So, I think I'm still pretty bad at mixing and mastering and it is arguably the biggest problem with my music right now. I've recently been trying to get a little better with this by learning side-chain compression, volume balancing, trying to remove instruments that don't serve a purpose etc.
But the thing that confuses me in LMMS is dynamic range compression. I realize I need to use this because otherwise some of my sounds (drums at least) will clip especially after Soundcloud processes it. But there is no GUI for any of the native compressors (I've been mostly using Calf). I'm left guessing where to set the threshold and ratio. I haven't found a good way to measure the volume levels except for making crude estimates with spectrum analyser. But then the threshold knob doesn't have units in decibels anyway (I have no idea what the units are and I haven't found info by googling, but the LV2 version of Calf Compressor seems to have units as decibels ). And once I set the threshold, I want to set the ratio just right so that my music is loud enough and does not clip, but so that I don't over-compress it and make it sound boring. But I have no idea how to find the correct ratio. So where do you set the threshold (average volume, or higher or lower?) and how do you find that volume level? And how do you set the ratio (how big is the ratio normally)?
Maybe I should do the mastering somewhere else like audacity or maybe my mixes are bad so they are hard to master anyway? Maybe I'm missing something else like using more EQ or using a limiter?
Sorry for the very broad question(s), I'm happy to hear any opinions!
But the thing that confuses me in LMMS is dynamic range compression. I realize I need to use this because otherwise some of my sounds (drums at least) will clip especially after Soundcloud processes it. But there is no GUI for any of the native compressors (I've been mostly using Calf). I'm left guessing where to set the threshold and ratio. I haven't found a good way to measure the volume levels except for making crude estimates with spectrum analyser. But then the threshold knob doesn't have units in decibels anyway (I have no idea what the units are and I haven't found info by googling, but the LV2 version of Calf Compressor seems to have units as decibels ). And once I set the threshold, I want to set the ratio just right so that my music is loud enough and does not clip, but so that I don't over-compress it and make it sound boring. But I have no idea how to find the correct ratio. So where do you set the threshold (average volume, or higher or lower?) and how do you find that volume level? And how do you set the ratio (how big is the ratio normally)?
Maybe I should do the mastering somewhere else like audacity or maybe my mixes are bad so they are hard to master anyway? Maybe I'm missing something else like using more EQ or using a limiter?
Sorry for the very broad question(s), I'm happy to hear any opinions!