4 db of dynamic range is the new norm

[The Carpet Cleaner]

I was trying to finish and master my new remix, and I couldnt match the volume with new boys noize X Skrillex track.

checking with TT dynamics = 4db dynamic range. ok.
Checking bangerang skrillex = 3.5 dynamics range. ok
checking dada life = 4.5 dynamic range. ok
checking some mates who have released some heavy stuff = 4 db dynamic range again.


I remember about people making fun of death magnetic Metalica album for having something like 4db Dynamic range. Well it's the rule now isn't it ?


Anyway I won because now my new remix is 3db dynamic range and it's the loudest

[The Carpet Cleaner]

I was trying to finish and master my new remix, and I couldnt match the volume with new boys noize X Skrillex track.

checking with TT dynamics = 4db dynamic range. ok.
Checking bangerang skrillex = 3.5 dynamics range. ok
checking dada life = 4.5 dynamic range. ok
checking some mates who have released some heavy stuff = 4 db dynamic range again.


I remember about people making fun of death magnetic Metalica album for having something like 4db Dynamic range. Well it's the rule now isn't it ?


Anyway I won because now my new remix is 3db dynamic range and it's the loudest

ps : surpisingly, even with 4db of DR, I don't find those tracks I mentioned that tiring for the ears... less than rock music with 4db of DR for example.

[phonographiq]

A 4dB world scares me.

[Sage]

ps : surpisingly, even with 4db of DR, I don't find those tracks I mentioned that tiring for the ears... less than rock music with 4db of DR for example.

Yeah, electronic music tends to be more forgiving with heavy mastering like that compared to rock music. But that said, with features like Soundcheck in Itunes getting better over time, the days of this type of mastering could actually be numbered.

[collapsicon]

yes I think the days of limited dynamic range music is ending. there's new standeds already in place in European radio stations that automatically turns down lower dynamic range music so in actual fact music from the 70's will have more punch than any of those tracks soon!
I've just recently changed my mind on mastering and now make some of the quietest music ever. the thing is once you match the perceived volume of dynamic music to limited dynamic range music the dynamic track ALWAYS sounds better to me. dobnt get me wrong I'm not against compressing masters and even light limiting
but the reality is that the more compression the smaller it sounds. Louder yes, but only until the tracks aren't volume compensated ( somthing any DJ does in a set)
I mix into a ssl 4000g emulation and that glues the mix together and controls the dynamics a little. also I use huge amounts of comp in the mix nothing wrong with that where its needed/wanted but on a big sound system I believe the more dynamic music will sound better (inviting, present, punchy detailed). of course better is subjective and some artists may like very little dynamics. music hasent gotten louder over the years its gotten smaller and two dimensional.

[The Carpet Cleaner]

Well daft punk tracks from the 90s have 12db of DR. And it still a reference for me!

[collapsicon]

yeah exactly, most of us grew up on pretty dynamic music comparatively
for me early 90's hop hop is a touch stone for production, before the loudness wars kicked in.
from my point of view if I can even approach that level of production, of those records I love I'm happy
for me I place more emphasis on the mixing stage now getting it to sound exactly the way I want, and fixing a few things up in mastering.
all these decisions your making in volume eq comp etc to just then drive a steam roller over it makes no sense at all

[Tarekith]

yes I think the days of limited dynamic range music is ending. there's new standeds already in place in European radio stations that automatically turns down lower dynamic range music so in actual fact music from the 70's will have more punch than any of those tracks soon!
I've just recently changed my mind on mastering and now make some of the quietest music ever. the thing is once you match the perceived volume of dynamic music to limited dynamic range music the dynamic track ALWAYS sounds better to me. dobnt get me wrong I'm not against compressing masters and even light limiting
but the reality is that the more compression the smaller it sounds. Louder yes, but only until the tracks aren't volume compensated ( somthing any DJ does in a set)

Agree completely.

[stoersignal]

My mastering engineer told me that the AES will Set a Standard of -12db Dr to end this loudness war in the near future. Anybody heared something like that? I think this would be a step in the right direction

[Tarekith]

It'll be a standard no one will follow though, so kind of a token step.

[Sage]

My mastering engineer told me that the AES will Set a Standard of -12db Dr to end this loudness war in the near future. Anybody heared something like that? I think this would be a step in the right direction

You can't set a standard for music and also its an art form, how can it be regulated? A standard such as that is a step in the wrong direction.

[DoobieBrother69]

It's much like the FCC setting limits on levels so broadcast shows and their commercial adverts are closer in volume.
Looks fine on paper, but they obviously don't enforce it.

Would be nice not to have to scramble for the TV remote in the middle of the night when those commercials come on that are twice as loud as the previous transmission and you're trying not to wake up the wife or kids at 3-am, but until they build it into appliances and make it work like it's supposed to, it just a pie in the sky dream for us.

[Tone Deft]

Looks fine on paper, but they obviously don't enforce it.

actually they do, it's just not to the levels users would like. the fines are huge though.

[Rinsemeister]

token step.

So what does this "Token Step" sound like?

Patented.............

[The Carpet Cleaner]

hey I think for movies, there is a standard of 14db of dynamic range. Well let me tell you this is super annoying.

Every time I'm watching a Blockbuster, I have to reach for the remote control when they talk, cause I can't hear a damn thing.
And off course, when there is gun shots or explosion, the whole apartment is shaking.

So for me, 14db of DR is too much for movies.