PlanetZ forums - scopeusers.com

I am starting to get some good overall mixes, at least I know that the seperate volumes are where I want them.

But for a final opinion I trust guys who have been mixing on hardware / software not just one or the other.

I suffer from live performnaces for devades and I am aware that my mixes tend to sound bright.

But I notice that only occurs after fatigue. I simply go for the levels I like and then do a total mastering w/ EQ, etc. the next session.

But what I am noticing now that I have some good nearfields, is that the mixers I use, and not one, but all of them have the best results when I am staying somewhat constant at + 6db.

Are we not suppose to use the digital VU's as we would in our older hardware mixers?

At the end of the day I am using my ears, but it is somewhat of a pattern I am seeing, and was hoping to verify this w/ someone else.

I am also noticing that I only need to use compression on the drum submix, and Limiting on the instruments. No vocals yet to speak of.

I have tried Optimaster and I just don't like most of the results.

It does work well w/ a drum and bass track, but seems to destroy the subtleties in my keyboards where dynamics are concerned.

It would be perfect for the smooth jazz radio stuff, as that is the results I seem to get.

But what are these VU's for if I am going to record hotter anyway?

Maybe a custom VU where I could have the 6 db + setting to show as 0 db?



What;s up w/ this digital stuff anyway?

hi Jim,
Hope all is well.

I read your your post and I understand you.

check this link, this is excactly what you are looking for.

It has VU's for all types

http://www.planetz.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=22134

no, digital meters are not the same as analog meters.

tape has natural compression and as it saturates(distorts) a pleasant sound is made. digital saturation is ugly. digital overs are bad sounding. one needs to use more compression with digital to acheive the same results. also, digital signal do NOT benefit from higher levels, except in that the higher levels have greater bit depth(more clarity). if you are mixing a 24bit signal that will end up in 16bit, then1/2 to 3/4 up the scale will be between 12 and 20bits(or there abouts), which will dither or truncate to 16 bit perfectly. there is no advantage to high levels on the meters, except for the final mix and then only for loudness' sake. in fact, having the tracks super hot only increases the likelyhood of an overdriven mix....

Thank Brotha' Men.

I downloafed and saved the meter a while back and forgot I had it.

I'll give it a run.

I am noticing and taking into account the differences I am encountering.

Recording levels are quite different than the live levels I use that's for sure.

On my Barbetta 32C's I crank their volume and get the sound I need by around - 3db.

Recoding w/ the System Ones sounds the best @ + 6db.

No more confusion, thanks guys.