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Volume converting Cubase Project to MP3, WAV

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(@clideguitar)
Reputable Member
Joined: 20 years ago
Posts: 375
Topic starter  

This is related to “DEMO CD”, but I thought I better start a new thread. We made several decent recordings in Cubase. On playback they all sounded good. When I converted the project to MP3 or WAV the quality was still good but the volume wasn't right? To hear them I had to turn the volume up all the way? Is this a conversion error or recording error?

Bob Jessie


   
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(@moonrider)
Noble Member
Joined: 20 years ago
Posts: 1305
 

This is related to “DEMO CD”, but I thought I better start a new thread. We made several decent recordings in Cubase. On playback they all sounded good. When I converted the project to MP3 or WAV the quality was still good but the volume wasn't right? To hear them I had to turn the volume up all the way? Is this a conversion error or recording error?

Bob Jessie

Told ya you'd have more questions! :lol:

Actually it's not an error at all. You're just used to listening to recordings that have had their dynamic range compressed and limited, with make-up gain applied so the average volume is louder.
More detailed explanation here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loudness_war

Cubase LE comes with a basic VST plugin set. It's been a long time since I've used it (I'm usually using Reaper or Tracktion 3), but I'm pretty sure it's got a limiter you can put on the Master buss, and it may actually have a multi-band compressor/limiter. I'd check out the presets on either of those, and use one you like. Just don't go insane with them ;)

Playing guitar and never playing for others is like studying medicine and never working in a clinic.

Moondawgs on Reverbnation


   
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(@dogbite)
Illustrious Member
Joined: 19 years ago
Posts: 6348
 

exactly. I use Cubase and my recordings are quieter (lower volume) than the ones others post on soundclick.
they Master the mp3s. compression and limiting does it.
I don't have a Mastering otion...or I can't find one.
Ozone 4 is preferred.

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=644552
http://www.soundclick.com/couleerockinvaders


   
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(@ignar-hillstrom)
Illustrious Member
Joined: 21 years ago
Posts: 5349
 

Don't forget that when exporting in real-time in cubase there's a volume slider, in some versions. Set it to max to get the 'normal volume'. If you don't use external devices (hardware reverbs for example) just go for offline exporting. It goes *much* faster, even more so if you run only a few effects/VSTi plugs. For mastering you dont need special software, although it helps. 95% of mastering is done with EQs and compressor/limiters. Cubase comes with those for free, just place them in the master-bus FX chain EQ first, comp/limiter last. try some of the presets first and figure out what each button does. It's free so it must be a good suggestion. ;) I believe LE comes with a spectrum analyzer, otherwise download one. Export your song and put it next to a commercial recording you like in the same genre. Apply the spectrum analyzer to both and just look at the shape of the graphs. Now use EQs to gently bring them together. If there are huge holes and spikes go back to the mixing phase and fix it there. Mastering should always be the icing on the cake, and contrary to popular belief over here loads of icing can't save a bad cake. :p Be gentle with exciters, they can sound really impressive for a minute but can get fatiguing real fast if you overuse them. Minor problems in stereo image can be fixed in the master stage as well, major problems need to be solved in the mix stage.


   
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(@dogbite)
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Joined: 19 years ago
Posts: 6348
 

where in Cubase is a spectrum analyzer? that sure would be a helpful tool.

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=644552
http://www.soundclick.com/couleerockinvaders


   
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(@ignar-hillstrom)
Illustrious Member
Joined: 21 years ago
Posts: 5349
 

audio->Spectrum analyzer. Else: http://www.dontcrack.com/freeware/downloads.php/id/4292/software/SPAN/


   
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(@dogbite)
Illustrious Member
Joined: 19 years ago
Posts: 6348
 

thanks. I will take a look when I get home from work.

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=644552
http://www.soundclick.com/couleerockinvaders


   
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