Exporting DJ Mixed Comp to audio file, mastering plugs?

[scariaga]

I'm currently putting together a DJ mixed compilation of tracks (Tech House) by simply importing mp3s into my arrange view and using automation levels to mix back and forth between two tracks. I'm curious about something, when you finish the set and you're ready to export to a wave file, should you put any mastering plugs on the master output (ie. eq, compression, limiter). At first I thought yes but then I thought these tracks have already been mastered (should have been at least) so why should I add anything to the mix. Just curious to see what you guys think. Should I just export the set dry and unprocessed? or would you add any additional mastering process to the mix?

thoughts?

[nbinder]

If you're mixing two tracks and have both tracks in the zero position, the master will go over 0 and therefore cause distortion. To avoid this, don't do this and for small peaks over 0 in the master simply put in a limiter. It won't do anything if the level is ok and limit it if it goes over zero. That's it for a DJ mix I think....

[DJ VAKIS]

Yes a little limiter on the master,and make sure all your tracks are on the same level,you must adjust the level on all your tracks in the sample editor( Clip view )in live,don't forget to hit save,after.

[scariaga]

thanks for both replies! that's pretty much what I have done in the past, just added a limiter on the master. I'm curious though on each channel should I keep the maximum level @ zero or .1 db? or should I make the maximum below and then adjust the master to limit up to zero or .1 db? I ask because I also use Logic and i know with Logic it doesn't matter if you clip above zero on each individual channel as long as you don't clip on the master level everything is fine. Not too sure how that applies to Live.

[DJ VAKIS]

thanks for both replies! that's pretty much what I have done in the past, just added a limiter on the master. I'm curious though on each channel should I keep the maximum level @ zero or .1 db? or should I make the maximum below and then adjust the master to limit up to zero or .1 db? I ask because I also use Logic and i know with Logic it doesn't matter if you clip above zero on each individual channel as long as you don't clip on the master level everything is fine. Not too sure how that applies to Live.

I usually keep it about at -3db

[scariaga]

thanks for both replies! that's pretty much what I have done in the past, just added a limiter on the master. I'm curious though on each channel should I keep the maximum level @ zero or .1 db? or should I make the maximum below and then adjust the master to limit up to zero or .1 db? I ask because I also use Logic and i know with Logic it doesn't matter if you clip above zero on each individual channel as long as you don't clip on the master level everything is fine. Not too sure how that applies to Live.

I usually keep it about at -3db

ok so does the master level clip/distort if the individual track goes above 0?

[DJ VAKIS]

thanks for both replies! that's pretty much what I have done in the past, just added a limiter on the master. I'm curious though on each channel should I keep the maximum level @ zero or .1 db? or should I make the maximum below and then adjust the master to limit up to zero or .1 db? I ask because I also use Logic and i know with Logic it doesn't matter if you clip above zero on each individual channel as long as you don't clip on the master level everything is fine. Not too sure how that applies to Live.

I usually keep it about at -3db

ok so does the master level clip/distort if the individual track goes above 0?

You need to have a little headroom.In case if a signal goes a little up,to prevent distortion.

[scariaga]

I usually keep it about at -3db

ok so does the master level clip/distort if the individual track goes above 0?

You need to have a little headroom.In case if a signal goes a little up,to prevent distortion.

Ok cool You know another thing that I don't understand is when I export the project and limit everything @ (.1) db I still don't seem to get as loud a signal as I hear from other radio sets or comps online, why is that? I can even see on the final wave file that all of peaks seem to be maxed out but for some reason my output doesn't seem as loud as other comps out there. Is that just cause I haven't professionally mastered the set? is it possible to get a louder signal with out clipping and distortion?

[briandervish]

ok so does the master level clip/distort if the individual track goes above 0?

You need to have a little headroom.In case if a signal goes a little up,to prevent distortion.

Ok cool You know another thing that I don't understand is when I export the project and limit everything @ (.1) db I still don't seem to get as loud a signal as I hear from other radio sets or comps online,

Those radio comps haven't been limited, they've been SQUASHED!

[scariaga]

You need to have a little headroom.In case if a signal goes a little up,to prevent distortion.

Ok cool You know another thing that I don't understand is when I export the project and limit everything @ (.1) db I still don't seem to get as loud a signal as I hear from other radio sets or comps online,

Those radio comps haven't been limited, they've been SQUASHED!

ya I guess it's not something I should do, probably kills all dynamics right? they don't sound too bad to me though, I know a lot of the Essential mixes are compressed to hell but they still seem to sound ok.

[DJ VAKIS]

ok so does the master level clip/distort if the individual track goes above 0?

You need to have a little headroom.In case if a signal goes a little up,to prevent distortion.

Ok cool You know another thing that I don't understand is when I export the project and limit everything @ (.1) db I still don't seem to get as loud a signal as I hear from other radio sets or comps online, why is that? I can even see on the final wave file that all of peaks seem to be maxed out but for some reason my output doesn't seem as loud as other comps out there. Is that just cause I haven't professionally mastered the set? is it possible to get a louder signal with out clipping and distortion?

Perhaps this will do the trick:
http://www.waves.com/Content.aspx?id=279

[Pepehouse]

I use the L3 for my DJ mixes and works great, don't be afraid of it just use it with moderation.