Beginners question about levels

phoenix · Post by **phoenix** » Tue Dec 19, 2006 9:57 pm

Hello there,

I have been using Live for almost a year now but keep on running into problems with my output levels, and not knowing how to properly use compressors. This mostly happens in projects with a large number of tracks. Either they are not loud enough, or the opposite.

I have read the compression device explanation in the Live manual, but there is still something lacking. So i'm looking for a pointer to some dry, in depth information about compression and sound levels.

The time i can spend using Live is limited, so forgive me if this question is alsready asked in this forum.

So, pointers anyone?

Thanks in advance.

Tone Deft · Post by **Tone Deft** » Tue Dec 19, 2006 10:04 pm

check the threads in the sticky in this section of the forum. really, check it for any question you have first.

compression is widely misunderstood, use it sparingly (dont use it to mask errors in the mix, fix the mix first, then apply compression) use your ears. There have been threads on this, browse back a few pages in the General forum.

timothyallan · Post by **timothyallan** » Tue Dec 19, 2006 10:12 pm

one of the main rules of compression is do -not- use it to adjust output levels, thats what the volume sliders are for.

Compression can increase apparent volume, but if your levels are peaking, or too quiet, just turn up/down the volume slider. Everything will sound much better because of it.

As for compression tutorials, hit up any music mag, computer music, SOS etc and they have compression tutorials galore...

phoenix · Post by **phoenix** » Tue Dec 19, 2006 10:32 pm

If i dont use compression on the master track, some instruments simply aren't audible if want to stay out of the red.
If i turn down the master volume to hear those instruments, yet not run into the red, the difference between the loudest and the least loud track in the project becomes very big. Thus resulting in a rendered song which is of a much lower volume and 'strength' than, say, any track i play off a cd. Until now i usually make a choice between a louder sounding song, or having some instruments not sounding like i want them to.

Of course the people who master CD's have (usually) years of experience with this, so it will take time to get it how i like it, but at the moment i don't know where to begin.

I live in the UAE and cannot find any of the mentioned magazines here. Maybe i can pick some up when i go on holiday.

3rdordertrauma · Post by **3rdordertrauma** » Tue Dec 19, 2006 10:35 pm

This is what I do. With the master fader at 0db and no Compressors Limiters or mastering plugs inserted I adjust the mix to a suitable level using the track faders. By suitable I mean not clipping on the master track and not to low either. Once you have achieved a balanced mix and are happy with the master level you can drop a compressor on the master. I usually use 2 Compressor II's... first as a compressor and the second as a limiter. But I'd suggest a good multiband compressor at some stage... if you don't have one already. iZotope Ozone works very well for me... though I know people who hate it.

As for the specifics about compression settings... unfortunately there isn't just one setting you throw on every mix. So I'd suggest going to http://www.soundonsound.com/ and doing some searches for stuff like compression and limiting. There are loads of great articles there that are bound to shed some light on this topic for you. Below are a few I found that might help.

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/aug02/a ... tiband.asp
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/dec00/a ... ession.htm

timothyallan · Post by **timothyallan** » Tue Dec 19, 2006 10:55 pm

yep, all those magazines are online. The internet is your friend.