Cool Article.
I know I deffo get better results when I mix to lower levels. I usually start off with my drums, that I have gruoped up and mixed already as a loop. Usually I get that hitting at -15db, Add the bass, then looking to have the track around -12db with those elements in, then I try and sit the rest of the stuff on top and aim for around -10db for the full tune. I use Sonalkis FreeG meters on my master channel when mixing down and reference it a lot when adding elements, as well as using my ears, but I mix on shitty equipment, so the meters really help.
I have found the best thing for me getting to a balanced mix that I can make loud, as well as mixing into a low level, is to abuse the hell out of Reverb/Delay Sends to space out your mix. Since I started to utilize this more, I have been able to mix my stuff and get it much louder without sacrificing by having to compress/limit the shit out of it.
After that if I want to master it myself I do very little. I add a compressor, with 1.2:1 ratio, and compress it lightly with a bit of attack, try and take of 3db. I usually add an exciter as well, to give the top end a bit more sparkle, then I just stick on a limiter, and have it so its just taking the very tops off, about 1-3 db. Been able to get to about -7db RMS for most of my tunes using these methods. What levels are Pro Tacks hitting in at?
Leads me to a question. What is acceptable levels for say your peaks and your RMS. Seems to me the key is to get those values to be not too far away from each, but still far away enough to have some dynamics in your piece. So what would be the "acceptable" ranges you should look to be aiming for? What would be too small a difference? What would be too large of a difference between the Peak and RMS levels?
When I am mixing down, I have been looking at having the peaks around -10db and then the RMS sits in a range between -17 and -23 db, does this sound ok?
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All of this is with a view of not destroying the integrity of my sound as well. I use very minimal compression and stuff, just upto -3db reduction if used at all(in relation to mixing)
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Also Hi Pass/Low Pass EVERYTHING. I isolate what I want coming through and fliter out the rest of the spectrum range, doesnt need to be there, get rid, it clears more room for sure and gets louder without sacrifice!
