Hey, guys. I'm not actually asking how it's actually used, but much more like:
 
what use do you guys make of offset mode?
 
I generally record everything at an incredibly low level, then normalize to around 1dB. After loading my synths and doing a lot of my recording, I'll go to offset mode and take EVERYTHING (except Master fader) down about 6-12dB, then make the small changes to the mix again.
It's not very smart, but it ensures that the final mix ends up far below clipping, and gives me room for some final mix EQ and compression. How about you guys?

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Offset mode as Mike describes.  It is an operator error save your hinny after you've finished a track(s) and decide it has to be louder or softer.
 
As to recording everything low and then normalizing - that is not a good process to use.  Record a nice, strong signal - but not one going into red.  This is where recording through a comp/limiter really gives peace of mind - as well as a nice tone.  And where a high-gain preamp can allow you to back off the mike and still get a solid signal.  But esp. for soft synths etc. there is no reason to not record loudly.  It is always easier to turn down something rather than raise a level and attendant noise - and that is not just from tape day's training.  I seldom have a recorded track playing back at 0 dB - it is usually -6 or -20 db.
 
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I find offset mode to be confusing and potentially dangerous (mainly if you forget it's on) so I leave it alone. I have no qualms with editing an automation envelope if needs be.

I've never used it.

How do you guys use offset mode?
 
Never.
 
Too damned confusing. I'm not at all averse to editing my own envelopes - and it's easy enough to select the whole env. & drag it up/down as needed.

Ooh AT, I have to admit that until now I never actually stopped and took notice of the fact that a LOT more noise comes thru when I record really low level - That's something I won't be doing again.
 
Not sure I'll be changing my other use of it (to bring everything in the mix to a non-clipping level), it's just TOO handy for that. Really useful imo
 

sharke
I find offset mode to be confusing and potentially dangerous (mainly if you forget it's on) so I leave it alone. I have no qualms with editing an automation envelope if needs be.

I agree with this...but only because there aren't enough blatant changes in Sonar to show a user he or she is in offset mode. It's VERY easy to forget you're using it which can really be a nightmare.
 
However, if you are focused and extremely anal about stuff like I am and you can remember to immediately change back to normal mode, it can be a really cool feature.
 
For example, I'm done mixing and I decide I need to do all my automation. I start with a lead vocal and make sure that each word is heard. When I get done, I find that maybe the entire track can come up +1 dB. I can no longer use my volume slider because the nodes I created for my volume will be locked in to the automation. If I moved the fader it would only move back as soon as I press play.
 
To raise that track 1 dB higher, I have three options.
 
1. Raise all the automation I just drew by 1 dB which would be tedious and a pain in the butt
 
2. Raise the "gain" on the track. However, because I use gain staging to make everything just right with my plugs etc, this *might* cause audible clipping. Or it just may work.....but I'd never touch my gain for the sake of adjusting automation.
 
3. The correct choice, press O, the volume fader turns to a + and I raise it to 1.0, press O again to get back to regular mode...and I'm done.
 
The same can be done when you may have automated pans that might need subtle tweaking. For example, during guitar solos, I like to pan my rhythm guitar tracks out a little wider to get them out of the way of the guitar solo. Sometimes I bring them out too wide...so going into offset mode allows me to bring them a little tighter without touching the automation nodes I've drawn in.
 
The key to this is to remember to press O immediately when you're done and you'll be in good shape. :)
 
-Danny

I never use it.  Actually, probably didn't realize it's there.... well I knew I could raise things up after the fact but don't.
 
As far as recording at a low level and then normalizing to make it loud enough....  one word:  DON'T
 
Go ahead and get nice strong signals that are below the clipping points at their peaks. On the mix down, keep the master under the clipping points as well and you should end up with a nice wave that needs very little "boosting" after the fact.
 
With nice strong levels going in, if there's a track ... perhaps vocals... that afterwards simply isn't loud enough to cut over the mix..... rather than adding Boost11 or normalizing to get a few more db's out of an already cranked track..... I look at turning the other tracks down. With good strong waves, this is a viable and workable option that I've used a few times. Go back to square one when things are not working like they should.
 
I normalize only when there is no other option and usually there are many options. If a track is low, you did something wrong at the recording  session. Go back right then and fix it. I always record a short couple of measures to see where my signal levels going into the track are at. Fix if necessary.
 
 
Offset mode.... like anything else in Sonar, it's a tool put there for you to use, if and when you need it. Some tools we use every day and all the time. Others, like the "jaws of life" we pull out and use only as a last resort to save something without having to do massive amounts of work in another way. You decide which ones you use and when. Think ahead and you won't need the life savers very often.
 
 

I did not know about offset mode.
 
I would create envelopes and if I needed to cut or boost a track with volume automation, I would either tediously move each node or, select all and move as a an "object" (not sure that is correct semantics).
 
If I understand what is being said here...next time I need to boost or cut an automation envelope for a specific track, I just hit "O" then adjust by the value I wish the boost or cut to realize, BUT, make sure to hit "O" again.
 
One other thing, did I misunderstand when I read that you could use a limiter when tracking to make sure you have a hot signal, but not clipping? That sounds scarey to me. Please elaborate.
 
TNX