Achieving loud mixes is the result of taking different actions during the mixing and mastering process.
With this video and article we explain what loudness is and how to use loudness to obtain an impactful mix.
What is Loudness?
Loudness is how loud your track can get before you have to reach for the volume knob.
When your track is played alongside another track it is important that it competes.
At the same time, loudness is a trade-off.
If you want more dynamic movement in your music you will not be able to be as loud in all parts of the song.
Recording
Loudness starts with good quality recording materials.
Make sure you have:
1) a good instrument,
2) a good player,
3) a good microphone,
4) a good mic pre-amplifier,
5) a good room.
Loudness is not something that you can achieve in one move.
It is the result of all steps of production being done correctly.
Compress In Stages
Don’t slam the compressor or limiter at the end of the mix.
Compress little by little at each stage of your mix.
For example, with a kick drum you might compress slightly on the channel,
again on the drum bus, and one last time on the mix bus or mastering chain.
Perceived Loudness
The human ear is more sensitive to mid frequencies.
If you want to increase the sensation of loudness of the kick drum,
push the mid frequencies rather than the low end.
The mid range largely determines how loud your mix feels.
Filter Out The Low End
You don’t need low end on all instruments.
Cut below 80Hz.
This removes unwanted noise and creates space for the kick drum and bass.
Make Low End Decisions
Decide whether the kick drum or the bass is the most important part of the low end.
Clear decisions prevent elements from fighting over the same frequency range.
Saturation
Loudness is also about how aggressive a piece of music sounds.
Saturation adds harmonic content and helps sounds cut through the mix.
Choose A Good Limiter
A limiter is the last step in your master chain and determines the final loudness of your track.
Don’t overdo it.
Finding a good balance between dynamics and loudness is the key to creating impact in your mix.