Will pass that along.  good idea

dubdisciple, I'm not in a position to help with your current project since I have no mastering skills whatsoever, but I'd like to applaud your involvement in your community.  I've been wondering how to get involved in mine, and it hadn't occured to me to do it through music.  You've found an interesting way to connect.
 
 
 

Paul P
dubdisciple, I'm not in a position to help with your current project since I have no mastering skills whatsoever, but I'd like to applaud your involvement in your community.  I've been wondering how to get involved in mine, and it hadn't occured to me to do it through music.  You've found an interesting way to connect.
 
 
 

I have always wanted to do something like this but getting started was the hard part.  For me the opportunity came my way when i was looking for activities for my own son.  I saw they had a studio but it had very limited hours do to budget and staffing issues.  i volunteered to contribute and have been involved since.  Although you cannot contribute, thank you for at least taking time to read.  Even if it gives you an idea, that is awesome.

I'm like Paul. No mastering skills what-so-eva! But I did see this thread right after you posted it. I wanted to help but I am just not ready for any mastering.
 
Good luck with the project.

Grem..thanks.  mastering is not my thing either. I'm still surprised the kids seem to be preferring my mixes to others that are moire used to mixing hip-hop.  Not saying I want this treated lightly, but considering the lack of budget , I am taking the stance that beggars cannot be choosers.  besides,  I figured this would be a great learning  experience for anyone who has the time on their hands.  The kids are on spring break so I don't expect to hear back from him this week.

gswitz
Dub, I put CD text on the files I gave back. I just want to make you aware. I can modify it or strip it as you prefer.

I used minus twelve on the EBU meter for the master. We should probably all master to the same agreed level if you plan to release as a composite work like a single CD.

Good idea. -12 is OK, if that's what you want. Better still, present different average RMS levels to the kids (volume-adjusted, of course) and let them decide which one they like best. Could be educational for them.
 

I have been trying to educate them on the loudness wars.  I think i am finally getting through to them (which is a big challenge in hip-hop) that having too many bass elements competing is asking for trouble. Another thing i have been trying to emphasis is that sound practices mostly work across genres.

Bit, does that mean I should re-do and re-bounce my tracks using -14? I'd be glad to.
 
Are we just doing -12 and -14?

Dub, 
If you need an extra ear, keep me in mind. It's a busy time of year for me, but I'll help if I can.

Geoff, how about this...export a 5-second section of the song, unmastered and 32-bits. Open a new project, import that short file and clone it so you've got 3 identical copies. Put separate instances of the limiter on each track and adjust for -8, -12 and -14 respectively. Adjust each track's volume so that they're all at the same subjective loudness when played back.
 
Now you've got a demonstration that most people will never have the opportunity to hear: the same material mastered to different standards. With the right song, I'll bet this will make dub's loudness-war lesson brief and persuasive.