Master fader final output level

[bryced87]

I've read various articles that is should be no more than -3db at peak level. Others say -18db which Is way to quiet. What is the preferred final mix output level before mastering?

[Stig Eliassen]

Ask your mastering engineer what he/she prefers. The ones I've used wanted peak @ -6 dbFS.

[Drew Mazurek]

Originally Posted by bryced87

I've read various articles that is should be no more than -3db at peak level. Others say -18db which Is way to quiet. What is the preferred final mix output level before mastering?

-3 or -6 Peak are both fine guidelines IMO.

-18dBFS is what Pro Tools interfaces come calibrated to equal 0dB VU which is equal to +4dBu. Of course VU is an average level so it's entirely possible that a great mix could average around -18dBFS and Peak around -6 to -3 leaving plenty of headroom for the ME to do their thing.

[JFreak]

As long as nothing clips, the output level does not matter much. It can be very low and still have all the resolution intact.

-6 is "hitting the last bit" so that's why many choose that as mix target. -12 or -18 are just as good. -3 however is risky target because some transients might easily clip and if you want to make your life easier just ease a little on the levels.

Just do not let any sample clip. ME can easily adjust levels to his liking.

[DeadAgain]

Pleeeeease ... more dynamic Music

http://www.digido.com/audio-faq.html

under Letter L ...

Loudness Race Discussed
Loudness War: "Diminishing Returns
Loudness from the Audiophile point of view


And perhaps .. buy this book by Bob Katz (K-Metering):

http://www.digido.com/products/maste...udio-book.html

Greetings

DA

[tj_davies]

Originally Posted by DeadAgain

Pleeeeease ... more dynamic Music

Uhm,

this discussion has nothing to with dynamics, just the max peak level before handing it to a mastering engineer.

Timothy