How to Master a Stereo Mix for Max Loudness
The loudness of audio presents an objective problem when going through the mastering process. Mastering brings the final touches to audio before it is duplicated and released, providing the final sheen that brings an album together. Compression, equalization and limiting all add different elements that affect the volume and dynamics in this process. The balancing act occurs mainly between compression and dynamics. The louder audio is mastered, the more compressed the audio signal becomes. This in turn lessens the dynamic range of the audio. The effect of loudness cannot be denied, however. Loudness on radio makes a song stand out from quieter tracks.
- Final audio stereo mix
- Audio recording software
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Instructions
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1
Open your audio recording software. Create a new song file. Save the file to a folder where you can easily retrieve it later. Import your final audio stereo mix into the newly created song file.
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2
Go to the mixer window of your recording software. In most programs, the mixer can be found under the "Devices" heading. Select the first effects slot in the master channel's output section. From the drop down menu, select the "Limiter" plug-in. A limiter window will open over the mixer.
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3
Adjust the limiter's input gain so that it is +5 db. Then adjust the limiter's output level to -.1 db. The limiter will increase the volume by 5 db without peaking. Play back the track by pressing the "Play" button in the main recording console.