Is it better to use a Trim plugin or Gain plugin?

[SpinningDisk]

I'm just curious about which one would be more beneficial. I don't want to loose any quality in my audio files. I just found the trim plug in and I find it easier to use than the AudioSuite gain plugin. I also use Blue Cats RTAS plugin for use on some tracks. Again, which would benefit me more: The Trim or the Gain Plugin.
Thanks for your patience.
Lets also pray for the people of Haiti.

Disk

[EGS]

They both have their uses. What exactly are you trying to accomplish?

[paulreed]

automate your volume instead, much more "undoable". If you do use the audiosuite, I would either save each setting in your session files or put the setting in your notes on each track so you can go back if needed.
I just automate.

back up, back up, back up

[SpinningDisk]

Oh, don't mentioned back up. Had my mishap a couple of months ago.

What I am trying to accomplish is to have the best quality of sound for mix down for Mastering. I have been reading up on Bob Katz and his view on mixing before Mastering. Some of my recording levels I think are too hot and when bringing down my faders to achieve the right levels, some of my faders end up pretty low. I know it's digital. It's taken me some years of research to understand about recording at the right levels.

I have an iMac and I'm trying to reserve as much power as possible. I rarely use automation even though I want to especially when mixing down. Like the old days when you invite all your friends over to grab a fader. I should try it out on a tune I don't like so much. I'll have to read up on that paulreed. Would you happened to know of somewhere I can download some reading material on that?
Thank you.

Disk

[Top Jimmy]

Originally Posted by SpinningDisk

What I am trying to accomplish is to have the best quality of sound for mix down for Mastering.

OK, Audiosuite processing reduces the source signal/quantization error ratio when gaining down. It has to fit within the 16 or 24 bit file depth.

RTAS trim maintains the original source signal/quantization error ratio, it only scales is down within the 32-bit framework.

Realistically speaking though, it all depends on whether you want to apply the gain change destructively or non-destructively. Do you want to archive the original too loud tracks, or the gain changed tracks?

If it were me, I would not Audiosuite gain 16-bit files, but I would Audiosuite 24-bit ones.

[SpinningDisk]

Thanks Top Jimmy.