Best video on the topic that I've seen! Really!! Cleared up some things that have confused me for way too long. Thanks so much! Thumbs up and subscription earned.
Great vid. Another nice option if your DAW doesn't have a prefader trim is Klanghelm's VU meter plugins. They have a trim built in to the meter interface. Saves the very annoying step of messing with clip gain envelopes (if you use that method)...
Good point. The only downside is that you have to keep the Klanghelm plugin on every track during the mix, while using clip gain allows you to remove the meters once you're done the initial gain staging process.
Thanks, I brought a song I recorded myself to a studio for some mixing and mastering as I felt like I was getting bit fatigued by trying to do it myself. The engineer was shocked that my tracks were gain staged as hardly anyone ever brings him tracks that are.
The VU meter is too slow for fast, transient-heavy sources like snare. In that case, use a peak meter like the one on your DAW channel and have the peaks hitting no higher than -6dBFS.
Quick question please. Seen lots of gain stage videos and each is a bit different. You start with the Faders all at Unity, or ZERO DB. There is a way, IF your faders are all the way down at the bottom, and you want to get all of them UP TO Unity, there's a method of doing that ALL at one time. I knew how to do it, but now can't remember! AND the Presonus Pitiful "Help Manual" doesn't have that method listed. Are you familiar with what I'm asking? Thanks.....I think it's Cntrl plus another key.....
Couple of things I don't understand about gain staging. If I make gain staging in this way and I lower the signal with the gain knob, I'll have to compensate some loss of loudness with the channel fader afterwards. Correct? If I make it this way, my channel fader will be higher then 0 point, is it bad or it's ok? And one more question, as far as I understand, in the digital domain gain staging is made for the proper use of plugins that emulate analog gear. But what if a signal that has much lower RMS than -18 dBFS hits such plugin, for example CLA-2A compressor, is it also not good for the proper work of the plugin or it has no influence on it? Thanks!
I have got plug ins on but need & want to gain stage each channel as you have greatly shown can I still do it with them on ?as I have summed up clipping at the master I have 80 tracks my VU meter was set at -12 prior to recording (is that correct)? Thank you so much
Great tip! A related question: I've been working with the mix engine in Studio One lately, and as far as I can understand using the gain/trim in the input control comes after it hits the mix engine (but before inserts and sends). Is that correct? If so, using the gain/trim will not help me to get a controlled crosstalk, would it? I mean, one channel could still be super hot into the console shaper, right?
Yes, but it would probably mess up the balance and therefore the automation would need to be adjusted. I would just make a habit of clip gaining everything that needs it as a pre-mixing step before any automation is written.
so i am trying this out i see when i use the vu meter on each track and get it to 0 the track db is about -6 however i am gain staging a live snr and when i do before even touch anything the vu meter is at 0 but the track db is at 0 and sometimes goes over. if i gain control it to -6 then the vu meter will be way low so what should i do here?
The snare transient is too fast for the VU meter to react in time. In this case, just use the peak meter in your DAW and have the snare peaks around -6dBFS.
Excellent video.....I'm just learning how to mix Rock and metal in Studio One 4. Do you have more videos about steps to mix Rock and metal guitars? Thanks
I don't have a video specifically about mixing rock/metal guitars but I'd be happy to answer any questions you have. You can also contact me at greenlightsound.com.
I am currently on Studio One Sphere 5.2. I'll look for it in your channel; but until then, you mentioned the controls for polarity for phase. Do you have a video about this? What is it; and how do I know when to use it? How I use it? Thanks
Check out 0:45 in the video -I show you how to access the controls in Studio One. Basically, if two mics capture the same source at different times, there will be comb filtering, or phase cancellation, where some of the frequencies cancel each other out of the combined signal. This is common on multi-mic drum recordings, bass DI and amp tracks, multi-miked guitars, etc. The polarity controls allow you to flip the polarity of one of the channels to avoid this. There are also auto-align plugins that do the same thing on a more detailed level.
Would this be a method I’d use on my recorded vocal tracks? I make my beats with virtual instruments and plugins etc. Would this method be used on them tracks also? Very sorry I’ve always used my ears and have made good mix’s. I’m just trying to figure out the correct methods and understanding of gain staging, mixing and mastering.
Hi works a treat i used tve mouse wheel to adjust but what are the adjustabl DB numbers represent? I would have thought they would have shown the -18.value
They represent how may dB of gain you are adding/removing. You're trying to hit -18dB average on the meters, so the actual value you change will vary from track to track.
Also after this method of gain staging is done, would I still make adjustments to the track faders for each individual track to get the level of volume I’m looking for. I know some might hate my questions but I’m just tryna learn the right ways and any information is helpful
Hi i am in studio one artist and it has the click r m s features but do you gain stage before you have added plugins? if i have already added plug ins do i just switch them all of before i follow your gain staging method? thank you for doing this video
Definitely gain stage before plugins are added. One of the reasons to do this is to have the correct levels hitting your plugins. If you bypass your plugins to gain stage, you will most likely have to revisit your plugin settings since the input signal level will have changed. My workflow is gain stage, then rough mix, then processing if needed.
@@GreenLightSound hi thank you when ihave finished.gain staging.and the hilite mixtool is left on the volume increases, so is it better to dissarm the mixtool plug in after gain staging?
I don't keep the faders at unity at that stage. I usually pull them all down for the rough mix, then start bringing channels up to achieve a good rough balance.
@@GreenLightSound es así como yo lo hacía. Pero el aumento de volumen en DB de los faders cuando están abajo no es el mismo que cuando están arriba. Es algoritmico. Se pierde resolución. Por eso quería saber si había otra forma de hacerlo.
Quick question… I did this which is great! Going by the -18 VU. But the Master Buss channel still gets the “red light” for going over. With the pre fader engaged changing the master buss fader down doesn’t bring the level down. Do you switch it back to post fader after you clip gain? If I do this then I can bring the master buss level down.
I almost never touch the master fader. Make sure your transient heavy sources (drums, etc.) peak no higher than -6dBFS on the peak meters. The VU/RMS metering is usually to slow to react to that type of source. Then get a rough mix going before you check the master for clipping. If I follow that process, I rarely get any clipping on the master.
Unless you're specifically trying to add gain, it should be the same. Try to match the input and output of plugins so you're not fooled by "louder is better" and you don't overload your mix buss.
@@GreenLightSound So If I wanted to explode a chorus or showcase a seguway I can push up the buses for gain? But when I add plugins should I turn down the plugin itself or the clip gain to keep everything the same with regard to volume?
Don't turn down the clip gain when you add plugins - use the input and output controls on the plugin itself. Automation (louder choruses, etc.) is done with the faders after the plugins are added.
I wouldn't worry about master levels until you get the rough mix going. This is just an initial gain stage before you move any faders. At the end of the mix, I try to go for 4-6 dB headroom on the master.
My question is this: can gain stage each individual track to get it in that -18 ball park. That is not a problem. Where I get stuck is that I need to mix the track so the levels of the individual tracks need to be relative to those around them. How to I make these adjustments without distorting the gain stage I have already set up?
Gain staging is different than actually mixing, which is what you're referring to. Once you get the audio to the -18dBFS range, use the faders to mix as you normally would. The fader is post-effects, so you won't be changing the initial gain staging at all.
For a few reasons. First, plugins have an optimal level to hit them at, or a "sweet spot" around -18dBFS. Also, the fader has its greatest resolution around the 0 mark, making automation much easier down the line of you use trump to gain stage.
I have a question. I use same DAW and version, but that trim button you mention to set your gain, doesn't do anything on my channel, or lets say it doesn't work like in your video. Not sure if its a setting I'm missing, but if I turn this trim down, it actually either doesn't do anything ( I'll cut it 20db and my track peak doesnt change) or it cuts my gain on my guitar sound instead of bringing down the track (heavy guitar sound, cuts the overdrive) Any ideas ??
so i don't really understand what's the difference between setting the volume up with using the trim from input controls and using the fader? Why can't i just lower my volume instead of lowering it with input controls or dragging it down as you showed? So when I do this,what is the volume fader used for then,for setting up the levels?
First, the fader is post-effects, so you won't be hitting the -18dBFS "sweet spot" on your plugins if you use it. Also, the fader has its highest resolution around the 0 mark, so it's difficult to mix and automate when all your faders are riding so low. This is the step prior to mixing, so the faders are used after this when you set up your rough mix.
@@GreenLightSound ah i see,i saw that some people also do it the other way around,first use the faders so the master is around -10 - 12db and then trim it down if it's below -24 or above -12 additional tracks that is.But my question is when do i set up which track is louder than which track? Is that when the compression comes in?
After you gain stage, then you do a rough mix with the faders to set up levels for each individual track. Then you can add processing (EQ, compression, etc.) to help with balance.
Hello, I just started using studio one 5, So im a bit confused as to what levels to record in, i've seen videos to record in -12db then others in -18db, also at what point do i mess with my faders? Is it when i get my levels to the (sweet spot) after gain staging but before my plugins or after my plugins? Srry for the confusing question. Just need some clarafication on this.
You're fine recording at -12 or -18 as long as your peaks don't clip. The process after that is gain stage, rough mix with the faders, then plugins. You will keep adjusting the faders after the plugins as you refine the rough mix.
How do i make my track not sound so quiet? When all the levels are set to around 18 and not going over then my track seems so quiet. It only seems loud enough when im going over 18. But then i cant export my tracks because it clips too much. Im still new and dont know how to explain this very well yet. But i would really appreciate some help!
First, make sure it's your average level at -18, not your peaks. Once that's set, you can use compression, limiting, and saturation to bring down the peaks and raise your average level without clipping. Remember that commercial tracks are mastered and will almost always be louder than unmastered mixes, so keep that in mind when comparing your mix to others.
I leave the master fader at 0 and never move it. You want to gain stage into the master fader. Since everything ends up there, it's not likely you'll be down at -12dB. Just try to leave yourself about 6dB of headroom.
Click on the wrench icon on the top left side of the console (where the faders are) and under Channel Components select the checkbox for input controls.
When I'm gain staging guitars that are going to amp sims inserts, even if the gain was properly set on the interface before recording, I notice that it really drains the tone of the signal before it hits the insert, therefore leaving high gain guitars sounding more crunchy. Is there a proper technique for gain staging dry guitar signals going into amp sim VSTs?
so track control is easy alternative of mixtool right? and also for some reason my instrument tracks are recording uneven stereo track not mono. how do i change it? thank you for valuable information
@@GreenLightSound solved thank you so much. and also wondering after setting all levels -18 the vu meter on master track ends up exceeding zero to peak but its fine if i set scale to 12 from 18 . so its -12 db now on master bus. is that okay or it has to be -18 on master bus while playing everything together?thank you again
I always leave the master fader at unity (0). My process is to gain stage into the master fader, and try to leave yourself about 6 dB of headroom there.
Green Light Sound ok. When I type in zero on my master channel it brings the fader to about -10db. Why does it do that? Or should I be sliding the fader to the actual zero on the scale? Which ends up being like +7db? I’m confused.
The number you see is for the meter only, not the fader, so you're all set if you type in 0. For some reason the Master fader/metering doesn't align like the channel meters do.
Make sure any transient-heavy tracks like drums are peaking around -6dB, and remember you still have to get a rough mix with your faders after this step.
@@GreenLightSound any idea the best way to set volumes for a ballad? I.e how to get the verses volume and chorus volumes to match a little closer? Volume automation on the verses? Thinking ahead for mastering. Not sure you can squeeze the limiter to bring the verses up without crushing the louder parts.
@@benjison1000 Automation could help. I also like a dynamic mix, so a volume difference between verse and chorus shouldn't be that big of a deal. I definitely wouldn't want to match them in volume.
In a song with a simple arrangement like that, I would just process the verse and chorus with different compression/limiter settings to even out the volume. A lot comes from the actual performance as well.
@@GreenLightSound Studio One 5 Artist. All good i downloaded mono channel and stereo channel plugin from VST4FREE.com Now i can stage with VU meter and without. A little digging in between free plugins goes long way.
This was an unbelievably helpful video! I'm new to Studio One and had no idea the trim knob was hidden away like that. The meters tip was great too.
Happy to help!
Best video on the topic that I've seen! Really!! Cleared up some things that have confused me for way too long. Thanks so much! Thumbs up and subscription earned.
Finally a good explanation of gain staging! Thanks
Great tips for gain staging in Studio One. Another way this software kicks butt. Thank you and keep it up!
Great vid. Another nice option if your DAW doesn't have a prefader trim is Klanghelm's VU meter plugins. They have a trim built in to the meter interface. Saves the very annoying step of messing with clip gain envelopes (if you use that method)...
Good point. The only downside is that you have to keep the Klanghelm plugin on every track during the mix, while using clip gain allows you to remove the meters once you're done the initial gain staging process.
@@GreenLightSound Touche
Thanks, I brought a song I recorded myself to a studio for some mixing and mastering as I felt like I was getting bit fatigued by trying to do it myself. The engineer was shocked that my tracks were gain staged as hardly anyone ever brings him tracks that are.
Dope video
I live for channels like these!!! Thanks a lot my friend. I really do appreciate it. Great video(s)!!!
I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching!
THANK YOU..........I NEEDED THIS..........GREAT tutorial. Exactly what I needed.....hope to learn more from you. :)
You're welcome! Happy to help.
THANK YOU, THANK, THANK YOU. this video was sooooo helpful.
Happy to help!
Random find, but so glad I did. Simple and informative. Thanks.
Glad you found it - thanks for watching!
Thanks brother!
Thank you for such a quality tutorial. Subscribed.
Thanks!
Thanks for sharing this!
No problem. Thanks for watching!
This is a great tip Brother. Thank you.
Thanks for watching!
This was really helpful thanks!
Thanks a million for this!
In some samples like snare, if I try to hit 0dBVU on the VU meter, the signal will clip in the digital domain (dBFS),
How do you go about it?
The VU meter is too slow for fast, transient-heavy sources like snare. In that case, use a peak meter like the one on your DAW channel and have the peaks hitting no higher than -6dBFS.
Oh man thank you!!
damn you're my savior i love you
great video and nice to see new feature in 4.5. Do you also have to gain stage if you are using just midi and no audio?
When it comes to the mixing stage, I would recommend you print the MIDI to audio tracks and gain stage as described in the video.
Thank you for this man. Really appreciate it.
Excellent and very helpful
Quick question please. Seen lots of gain stage videos and each is a bit different. You start with the Faders all at Unity, or ZERO DB. There is a way, IF your faders are all the way down at the bottom, and you want to get all of them UP TO Unity, there's a method of doing that ALL at one time. I knew how to do it, but now can't remember! AND the Presonus Pitiful "Help Manual" doesn't have that method listed. Are you familiar with what I'm asking? Thanks.....I think it's Cntrl plus another key.....
Hopefully in the last 4 months you've found the answer, but it's CNTRL + Left click on your mouse.
Thank you so much for making this video! :)
Couple of things I don't understand about gain staging. If I make gain staging in this way and I lower the signal with the gain knob, I'll have to compensate some loss of loudness with the channel fader afterwards. Correct? If I make it this way, my channel fader will be higher then 0 point, is it bad or it's ok?
And one more question, as far as I understand, in the digital domain gain staging is made for the proper use of plugins that emulate analog gear. But what if a signal that has much lower RMS than -18 dBFS hits such plugin, for example CLA-2A compressor, is it also not good for the proper work of the plugin or it has no influence on it?
Thanks!
I have got plug ins on but need & want to gain stage each channel as you have greatly shown can I still do it with them on ?as I have summed up clipping at the master I have 80 tracks my VU meter was set at -12 prior to recording (is that correct)? Thank you so much
Great tip!
A related question: I've been working with the mix engine in Studio One lately, and as far as I can understand using the gain/trim in the input control comes after it hits the mix engine (but before inserts and sends). Is that correct? If so, using the gain/trim will not help me to get a controlled crosstalk, would it? I mean, one channel could still be super hot into the console shaper, right?
I think you're right. If you want to control the level hitting the mix engine, you would need to use clip gain instead.
What if I already have volume automation on tracks? Would it still keep it and just lower the overall gain?
Yes, but it would probably mess up the balance and therefore the automation would need to be adjusted. I would just make a habit of clip gaining everything that needs it as a pre-mixing step before any automation is written.
hey man , thanks for this video , it was useful but i have suggestion , could you please make a video of how to set up reverb with a trigger , thanks
so i am trying this out i see when i use the vu meter on each track and get it to 0 the track db is about -6 however i am gain staging a live snr and when i do before even touch anything the vu meter is at 0 but the track db is at 0 and sometimes goes over. if i gain control it to -6 then the vu meter will be way low so what should i do here?
The snare transient is too fast for the VU meter to react in time. In this case, just use the peak meter in your DAW and have the snare peaks around -6dBFS.
@@GreenLightSound ok so how is this really helping a mix if i cant use the VU Meter on some tracks and if i am using the peak on other tracks
Thank you so much sir!!
Thanks for watching!
Excellent video.....I'm just learning how to mix Rock and metal in Studio One 4. Do you have more videos about steps to mix Rock and metal guitars? Thanks
I don't have a video specifically about mixing rock/metal guitars but I'd be happy to answer any questions you have. You can also contact me at greenlightsound.com.
Thanks, bro. You made my day
Glad to help. Thanks for watching!
That was really helpful. Glad I subscribed. Thank you!
Glad it helped you out. Thanks for watching!
Muchas gracias me sirvió. Saludos desde Colombia
I am currently on Studio One Sphere 5.2.
I'll look for it in your channel; but until then, you mentioned the controls for polarity for phase.
Do you have a video about this?
What is it; and how do I know when to use it?
How I use it?
Thanks
Check out 0:45 in the video -I show you how to access the controls in Studio One. Basically, if two mics capture the same source at different times, there will be comb filtering, or phase cancellation, where some of the frequencies cancel each other out of the combined signal. This is common on multi-mic drum recordings, bass DI and amp tracks, multi-miked guitars, etc. The polarity controls allow you to flip the polarity of one of the channels to avoid this. There are also auto-align plugins that do the same thing on a more detailed level.
Would this be a method I’d use on my recorded vocal tracks? I make my beats with virtual instruments and plugins etc. Would this method be used on them tracks also? Very sorry I’ve always used my ears and have made good mix’s. I’m just trying to figure out the correct methods and understanding of gain staging, mixing and mastering.
Yes, use this method on vocals and virtual instruments. Just commit to your sounds and commit the VI to audio first.
Ok. When you say VI to audio. After I make adjustments to my midi file. I’d just bounce the track to audio after?
@@mwsmmidweststateofmind7223 Exactly.
Hi works a treat i used tve mouse wheel to adjust but what are the adjustabl DB numbers represent? I would have thought they would have shown the -18.value
They represent how may dB of gain you are adding/removing. You're trying to hit -18dB average on the meters, so the actual value you change will vary from track to track.
@@GreenLightSound Thank you for replying and fir your good advice now that all makes sence.
Also after this method of gain staging is done, would I still make adjustments to the track faders for each individual track to get the level of volume I’m looking for. I know some might hate my questions but I’m just tryna learn the right ways and any information is helpful
Yes, the rough mix with the faders is the next step after this.
Thanks so much for you help
Super useful, thank you!
Thanks for watching!
Thanks this was very useful
Thank you so much :)
Glad it helped!
Hi i am in studio one artist and it has the click r m s features but do you gain stage before you have added plugins? if i have already added plug ins do i just switch them all of before i follow your gain staging method? thank you for doing this video
Definitely gain stage before plugins are added. One of the reasons to do this is to have the correct levels hitting your plugins. If you bypass your plugins to gain stage, you will most likely have to revisit your plugin settings since the input signal level will have changed. My workflow is gain stage, then rough mix, then processing if needed.
@@GreenLightSound hi thank you when ihave finished.gain staging.and the hilite mixtool is left on the volume increases, so is it better to dissarm the mixtool plug in after gain staging?
@@stephenfell4338 What are you using the mixtool for?
@@GreenLightSound for adjusting the input level to minus 18 so that my signal peaks at minus 12
Awesome, fab Video
great video Joe, thanks for uploading
Thanks for watching!
Would the mixtool plug-in work the same way? I usually put it at the end of the chain and adjust it to that -18 area.
Similar, as long as you put mixtool first before all other plugins. I usually just use the input controls to avoid an extra plugin in the chain.
So you put a VU meter on every channel that's hitting over -12db?
If you're using Studio One, no need for a VU meter. Just use your channel meters and have them display peak and average values.
question. if we are recording at -18db on every track do we do exactly what you did in this video? its a bit misleading.
If your tracks are already averaging around -18dBFS then there is no need to do this prior to mixing.
Just saw a video about an automatic - 12 dB peak gain staging macro. Bet it's easily changed to - 18 if you prefer that.
Sounds cool. Remember that I'm gain staging to -18 RMS (average level), not peak.
@@GreenLightSound true, just mentioning it because many gain stage with peak level. But your way is definitely very useful!
After you set all your gain to -18db. How do you set the VOLUME LEVELS of the whole mix with fader at unity level? I mean..on the static mix stage.
I don't keep the faders at unity at that stage. I usually pull them all down for the rough mix, then start bringing channels up to achieve a good rough balance.
@@GreenLightSound es así como yo lo hacía. Pero el aumento de volumen en DB de los faders cuando están abajo no es el mismo que cuando están arriba. Es algoritmico. Se pierde resolución. Por eso quería saber si había otra forma de hacerlo.
Quick question… I did this which is great! Going by the -18 VU. But the Master Buss channel still gets the “red light” for going over. With the pre fader engaged changing the master buss fader down doesn’t bring the level down. Do you switch it back to post fader after you clip gain? If I do this then I can bring the master buss level down.
I almost never touch the master fader. Make sure your transient heavy sources (drums, etc.) peak no higher than -6dBFS on the peak meters. The VU/RMS metering is usually to slow to react to that type of source. Then get a rough mix going before you check the master for clipping. If I follow that process, I rarely get any clipping on the master.
@@GreenLightSound jolly good! Thank you again! I’m learning a lot from your channel
Which setting should I go onto for this gain staging precess, I’m using Klanghelm VU. Great Video ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
You don't need to use the Klanghelm for this process in Studio One, but if you want to just make sure it's set to VU and calibrated to -18.
@@GreenLightSound gotcha on that...what I should have said was, My VUs have loads of settings...RMS/ Peak/ etc etc etc
@@Yahoomediaclub Use RMS for average level.
Where should the meter be with plugins?
Unless you're specifically trying to add gain, it should be the same. Try to match the input and output of plugins so you're not fooled by "louder is better" and you don't overload your mix buss.
@@GreenLightSound So If I wanted to explode a chorus or showcase a seguway I can push up the buses for gain? But when I add plugins should I turn down the plugin itself or the clip gain to keep everything the same with regard to volume?
Don't turn down the clip gain when you add plugins - use the input and output controls on the plugin itself. Automation (louder choruses, etc.) is done with the faders after the plugins are added.
Hi what’s the peak rms on the master? How does this translate to db? Shouldn’t we be around -6db prior to mastering?
I wouldn't worry about master levels until you get the rough mix going. This is just an initial gain stage before you move any faders. At the end of the mix, I try to go for 4-6 dB headroom on the master.
@@GreenLightSound thank you
My question is this: can gain stage each individual track to get it in that -18 ball park. That is not a problem. Where I get stuck is that I need to mix the track so the levels of the individual tracks need to be relative to those around them. How to I make these adjustments without distorting the gain stage I have already set up?
Gain staging is different than actually mixing, which is what you're referring to. Once you get the audio to the -18dBFS range, use the faders to mix as you normally would. The fader is post-effects, so you won't be changing the initial gain staging at all.
Is there a way to set the meter options as default?
Once you set it to Peak/RMS metering, I think it keeps it as default until you change it. I could be wrong.
If things are coming in too hot when gain staging, why do u pull the trim down instead pulling down the actual fader?
For a few reasons. First, plugins have an optimal level to hit them at, or a "sweet spot" around -18dBFS. Also, the fader has its greatest resolution around the 0 mark, making automation much easier down the line of you use trump to gain stage.
Well explained.
I have a question. I use same DAW and version, but that trim button you mention to set your gain, doesn't do anything on my channel, or lets say it doesn't work like in your video. Not sure if its a setting I'm missing, but if I turn this trim down, it actually either doesn't do anything ( I'll cut it 20db and my track peak doesnt change) or it cuts my gain on my guitar sound instead of bringing down the track (heavy guitar sound, cuts the overdrive) Any ideas ??
That's strange. Maybe take a screenshot and send it to me through my website so I can see what's going on.
so i don't really understand what's the difference between setting the volume up with using the trim from input controls and using the fader? Why can't i just lower my volume instead of lowering it with input controls or dragging it down as you showed?
So when I do this,what is the volume fader used for then,for setting up the levels?
First, the fader is post-effects, so you won't be hitting the -18dBFS "sweet spot" on your plugins if you use it. Also, the fader has its highest resolution around the 0 mark, so it's difficult to mix and automate when all your faders are riding so low. This is the step prior to mixing, so the faders are used after this when you set up your rough mix.
@@GreenLightSound ah i see,i saw that some people also do it the other way around,first use the faders so the master is around -10 - 12db and then trim it down if it's below -24 or above -12 additional tracks that is.But my question is when do i set up which track is louder than which track? Is that when the compression comes in?
After you gain stage, then you do a rough mix with the faders to set up levels for each individual track. Then you can add processing (EQ, compression, etc.) to help with balance.
Very helpfull... thanks 🔥🔥🔥
Happy to help!
Hello, I just started using studio one 5, So im a bit confused as to what levels to record in, i've seen videos to record in -12db then others in -18db, also at what point do i mess with my faders? Is it when i get my levels to the (sweet spot) after gain staging but before my plugins or after my plugins? Srry for the confusing question. Just need some clarafication on this.
You're fine recording at -12 or -18 as long as your peaks don't clip. The process after that is gain stage, rough mix with the faders, then plugins. You will keep adjusting the faders after the plugins as you refine the rough mix.
Thanks for the reply, it makes more sense now.
How do i make my track not sound so quiet? When all the levels are set to around 18 and not going over then my track seems so quiet. It only seems loud enough when im going over 18. But then i cant export my tracks because it clips too much. Im still new and dont know how to explain this very well yet. But i would really appreciate some help!
First, make sure it's your average level at -18, not your peaks. Once that's set, you can use compression, limiting, and saturation to bring down the peaks and raise your average level without clipping. Remember that commercial tracks are mastered and will almost always be louder than unmastered mixes, so keep that in mind when comparing your mix to others.
@@GreenLightSound Thank you this helps a lot! Been trying to figure this out for quite some time now.
Been using this on Cubase for quite some time. Pre gains
Right, I know this has existed for a while in other DAWs. Nice to get it here in Studio One.
Hi my question was were does the master fader need to be parked is that to bo done the same or at neg 12
I leave the master fader at 0 and never move it. You want to gain stage into the master fader. Since everything ends up there, it's not likely you'll be down at -12dB. Just try to leave yourself about 6dB of headroom.
How do you activate TRIM KNOB ?
Click on the wrench icon on the top left side of the console (where the faders are) and under Channel Components select the checkbox for input controls.
A MACRO to toggle between pre-fader and post-fader metering would be suit this perfectly...
ty :D
Why do you have 2 master channels?
I don't really. Just a submix where all the tracks end up and I do a bit of processing. That goes straight to the master channel.
When I'm gain staging guitars that are going to amp sims inserts, even if the gain was properly set on the interface before recording, I notice that it really drains the tone of the signal before it hits the insert, therefore leaving high gain guitars sounding more crunchy.
Is there a proper technique for gain staging dry guitar signals going into amp sim VSTs?
Amp sims sweet spot is also -18dBFS, so by pushing harder you are actually getting something like clean booster pedal effect in front of the sim.
so track control is easy alternative of mixtool right? and also for some reason my instrument tracks are recording uneven stereo track not mono. how do i change it? thank you for valuable information
Right. Are you making sure you're setting up a mono track to record to?
@@GreenLightSound solved thank you so much. and also wondering after setting all levels -18 the vu meter on master track ends up exceeding zero to peak but its fine if i set scale to 12 from 18 . so its -12 db now on master bus. is that okay or it has to be -18 on master bus while playing everything together?thank you again
@@pronavsandhu it could _-9...-6...or -3. I wouldn't go pass -3 tho,i usually stay around -6 myself.
@@pronavsandhu what was the answer to your question ?
@@rockwriter9054 which question?
Ok I’m new to mixing and very new to studio one. If you’re trying to gain stage, does it matter where the main/master fader is?
I always leave the master fader at unity (0). My process is to gain stage into the master fader, and try to leave yourself about 6 dB of headroom there.
Green Light Sound ok. When I type in zero on my master channel it brings the fader to about -10db. Why does it do that? Or should I be sliding the fader to the actual zero on the scale? Which ends up being like +7db? I’m confused.
The number you see is for the meter only, not the fader, so you're all set if you type in 0. For some reason the Master fader/metering doesn't align like the channel meters do.
Green Light Sound thank you! I’m using studio one 4 artist. Been missing this crucial step.
Do you have to do this to each Individual track ? Or can you do it to a bus ?
It's much better to do to each individual track, plus you can't use clip gain on a bus.
Green Light Sound thank you so much for replying
My track is still clipping when I do this?
Make sure any transient-heavy tracks like drums are peaking around -6dB, and remember you still have to get a rough mix with your faders after this step.
@@GreenLightSound any idea the best way to set volumes for a ballad? I.e how to get the verses volume and chorus volumes to match a little closer? Volume automation on the verses? Thinking ahead for mastering. Not sure you can squeeze the limiter to bring the verses up without crushing the louder parts.
@@benjison1000 Automation could help. I also like a dynamic mix, so a volume difference between verse and chorus shouldn't be that big of a deal. I definitely wouldn't want to match them in volume.
@@GreenLightSound but then how would mastering get the whole song “loud” enough and still not to crush the chorus’s? I.e Adele’s “remedy”
In a song with a simple arrangement like that, I would just process the verse and chorus with different compression/limiter settings to even out the volume. A lot comes from the actual performance as well.
:( I dont have a VU meter
What DAW do you use?
@@GreenLightSound Studio One 5 Artist. All good i downloaded mono channel and stereo channel plugin from VST4FREE.com Now i can stage with VU meter and without. A little digging in between free plugins goes long way.
HALLELUYAH(PRAISE YE YAH!) Blessings are from HIM, all things are possible through the FATHER(Matthew 19:26).
Lets remind the people - This only works for audio tracks. Midi tracks dont have this.
Right. I would also suggest printing all of your MIDI tracks to audio before mixing.
A faster way is to select all the tracts and that will pull them all down at the same time. LOL
That wouldn't work. They all need to be changed by different amounts.