Hello Everyone,

Iv'e been curious about this one.  I have a bunch of demo songs with basic tracks - but they are very raw.  I try and track properly and use proper gain-staging so that I don't peak over -6db and my RMS is usually between -18db to -22db at this stage.    I will of course apply any critical EQ's on particular boomy tracks.

My question is this.  When I export my demos for the car, they are low in volume obviously given the levels above.  I was wondering what you guys do when you want to export demos for the car?

My Master Bus is dry right now, but should I throw on a temporary limiter with a brickwall at -0.01db or something to boost the overall volume?
 
Thank You,
Adam
 

I've always thought the test versions for outside-the-studio-environments should be finished, "mastered" or mastered versions. That's how I do it ("mastered").
 
I can't see what's the use of auditioning a raw, low volume mix in the car, or anywhere else. What useful information does it give you?
As ear-training that can be useful, of course.

Kalle Rantaaho
I've always thought the test versions for outside-the-studio-environments should be finished, "mastered" or mastered versions. That's how I do it ("mastered").
 
I can't see what's the use of auditioning a raw, low volume mix in the car, or anywhere else. What useful information does it give you?
As ear-training that can be useful, of course.

why not listen to music in progress in the car?

I'll always do some temp mastering when listening to songs in the car - at least my own stuff anyway.  I export to Sound Forge and apply Voxengo's Elephant limiter and his EQ.  I have a standard preset using both in SF - I adjust the in/out a little and process away.  It takes a minute or two and is part of the making CD process for me.
 
One can put a limiter etc. on the output and mix through it.  It will learn you about how mastering effects a mix.  I generally don't mix through a limiter etc, keeping the mastering process separate. I do try to mix pretty hot, tho.   Different strokes for different folks.  There is nothing wrong w/ mixing through a limiter on the master buss (tho it helps to have an SSL).
 
Listening to a single song on CD you don't have to master to listen to a mix, esp. if you listening for a known problem.  But if there are other songs on the CD - you'll be reaching for the vol control.  Also, mastering will (usually) change the sounds in a song relationship to one another a little.  It doesn't matter how you master your own stuff, as long as you can hear that difference.
 
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