Mix Notes / 46Workflow
Gain stage before you touch a plugin.
ConventionAbout -18 dBFS average into a plugin, -6 to -3 dB of peak headroom before the bus. Standard practice, not our measurement.
Plugins model analog gear calibrated to a level. Too hot and the curve hits harder and earlier than designed. Too cold and makeup gain adds noise and nothing else.
Why it matters
That gear was calibrated to a level. Hit a compressor too hot and you get a harder, earlier curve than the designer tuned for. Hit it too cold and you add makeup gain to compensate, which adds noise and nothing else.
Target levels
| Where | Target |
|---|---|
| Average into a plugin | -18 dBFS |
| Peaks, before the bus | -6 to -3 dB |
| Master bus peak | -6 dBFS |
Standard convention for plugins modelled on analog gear, not a per-unit measurement. Meter the loudest section.
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