I just got Boost 11 with my updated version of Sonar 8.5. I have seen many threads on how to use this limiter, but most of the replies seem to be "when" to use it. I have seen the (Boost 11) video several times, but have not been able to figure out how it works. Could someone please list--in "Boosting for Dummies" format--just the 2-4 steps to go thru  to appropriately effect the sound. In other words:
Step 1, increase the __________ by about 2 .
 
I know these would just be suggestions, but I just don't have a good grasp yet about how this works.
 
Thanks very much.
 
Larry
 

There are not set numbers to increase those 2 levels. Each song will need different settings.
Boost 11 is a very striped down peak limiter with only 2 settings. Google those 2 settings and learn what they do, then use your ears and the knowledge gained form learning those 2 settings to decide what settings they need to be at
Cj

Boost 11 is a limiter, which pushes up the overall sound level of your mix (typical use) while not letting it go over 0 dB.  It is a form of automatic gain controller.  You pump up the volume on the input side and it reduces the sound on the output, making the overall volume better.

There is no right way to use it or steps.  Just use your ears.  Just insert it onto a track and raise the volume.  It does the rest automatically.  My suggestion is don't try too much - almost any digital limiter will start to sound "harsh" when used to heavily.  Give it a try and see what you think.

@

The boost 11 is what we in the industry like to call a peak or brickwall limiter.  It is easy to operate.  It is mainly used as a mastering tool but you can use it as buss mastering tool as well.  On saying that NO RULES!!!.
 
What is truly great about this tool it has peak and rms meters.  That means you want the secondary bar the one that floats around about -15db for a final master.  This is your average level of the track.
 
Ok now for the knobs.  One boots and one tells the limiter to cut in.  In mastering you never want to push the boost by anymore than three db.  You want to set the output to -.03or-.02.  These are your international mastering level standards.
 
Anymore questions?? Let me know.  It's fairly straight forward.
 
Viva la Revolution
Sonar Forever, Pro Tools Never
Ben B.C.T (Bacherlor of Creative Technology)
http://www.myspace.com/audiomystics

First, adjust Boost 11 while the audio track is playing so you can see the resolts of your changes. The OUTPUT knob on the right sets a limit to how loud the audio can go. The BOOST knob on the left increases the volume of the audio. Let's say you have an audio track with some very loud transients compared to the rest of the audio. Set the OUTPUT knob to the max volume you want the track to be. 0 db is the loudest the track can get and may be a little too loud for most applications other than mastering the final mix. I generally use -6 db on a track.

How much boost you add depends on how loud the track already is. You can tell when you have boosted the audio past where you have the OUTPUT set when you see the middle REDUCTION meter working. It will show, in db levels, how much it is limiting the material. If you see large RED peaks in the waveform IN window under the BOOST knob you will know you have seriously changed the dynamics in the audio... which may or may not be what you had intended.

When I use Boost 11 it is usually to knock down a few transients without affecting the overall sound too much. So, I boost the level until I see the reduction meter working just a little. I suggest a bit of practice with it so you can learn to associate what the meters show and what you are hearing.

If you use Boost 11 on a track and the Reduction meter is showing reduction with NO boost, then you can control the level of limiting by raising the Output level.

I routinely normalize my audio to -6 db after recording, so I use -6 db as the Boost 11 output level. Then I slowly raise the Boost level from 0, watching the waveform IN window and the Reduction meter until I'm seeing and hearing the sound I want.

Larry , have you seen this video?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5K2RhXW0bM

by cakewalk's very own Troy Mc Clue ... Robin.... or is Brandon?!?!? ... or even now Seth.. voting to follow shortly :)

basically, don't go crazy on it.. it's a bit like when your cooking and seasoning things :)

Fog


Larry , have you seen this video?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5K2RhXW0bM

by cakewalk's very own Troy Mc Clue ... Robin.... or is Brandon?!?!? ... or even now Seth.. voting to follow shortly :)

basically, don't go crazy on it.. it's a bit like when your cooking and seasoning things :)

That video demonstrates how destructive that thing is. Just say no!

2:25 into the video :)

hehe

everything I use has something that will basically brick wall a song now.. but yer moderation is the key

Boost 11 is the reason the voices in Cakewalk Tutorial videos have always sounded so rich and natural.

a lot of good reviews in youtube about boost 11 under that video, makes me wanna use it LOL.