Pro-L Limiter questions - self mastering.

[anybody human]

There are some mastering videos on the Fabfilter YouTube page. For instance, the metering in Pro L video is helpful, shows how to use the K System.

http://www.youtube.com/user/fabfilter/featured

[kev herb]

i think its a concept thought up by bob kats to try and bring the rms levels of commercial releases down but in dance genres i think everyone is pretty much flicking the 'V's at the idea

[Tarekith]

The Katz system is only one proposed method of trying to find a way to better standardize playback volumes in different places. It's a great idea, but sadly no one is really jumping onboard except some of the audiophile labels at this point.

[mihai]

you can use records you like that are loud while still maintaining a good dynamic range as reference but generally getting those levels takes more than a limiter.

[merges]

If anyone else is using Pro-L and has some thoughts on taking best advantage of it, I'd also appreciate it. It's a powerful plug-in, but my ears are still developing sensitivity to its results.

[ciw]

Getting stuff as loud as possible without being too loud: use your ears! Turn it up until the quality starts getting unacceptable, then turn it down a bit. Quite how loud that means is up to you.

If you do the above and it's still quieter than commercial mixes that you think have acceptable quality, then there is likely more you could do to your mix. Is there mud in there that's driving up the levels without driving up the perceived loudness? Eq cuts, tweak synths, limit individual parts, etc. In particular get some HPF on the low end of everything (even the kick and bass, although in those cases the low point will be set pretty damn low).

[Rave]

I use K 12 and peops still want it 4 db louder.

[The Carpet Cleaner]

There is not too loud.
The limit is 0 db.

[ciw]

There is not too loud.
The limit is 0 db.

The French: surrendering in the loudness war as well

[The Carpet Cleaner]

Haha, not at all mon cher, it's a tactical retreat