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Hi Folks,
I have always had this problem that the biab or realtrack files are a lot louder than the vocals that I record in Realband or Cubase, and I usually have to put a lot of gain processing on vocals to take them up when mixing.
Probably normalizing the files in biab doesn't help. I have been advised on another froum that vocals should be recorded in the -18db peak range to allow for mastering etc later. Would you concur with that statement?
If I go this route then I probably need to take the realtrack files way down in volume to mix better with the vox tracks (without me having to do gain processing on vocal tracks)
Probably not having a proper set of studio monitors doesn't help either as with the lower mixing levels I would have to turn the volume on Logitech desktop speakers way way up to make it heard.
Any advice really appreciated.
Musiclover
Last edited by musiclover; 07/16/14 06:26 AM.
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Hi Folks,
I usually have to put a lot of gain processing on vocals to take them up when mixing. I have been advised on another froum that vocals should be recorded in the -18db peak range to allow for mastering etc later. Would you concur with that statement? If I go this route then I probably need to take the realtrack files way down in volume to mix better with the vox tracks (without me having to do gain processing on vocal tracks) Probably not having a proper set of studio monitors doesn't help either as with the lower mixing levels I would have to turn the volume on Logitech desktop speakers way way up to make it heard.
Any advice really appreciated.
Musiclover Personally.... I have my vocals peak at -12db which was recommended to me when I sent (3) of my songs to The Ranch studio (Ted Perlman) in LA for mastering & lead axe tracks about 4 years ago. As you stated, you'd just have to turn the RT tracks way down. I've never needed to normalize any tracks but I understand it's a tool that many use. I don't think your monitors are any real issue...it's getting the gain right within the DAW. Suggestion... Turn all the RT tracks way down when tracking vocal don't worry about where they're peaking. (I'm presuming you already apply good mic technique when tracking) Record the vocal to -18 (or -12)....then bring up the bass, kick, snare. When you've got an acceptable mix with the vocal/bass/kick/snare then start adding gain to the other backing tracks like rhythm guitar, hi-hat, percussion, harmonies, etc. I'm not saying this is the only way as we all work differently in arriving at desired mixes. But, I've done it this way for 20 years and learned from a couple that knew far more than me. (most still do  ) I've never anyone say my mixes suck or cant' hear this or that. If my songs suck that's a totally different issue. Hope that helps and you get some other input. Carry on....mas cafe para mi.
Last edited by chulaivet1966; 07/16/14 09:21 AM.
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Yeah, around -12 is usually good target here also .. with an occasional peak hitting -6 or so.
Make your sound your own!
.. I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
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Thanks very much for replies guys, that was very helpful advice.
Another little thing is if I am using Cubase I was using a stereo default input bus to record vocal to a mono track, but I have been advised to create and use a mono input bus instead.
As I was recording the vocal to a mono track anyway, is there any other reason (other than its the right thing to do) to choose a mono input bus over a stereo input bus?
With my little experimentation with this so far I have noticed not much of a difference.
Thanks for all the helpful info.
Musiclover
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I don't actually use "levels" to record anything. Not in the way that I'm looking at the levels constantly and going "by the numbers". With my DAW (Sonar) I look to see the average level and keep the meters out of the red. I can't even remember the last time I set any levels "by the numbers". This picture is for reference only..... it's what I want my track waves to look like on any given project including the vocal tracks which unfortunately are not shown in this pic.  I simply attempt to get a decent looking wave that isn't near the track borders (top & bottom) and has room to breathe. Yeah, it's not scientific but it works great. If the waves are touching or "clipping" I simply lower the input levels and if the wave is wimpy, I increase the input levels to get a fuller wave. To high and you clip, to low and you can introduce noise when you end up boosting or normalizing. At times, I use busses to control the overall volume of the "band mix" so that I can turn it down when I have a good vocal that doesn't cut above the mix without plugs. Most people in that situation would add FX plugs and compression to BOOST the vocal above the mix. I do the opposite. I LOWER the level of the band so that the voice rides cleanly on top of the mix without compression assistance. I use the same process on all my tunes and they are consistent in levels and volume and tone characteristics. To me, that's what matters. The final result.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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I record mine in Cubase at between -7 and -3, I then raise it up to -1.8 for mixing.
My TunesPsalm 57:7 My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.
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Thanks again Herb and PG for your advice, everything is very helpful from all you pro's
musiclover
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The main reason I don't sweat the levels and use numbers for recording is because in the mix down stages, I'm going for the relationship between the tracks and levels of the original recording to the tracks doesn't matter.
It's all "fluid" until I have that final mix pretty much nailed down. Then again, I look to keep the meters out of the red. That's it. That's how I do my recording and mixing.
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 07/18/14 06:15 AM.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
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Update Your PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 Today!
The Newest RealBand 2024 Update is Here!
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Handy flash drive tip: Always try plugging in a USB device the wrong way first? If your flash drive (or other USB plug) doesn't have a symbol to indicate which way is up, look for the side with a seam on the metal connector (it only has a line across one side) - that's the side that either faces down or to the left, depending on your port placement.
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A few excerpts:
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Thank you to everyone who has contributed!
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