Mastering Above 0db?

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Jcool

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For the longest time in FL studio I have been mastering my tracks up to 4db and having to be very precise with my kick and bass (and have some bit of luck) for it to not sound like it is clipping. I have heard time and time again that no one should ever master above 0db because either way it is clipping, but whenever I master only up to 0db, I get nowhere near as much volume out of my song as "professionally mastered" songs. I have to turn my volume up on any mobile device two notches higher than more or less any song I didn't make. I have heard about RMS values being more accurate about how we perceive sound and that is the only way I could think that someone could get their track as "loud" as mine while still maintaining a master that only goes up to 0db. Any advice? This one of the most frustrating concepts for me to process because I don't want to trade quality for loudness but I can't stand my tracks being at a disadvantage in volume levels versus other songs.
 
Hey JCool! You know I had that same problem for years until I tried this method. Its a combination of theories and techniques but I think it will help you out.
1. When I mix I use a -18db as my threshold, this is where I have my kicks and/or main leads to to hit this point (I don't mind if it goes over or under 1-2 db) I usually put percussions around -20 to -24db
2. Compress the kick a little bit where it gives it punch
3. Cut freq that you don't need or want to tame. When you tame it on one instrument you don't think your really doing anything, but then multiply that how many instrument will see a huge change. With all those tracks with thee cut freq, you prob shed off a good 3-5 db but its clean sound and prob doesn't sound much quieter. Now This will allow you to turn up the volume without distortion and also have a perceived loudness to the track.

These are just a couple of things I do on my track when I mix. Hope this helps! Also if you dont mine sharing the song on here, I could listen to see whats going on and/or anyone else on the forum as well!
 
I think you might be getting mixing confused with mastering. The post above explains basic mixing very well, compressing the track your working on will allow you to raise the level a bit more.

Your finished MIX should be nowhere near 0db, never mind +4db. Most of my mixes end up being near to -6db on the peaks.

You can then export this as a stereo file and open it up in a new project. So when your MASTERING, you'd only be work on the stereo mix.

If your having trouble getting up to commercial levels have a look at the track with a spectrum analyser and pay attention to the sub bass region. This eats into your headroom massively, so try rolling off at 30hz to get rid of the low end rumble. You may also notice your bass tighten up a touch. While on the subject of high pass filtering, are you using one on the tracks in your mixes?

Now that you've done your MASTERING EQ, you might need a little bit of 'glue' compression to smooth everything over.

The final process in mastering will be a limiter. This is where your volume comes from, lower the threshold and your track will get louder, lower it until your getting about 3db of gain reduction on the loudest peaks and compare it to a commercial record. Then work from there.

Feel free to send me your stereo mix and I will have a listen and give your some more advice.

Atkinsonaudio (at) gmail (dot) com
 
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