I'm trying to set up a basic template in Logic, is there a rule of thumb of what maximum level on the meters you should have each instrument coming in at. I guess this is called getting the gain structure right ? I'm not working on a specific piece at the moment, just trying to get some basics set up. I know this is a massively complicated topic, but any tips would be greatly received. I'm reading trhough alot of posts as well ! Thanks evenryone
It doesn't have to be
that complicated, but agree there is a lot people say about it. The one surefire guideline, however, is to set your monitors so you hear everything at a consistent volume, so you can tell when something "just ain't right."
Here's how to do that:
1. As others have said, your ears are your best guide to mixing, not VU meters. But...
2. ...you have to have a baseline, and for that...
3. ...buy an inexpensive (less than $100; many less than $25) sound pressure VU meter (also called a "live sound monitor" or "Decibel Meter" or "Sound Level Meter") and then,
4. Run pink noise through your speakers one at a time (panning), turning up the volume on your amplifier until the sound pressure meter, held at the same location as your ears would be when mixing, measures the pink noise volume at, say, 85dB (decibels).
By doing these steps, you have set your speakers to your desired monitoring level and there you go.
Why 85dB? Some monitor at very low levels, some pretty hot. I use 88dB but there are renowned mixers out there who work in the 70s and at least one who says he works below 70dB. I like loud music so I use a higher level than that or else I would end up turning the drums up too loud.
Although many use them, I personally would not rely on an app on my iPhone for measuring sound levels, FWIW. Who knows what abuse has affected one's microphone in a phone over time? But maybe that would be fine too, IDK.
Here's an article (chosen pretty much at random) about how to do this, with a few more details (like making sure you're not running the pink noise through any FX, and setting the meter on your sound pressure meter to "C weighted"):
We hear frequencies differently at various volume levels. So how loud should you be monitoring if you want to nail your mix? OK – there isn’t really a magical setting - but it turns out setting your monitoring level to 85 dB is the sweet spot for larger control rooms. I
www.rickallencreative.com
I don't know this guy but his advice looks reasonable to me.