Hello Everyone,
 
Kinda new on the audio engineering side to things, so forgive me if this is redundant.
 
I have a track pretty much finished.  It consists of:
 
-Electronic Drums (808 Kit) - standard sound (not aggressive)
-Synth Bass
-Piano
-Synthesizer
 
Maybe only 5 or 6 tracks total for the project.

I always read that PRE-mastering that your PEAK should be around -6 db, and the RMS should be around -14 db (which would be a crest factor of 8 db difference.)
 
However, my track sounds best when the RMS is about -23 when peaks are at -6db.  This crest factor is about 18 db difference.  I read that the crest factor (pre-master) should only be 12 db OR LESS, but whenever I bring up the synths, bass, or piano; the sound gets muddy and drums get lost in the mix.

I am asking because I want to eventually send these off for mastering, but want to ensure proper db's  pre-master.
 
 
Screenshot from Toneboosters Meter:
 

 
Thanks in advance,
Adam

Great job!
Your level for mastering is spot with a good dynamic range why it sounds good to your ears. I get my peaks a bit lower but you might be surprised to learn your meets one of the new standards that are being implemented; EBU R128 levels of -23 LUFS

I've been mixing this way for about a year now, it's very easy once you get used to it. There's alot of info on the subject but briefly to comply with EBU R128-

- Assure Programme Loudness Level of your content is normalised to a Target Level of -23.0 LUFS. The permitted deviation from the Target Level shall generally not exceed ±1.0 LU.

- The audio signal must be measured in its entirety, beginning to end, without emphasis on specific elements such as voice, music or sound effects.

- The Maximum Permitted True Peak Level of a programme during production must not exceed -1 dBTP (dB True Peak), measured with a meter compliant with both ITU-R BS.1770 and EBU Tech Doc 3341.

There's much more to cover but haven't time. Look into it though, it's going to be necessary to know in the future.

Watch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXK54SKycmE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuEtQqC-Sqo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TexL1dCd5Ng

Here's more links to other meters as well. Toneboosters works very well, don't need to spend alot of $$$ on these meters. I'm sure you're going to see many more released too.

Loudness meters:

Toneboosters:
http://www.toneboosters.com/tb-ebuloudness/

https://www.audiocation.de/en/plugin

Waves:
http://www.waves.com/plugins/wlm-loudness-meter

Melda *check for update / last time I used these they weren't accurate:
http://www.meldaproductio...p?id=MLoudnessAnalyzer

Expensive:
Grimm Audio
http://www.grimmaudio.com/pro-products/software/

Nugen:
http://www.nugenaudio.com...28mpu70CFQ2hOgod5xIAzw

Flux-
http://www.fluxhome.com/p...r_modules/pas_spectrum

https://www.zplane.de/products/ppmulator

http://www.tcelectronic.com/loudness/products/

RME owners/ DIGICheck free
http://www.rme-audio.de/e...en_downloads_digicheck

For Steinberg free:
http://www.steinberg.net/..._products/slm_128.html

EXCELLENT STUFF HERE CARL!

Thank you for the info, and glad to know I am actually on target for a good pre-master :)  I was getting nervous b/c nothing I could do would get me within a 12 db Crest Factor without ruining the mix :)
 
I will surely look over these links!  Really appreciate this!
 
-Adam

carl

- Assure Programme Loudness Level of your content is normalised to a Target Level of -23.0 LUFS. The permitted deviation from the Target Level shall generally not exceed ±1.0 LU.

 
Carl, quick question, are we talking PRE-master here?  Because -23.0 LUFS is very low.   What should the pre and post master LUFS and peaks be at?
 
Thanks,
Adam

You're welcome.
Lots of info involved but try to at least familiarize yourself with the basics. 
 
Also when you're ready to master have the ME listen & critique your tracks too.
Don't be afraid to ask questions if you have any concerns about your tracks like levels, eq etc..
The ones I've used were always willing to help, give alt. versions to check & choose from.
Good luck!

 
- Assure Programme Loudness Level of your content is normalised to a Target Level of -23.0 LUFS. The permitted deviation from the Target Level shall generally not exceed ±1.0 LU.
 


Carl, quick question, are we talking PRE-master here? Because -23.0 LUFS is very low. What should the pre and post master LUFS and peaks be at?

Thanks,
Adam

Better to go off to the ME with too high a crest factor than too low, because the ME can only lower it.

You guys should read my thread on this:
 
http://forum.cakewalk.com/Loudness-Meters-m3016716.aspx
 
The links to articles are very interesting in my thread as are the test signals.
 
The most important figure is the -23 LUFS level. In film music the loudness range can go as high as 25 db but for pop music it can be lower eg 10-15 dB or so. In order to get a lower loudness range you just have to use slight compression on things to keep the ratio a bit lower that is all.
 
As Dave says the ME can also lower the loudness range as well so it does not hurt to have it quite wide.

As long as you mix with proper metering & gain-staging eg K-14, your files should be right on the money or at least close.

WaveLab has a R-128 EBU loudness normalizer feature that will adjust your audio tracks to the desired level.
Studio One & Cubase have file analysis features that gives you DR, peak & RMS/ EBU measurements.
When EBU guidelines become more the norm I'm sure other software will become available.
X3 will most likely add these features at some point too.

I forgot this one from my list. Very handy trim plug, ms / stereo mono switches with EBU metering- peak, hold, EBU, LRA
Free w/ installer
HOFA 4U Meter, Fader & MS-Pan
http://hofa-plugins.de/pages/start_en/4u_en.php
 

I guess what I'm thinking and concerned about is, how come my crest factor is so large (approx 16 db difference between peak and RMS) but my music is sounding good?  Im wondering if somehow the mix is flawed and result in issues if most people's crest factor is usually less than 12db difference.
 
Thanks