Levels

[SR1200]

I tried posting a similar post some time back and dont recall ever getting a response. Here goes again.
Any one got any tips for getting me RMS level up on mixes. I use plugins mainly for my "mastering". I use Magneto, The waves ultramaximizer (which works pretty good) And some spatial enhancers. I cant seem to get the hang of the multiband compression (which im told is one of the big keys to getting the levels up without clipping) If anyones got some tips on that it would be appreciated. Or any tips in general. My mixes sound good, just need to bring that level up for the burn to CD. (YES, im looking to get the masterlink.....after my HDR is paid off!!)

[atma]

i suppose it depends on what kind of music you're making... but it's all about compression. rather than using multibands, i simply will compress parts individually if need be, like run my bass drums through a seperate compressor than my snare and hi-hats. in my experience, the more you just mess with compression, the 'hotter' levels you'll be able to get. it's just a matter of time and experience. you basically just need to squash your parts down with regular compressors, and then when you master your track you can run a limiter like L1 on it. it can help to monitor in headphones at this point just to see if there's any distortion or pumping/breathing happening (too much limiting, or wrong settings).

i think it's taken me about a year working with compressors and trying to tighten up my overall production/mastering skills to be able to get professional sounding masters. i can usually squash my final mix down to about -10 RMS if need be. but my music isn't meant for radio play in the first place, so i don't really have to play the "who can get the hottest RMS levels" game :)

compression / limiting certainly can tighten up a mix, but overused it can leave a track sounding very flat (like it's been rolled over with a steam roller) and quite dull

[cmchamp]

I don't generally use more than a 2:1 comressor. Depends on the situation. I do gospel music most of the time. I'll generally use a 1.25:1 compressor on vocals, just to help them fit together better. I've found using no compressor is the best solution for me on the bass guitar. I'll use a limiter set to -.15db and attempt no more than -4db gain reduction. That works for the type of music I work with. I also do all this within Digital Performer and have had radio play and product sold, so my solutions can't be all that bad.