I've been producing on AT for awhile now and also attempted to master several tracks on AT before publishing them on streaming platforms, YT and ETC.. But i have noticed something different. I master my tracks so they are loud at 0db (at least that's what AT says it is), but when i hear other reference tracks that were produced in other DAWs, they always sound louder than my mastered track. Could it be that AT's 0db is softer? or is it just a ME problem
Comments (5)
Peak level, which normally is the one that reaches 0 dB, isn't a good indicator of perceived loudness. RMS level is the one that does. Usually a loud track will have a RMS value around -12 to -9 dB on its loudest parts. In the Studio, make sure that RMS Mode is set on the level meter on the top bar.
this is actually rly helpful, this was never explained to me.
isn't -12 to -9 kind of low? i usually go for around -6.
you are right. on audiotool, 0dB counts as clipping. it's pretty stupid imo.
I've never seen any recommendation above -7 dB. Usually between -12 and -8 dB for the loudest parts in energetic tracks. More is just flat and fatiguing, with no dynamics.