| Author
|
How do digital mixers add sounds so well?
|
CrunchiMonkey
IsraTrance Junior Member
Started Topics :
10
Posts :
56
Posted : Feb 5, 2006 08:13
|
Ok, let's say I have two sounds in their own channels in Cubase SX. Each has an average level of about -6db BUT sometimes the peaks reach the 0db ceiling at the same time.
If Cubase simply added these sounds together (waveA + waveB) and normalised it, theoretically the output average volume would be 1/2 of what is was in the initial tracks. But I know it doesn't work out like that, and I would like to know what tricks the cubase engine does to the sound to overcome these peaks taking the sound way beyond the digital ceiling.
If any of my assumptions are incorrect, please correct me!
thanks.
|
|
|
e-motion
IsraTrance Full Member
Started Topics :
71
Posts :
933
Posted : Feb 5, 2006 14:33
|
didn't understood the question very well but from what i understand you're talking about the headroom. well cubase uses a 32bit mixer which has lots and lots of headroom... however if the master clips and you export it you'll get digital clipping.
but it's better not to clip at any channel  |
|
|
|
Colin OOOD
Moderator
Started Topics :
95
Posts :
5380
Posted : Feb 5, 2006 15:40
|
|
UnderTow
Started Topics :
9
Posts :
1448
Posted : Feb 5, 2006 16:47
|
CrunchiMonkey: Cubase (and other sequencers) just add up the sounds. There is no normalisation or division going on.
If the peaks of the two sounds being mixed are at the same time and are in phase, they WILL go over 0 dB FS.
UnderTow |
|
|
|
CrunchiMonkey
IsraTrance Junior Member
Started Topics :
10
Posts :
56
Posted : Feb 5, 2006 20:09
|
Aha, it's that simple eh? Well thanks for clearing that up for me guys.
I think, becuase i've been watching my levels almost unconsiously and using compressors and limiters so often these days clipping hasn't bothered me for ages. I guess that's a good thing 
*topic closed, question answered*
|
|
|
|
