of your front end (all the gear going into the DAW)

[BoneDigger]

Originally Posted by KevWind

First off most likely your reference tracks have had some fair amount dynamics processing at the Mastering stage if not also at recording and mixing.

Second I take it you have not done any dynamic processing (compression or limiting) ? If so then I would say the recording level is likely not actually the issue. In fact to me it sounds like A. the vocal is noticeably louder than the guitar. and B. it already sounds like the vocal is distorting. So I would say it ( the vocal) is most likely recorded to hot as opposed to to low
If you are recording in 24 bit then you should be well below ..0.. if that is where your meters are set to show clipping . Somewhere between - 6 to -10 at peak and preferably more like -12 -18 RMS . And then use compression and or limiting to get it closer to the volume level of prototypical mastered tracks. Also as a general rule your tracks faders should be at -0- for recording and any boost or cut to get to -6 --12 etc should be done at the pre amp/input stage
Can you post a screen shot of the mixer while playing or screen movie of the example in the mixer window while playing back. ?

Also can you give a brief list of your front end (all the gear going into the DAW)

Correct, there is no compression or limiting and I admit that I don't truly understand how all of that works. I am planning to try and download a program to help me make screen recordings and I'll try to get a screenshot to post a video.

Todd

[sdelsolray]

Originally Posted by BoneDigger

I use Mixcraft 7 and a Scarlett 18i8. I'm recording at peak, just before clipping. Yet, when I mix the song it always comes out so much quieter than my reference tracks. It's frustrating me to no end. I enven tried bringing in the mixed MP3 into the DAW and raising the levels a second time. It still comes out at low low a level.

Any ideas? Here's one I just finished for reference.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B63...ew?usp=sharing

Todd

Are you saying that the input meters on your DAW read one value (say peak at -8 dbfs) and when you play it back the output meters are reading a different value (say peak at -17 dbfs). Or, are they the same values?

[BoneDigger]

Okay, I'm going to start a new thread. I think I know what I need in this regard, but I now need more specific help.