Question about average and peak

[Signal-chain]

First thing Hi, I'm new, and this is my first post

I'm using Har-Bal since a week and find it really a great tool.

I've been reading the forum and must say thanks for the ammount of tips and tutorial .

Now the question, a general mastering request about compression I think:

I 've loaded a commercial track I'm using as reference,

average -11.83 db ; peak 0.94

I have my traks average 12.20 ; peak 1.93 or average 12.23 ; peak 3.17.

I 'm quite happy with the RMS and the perceived loudness what about the peaks?

I have a limiter and it does not clip, is it too much anyway? and how would you reduce

the peaks and may be rise the average?

thanks so much for reading this or in case of answers

marco.

[HarBal]

Hi Marco,

You mentioned that you are quite happy with the loudness of the track as it is. If that's the case then why not leave it as it is? After all the difference in the average levels of your reference and your track is only a mere 0.4dB! If it really troubles you (but it shouldn't) then just make that up with limiting.

Don't get too hung up on the differences between peak and average levels for different tracks. A lot of factors are responsible for this variation so having an expectation that both peak and average levels should match for different tracks is essential a wrong expectation. Use average levels and loudness matching by all means but use your ears to confirm and if your ears disagree then don't be afraid to make your own compensations.

Cheers,


Paavo.

[Signal-chain]

Thanks for answering you're fast

yes, wise words ...

but I don't have to match the exact numbers, just a bit worried about the peaks hence the question how to rise loudnees without those high peak I wondered if that is digital distorsion or harshness , what other folks do usually, anyway should be ok.

[har-bal]

First thing Hi, I'm new, and this is my first post

I'm using Har-Bal since a week and find it really a great tool.

I've been reading the forum and must say thanks for the ammount of tips and tutorial .

Now the question, a general mastering request about compression I think:

I 've loaded a commercial track I'm using as reference,

average -11.83 db ; peak 0.94

I have my traks average 12.20 ; peak 1.93 or average 12.23 ; peak 3.17.

I 'm quite happy with the RMS and the perceived loudness what about the peaks?

I have a limiter and it does not clip, is it too much anyway? and how would you reduce

the peaks and may be rise the average?

thanks so much for reading this or in case of answers

marco.

Signal-Chain

Just to piggy back of Paavo, here is a good rule to remember.

1. A Compressor reduces the peaks and brings brings up the lower levels.

2. A Limiter simply prevents any sound from getting past an indicated stopping point (Out-Ceiling) yet attempts to bring up the lower level to that indicated stopping point.

From this we an easily see how we can gain more in terms of loudness (if we must ) from a track.

If the peaks are lowered (compressor) the (limiter) has more room to allow an increase in perceived loudness.

Generally it is best if you leave the out-ceiling on your limiter at -0.1

Cheers
Earle

[Signal-chain]

clear enought

thanks a lot ........