Sound quality of Final Mix.

Whats up guys?

This question is regarding the sound quality in my final mixes (I just remembered its not in the MPC) Its coming from my 12track recorder which is a Korg D12 but im sure someone can answer this.

I usually tune/eq my songs up & run them through a "Stereo Compressor" effect or a "Limiter" The mix comes out okay but it could be much better/especially when you compare it to a "Normal" cd. the sound is like a metallic sound, like maybe the compresser volume is too high or, somthings too high but the "overall" level is low. when I put the cd in my stereo. I gotta crank it up to hear it at a normal level. is this a monitoring problem? I dont have studio monitors but I do have a good set of Senheiser headphones. I've been reading up on compression, I know this is important when it comes to the final mix but my mixes are'nt as tight as they should be. I was also wondering if I should be using more effects in the final mix. I usually just use "Insert effects" which is usually a stereo compressor for drums and a seperate one for the bassline. Then I use another stereo compressor for the final mix a whole. The D12 has

*Insert effects
*Master effects
*Final effects
I usually skip the master effects cause it gets too complicated. should I be using the master effects too?

If someone could just give me an overall view on how to create a cool mix I'd appreciate it.

Thanks alot!!!!![/u]

A lot of people with home studios have this problem and there mixes tend to be low in volume (compared to profesionally mastered cds). I got a roland 1680 and i've never had that problem with low mix levels, but i let a friend borrow my recorder, and all his mixes were really low for some reason...maybe your input levels aren't loud enough. when you record something into the mixer are you making sure your getting the highest line level without distortion? Otherwise try to master your music without adding all the effects in (compressor/limiter - rack mount effects) and just use the master toolkit that comes with the d12. See what happens to your volumes then. And make sure, when your recording your master tracks to turn up all the tracks, so they are loud enough but not distorting. i dont really know what to tell you, but if no one else can help you on this forum, goto vsplanet.com and post something there (digital recording forum), you'll get some solutions.

also check your compressor settings, perhaps you have set a low ceiling and that is keeping your tracks quiet.

Thanks for the advice guys, I''ll take that advice to the lab & see what happens. I did notice that when I use no effects the clarity & volume is there but the "bottom" is out of control.

I'll use some variations & see what I get.

Thanks again for all the advice...... I'll keep y'all "Posted"

your over compressing. =)

Over compressing? when I use the compressor the default setting is like 90 for the main level and the attack is set to like 60. I usually turn these levels down to the teens & raise the overall volume of the effect. should I set these levels at a higher rate? leave them alone? is there a general setting? I got some good advice today I have'nt used yet but I could always use more input.


Good lookin' everybody!