> Just thought i would clarify this for those new to recording etc. It is the > over use of compression and limiting that causes the problem of maxed out > mixes with no dynamics,not the normalizing.Normalizing just takes the > loudest peak of the file to the max you set. If you want loudest then minus > point 3 is a standard.The over use of the AUDIO ENERGISER can max out the > file as well as over using plugs like the waves L1 ultramaximiser. This > usually happens at mixdown and/or mastering . I recently finished doing the > sound editing for a surf DVD that unsigned bands contributed tracks to and > there were some real shockers regarding overcompression.My advice to > newcomers to recording is look for an experienced recording person to > master your tracks and advise you on your mixing especially if you are > putting these tracks out for the buying public to hear. Yes, the problem > does exist in proffesional mastering but most would rather not master as > hot as the customer requests. > Chris Hallam. Ayyeee! Between you and John Pitcairn I have all of "down under" after me. We are all correct. Yes, it is compression that flattens the dynamics. But it is normalizing followed by compression followed by aggressive limiting that completes the flat job. Bob Vandiver

>> Just thought i would clarify this for those new to recording etc. It is the >> over use of compression and limiting that causes the problem of maxed out >> mixes with no dynamics,not the normalizing.Normalizing just takes the >> loudest peak of the file to the max you set. If you want loudest then minus >> point 3 is a standard.The over use of the AUDIO ENERGISER can max out the >> file as well as over using plugs like the waves L1 ultramaximiser. This >> usually happens at mixdown and/or mastering . I recently finished doing the >> sound editing for a surf DVD that unsigned bands contributed tracks to and >> there were some real shockers regarding overcompression.My advice to >> newcomers to recording is look for an experienced recording person to >> master your tracks and advise you on your mixing especially if you are >> putting these tracks out for the buying public to hear. Yes, the problem >> does exist in proffesional mastering but most would rather not master as >> hot as the customer requests. > >> Chris Hallam. > >Ayyeee! Between you and John Pitcairn I have all of "down under" after me. >We are all correct. Yes, it is compression that flattens the dynamics. But >it is normalizing followed by compression followed by aggressive limiting >that completes the flat job. > >Bob Vandiver Sorry Bob, No offense meant. My intention was to encourage newbies and elaborate on the overcompression issue. Give me a call when you are downunder next.I'll shout you a beer . Chris Hallam. Recording Engineer Melbourne,Australia Ph:0409194486