Kick and Bass Headroom General Rule

On 2009-11-28 14:33, wizanda wrote:
The professional plug-ins like PSP vintage warmer, Maximus, etc add clarity at mastering level and are there to make sure an already perfect mix has maximum volume, without clipping; plus add that distinctive saturation, to make it sound real.

On 2009-11-27 12:40, Speakafreaka wrote:
I'd say it is more dependant on feel rather than tempo.

I don't think there is any easy way to determine it apart from learning what sounds good and what doesn't which is a bit trial and error.

In terms of timing I disagree with the article - I'll typically go circa 1-5ms attack (their suggestion is really really slow!) and circa 100-150ms on the release - of course, all depending on vibe of the track.

Jizy, I tend to go with a vintage URS unit - reckon it depends how you want your mix to sound - clear and transparent? Probably something like Oxford Dynamics. A bit twitchy around the edges? Probably URS 1970.

In terms of levels - I check the RMS of my mix before the compressor and set the threshold to just slightly higher than that. Ratio I keep very low at 1:5 to around 2. The aim isn't really compression here, in many ways Its more about making your mix dynamics 'sympathetic' to the character of the track. It is a very subtle effect at the end of the day.

I made an A/B comparison for another forum where I was talking in more depth about it which might be amusing (all mixed on headphones so forgive wonkiness) - I even phase invert it, so you can hear the difference! It is a very subtle effect http://www.sendspace.com/file/j73lu5

On 2009-11-29 03:21, nyklfunk wrote:
discalimer: this response in no way supports or acknowledges that the person or persons who created this word 'headroom' or named this name 'headroom' actually had the power and authority to do so

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don't underestimate the powers of imagination visualiztion and hearing

imagine being at an indoor or outdoor party

the sounds, smells, people and then how would these sounds be coming off there

and find ways to work on hearing

sit in a place that is uber quiet and listen super intensely for every sound

then take a deep breath and hum and listen to it

listen to the sound in your HEAD

listen to the sound in the ROOM



forget about HEADROOM

On 2009-11-28 23:33, Inactive User wrote:
Headroom is your friend.

On 2009-11-28 14:33, wizanda wrote:
The professional plug-ins like PSP vintage warmer, Maximus, etc add clarity at mastering level and are there to make sure an already perfect mix has maximum volume, without clipping; plus add that distinctive saturation, to make it sound real.

On 2009-12-09 22:38, *eLliSDee* wrote:
should it still be allright for mastering if my master bus peaks slightly above -3(no plugins), almost touching -2. but only rarely. and very briefly.