The LP It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back by Public Enemy employs exactly that trick. It still works even after you've noticed it. 

Beagle


Mike, I have a serious question.  How can I possibly know if you are ever asking a serious question? 

At this point I would never respond to any question regarding recording, mixing or anything DAW related simply because of your constant snarking posts.

Even in this one, if this is truly a real question and not an attempt to laugh at people who answer your question with an honest opinion but completely "clueless" in the world according to Mike, how do I know the difference?

That's why I either respond with a SNARK award, or simply don't respond to ANY of your posts simply because I am guessing that you're just posting to get a laugh at those who disagree with your opinions.

And I would prefer to have an honest open discussion with you than to read any post from you which is just an attempt at smug humor at my (and anyone else's) expense.

So how can we tell when you're honestly wanting to know others' opinions and when you're just making fun of everyone who responds?  Or should we just assume all of your posts are snarky?

 Word....great input on the subject though Jeff.

It's a tricky subject... I haven't read all of the responses? I think it depends mostly on the song? But secondarily, you can't put an album/CD out with 7 songs mastered at THIS LEVEL and one mastered at this level... I think that's the big question? With the right techniques, you can still maintain a pretty intimate vibe with a "pretty loud" overall volume. It takes more skill than I posess. But I know it can be done. 
 
What should be troubling is the apparent level of "bashing" being done here by some? I taught my 9 year old son how to deal with bullies... I think more people should have been taught this lesson at an early age. P.S., the bullies "don't pick on him anymore..."
 
The "Internet" makes it soooo easy to be a bully though? ;-) Especially for those who never stood up to one when they were growing up...

FWIW my post is sincerely meant to be taken tongue in cheek, a joke, in general to lighten up what appeared to be another thread veering off the rails and into the flame.

 Thank you to all who responded with thoughts and ideas about how to balance an interest in wide dynamics with a need to maintain a sound level that doesn't get lost in the quiet passages.

 I appreciate the opportunity to read your opinions.

all the very best,
mike

mike_mccue


 Thank you to all who responded with thoughts and ideas about how to balance an interest in wide dynamics with a need to maintain a sound level that doesn't get lost in the quiet passages.

I appreciate the opportunity to read your opinions.

all the very best,
mike

No problem.

Learn to stick you head above the parapet a bit more mate, you are more likely to get more accurate feedback if you clarify the topic a bit more at the outset.

You'll notice some good people responded here who are clearly not sure how to take your approach to asking questions, I'm sure if you were to address that part you'd get even better answers.

HTH

bandontherun19


It's a tricky subject... I haven't read all of the responses? I think it depends mostly on the song? But secondarily, you can't put an album/CD out with 7 songs mastered at THIS LEVEL and one mastered at this level... I think that's the big question? With the right techniques, you can still maintain a pretty intimate vibe with a "pretty loud" overall volume. It takes more skill than I posess. But I know it can be done. 
 
What should be troubling is the apparent level of "bashing" being done here by some? I taught my 9 year old son how to deal with bullies... I think more people should have been taught this lesson at an early age. P.S., the bullies "don't pick on him anymore..."
 
The "Internet" makes it soooo easy to be a bully though? ;-) Especially for those who never stood up to one when they were growing up...

I suspect you've missed quite a bit of history here then. AFAIK there's only one bully on this thread, try disagreeing or questioning a 'fact' with some of the contributors - you'll soon find out who are bullies and who aren't.

FWIW I don't post anything on here that I wouldn't say to someone face to face in the 'real' world.

FWIW I don't post anything on here that I wouldn't say to someone face to face in the 'real' world.

Agreed, in fact I'd welcome anyone that had difficulty with anything I ever say here to bring it up with me in person.  Conversely, I often get the idea that people say things to me here that they wouldn't if we were in the same room.

[Irish Accent]

h'Well now, to answer the OP if I may lads, whilst trying to ignore all the exposed shriveled up and retracted genitalia playing peekaboo for a shot at some kind of imaginary h'world dominance now:

h'My dearest 'Mikey, h'my suggestion h'would be to h'raise the volume joost a wee bit to mask the moderate to severe tinnitus that the kiddies are getting from all the sub sonic wav's that h'rattles the rusty trunks of their `89 Buick Skylarks.

h'You know the ones h'I'm talkin bout lads, the ones with the stick on h'window tinting and chrome rims that are worth more than the beast itself.

[/Irish Accent]

I maximize in my mastering suite on the final mix-down from Sonar (I do not use Sonar for mastering). I think Robby makes a valid point that the "apparent level" of each song needs to be consistent across the album and at least close to the other levels of the songs the listener may be playing. Maximizing need not kill the dynamics.