Output Levels Are Low

[mudlake slim]

On my Master Fader I have the signal right up to the line as close to red as you can get without hitting it and when I bounce my songs to disk the sound level does not compare to store bought CD's, it's close but not as high. Is the level I'm getting from Pro Tools good enough? Am I expecting too much from this software? Maybe the manufactured CD's are mastered to higher levels. Does anyone have the answer?

Thanks

[spkguitar]

Maybe the manufactured CD's are mastered to higher levels.

You've answered your own question.

[mudlake slim]

I knew it had to be one of those. Well, at least I know I've done all I can do on my end. Thanks for the input.

[ejwells]

And on the 8th day God created the master buss limiter.
Try Steve Massey's for free at www.masseyplugins.com
And as soon as you fall in love with it, spend the 89.00 for the full version.

[mudlake slim]

I went back to have another look at this. Since the compression is what I have the least experience and understanding I worked with it in an attempt to bring up these output levels and improve the overall mix.

After using different settings on the compression ( lower ratio 3:1, slower release and working with the threshold) I discovered a better sound in the mix. Because I was hearing some of the little things in the mix much better it seemed that the entire mix had come to life even more. The overall volume of the mix is louder, even though I doubt that the actual level itself is much higher.

I still think that a mastering plug-in would be a useful tool but discovering that I could make the needed improvements without one was very cool.