Ableton Forum

Hey people
Quick question as I don't know if this is a bad thing to do. Volumes change between section to section, and I do really want them balanced to help keep the mix loud for when it comes to the master. Is it a bad idea doing this or should I really just adjust the volumes of each individual track within the mix. I tend not to automate the master fader but add a utility in the master track and adjust the gain in that.
Any advice would be very helpful

I think it's generally perceived to be good practice to use your good friend 'Utility'

This way you can still adjust the overall volume with the Master fader

just adjust the volumes of each individual track within the mix

Use a utility plug on every channel for any volume automation, then you can use the volume on each channel to adjust the overall mix. It's good practice to leave the master volume alone.

yeah I get what your both saying. I generally do use a utility plugin on the master track to adjust the balance from section to section, but what I mean is, is it bad practise to adjust volumes with the utility on the master rather than balancing volumes on each individual track as the song goes from section to section

but what I mean is, is it bad practise to adjust volumes with the utility on the master rather than balancing volumes on each individual track as the song goes from section to section

No.....as long as the master peak meter doesn't clip.

It's just neater when you don't have the master fader moving around the whole time. +1 for Utility placement, but its up to you. Sounds like you understand why it's bad practice, so do what you feel is appropriate, and don't forget to ask yourself: Is anyone really digging around your project files anyway?

Okay cool. Cheers for the advice =)