LUFS hell

[carel11]

I am working with a library who wants the finished project to have -11 LUFS
I have several stems I am mixing to create that.
No matter how use my compressor, limiter, or adaptive limiter, While the -11 is quite do-able, I cannot seem to get my true peak anywhere near -1. It's always in the red. around 2
When I get it the true peak to behave itself, I am at -13. Any suggestions or magic to bring then to the desired numbers?
thanks
carL

[eeoo]

Can't you just set your limiter to brickwall at -1? Maybe I'm not understanding (that's usually the case ).

[carel11]

Thanks for responding eeoo and tele.

I am not putting any plugins on the stereo out.
I have gone back to the original tracks (stems) and have started the arduous process of looking for all the peaks and overlapping frequencies and taming them with a ton of different plug ins to see which will work most efficiently . However to get the mix to sound right, I need the low percussion to sit at a level that keeps pushing the peak over.. when I bring it lower so as not to peak, I am at -14 LUFS. Every attempt winds up with me doing the low LUFS/PEAK overload dance. I am hoping someone have a different idea for a work through
thanks for the time and concern

carL

[eeoo]

Is there a reason you're not using a limiter on your stereo out? I imagine pretty much all daws these days come with a pretty decent and transparent limiter.

[carel11]

Tell me if this thinking is wrong

when the stems are stacked on top of one other they create the stereo out. If I limit the stereo out, it will not be the sum of the stacks

thanks for the thought

carL

[eeoo]

Do they want the stems as well as a main mix? I would assume if they want the stems separately they would do the mix/master. If they want a main mix i wouldn't hesitate to do some "mastering" on your output bus. Don't hesitate to reach out to them to clarify exactly what they expect.

[carel11]

thank you so much for the advice
i shall try going back
and reaching out

have a lovely night

carL

[edmondredd]

That's a tough guess, not knowing what the genre is, and what the track sounds like.
I suppose you need to set your framework (the 3 most important pillars of your music) in a way that those 3 hit the desired LUFS.
And then the rest will follow. You will then adjust to taste, and be sure to hit the desired LUFS.
This is applicable to a certain genre of course, and might not apply in your situation.

[carel11]

Thank you all for replying, and with such good insights to boot
I wound up limiting the main out, to make sure the requested levels were provided.
I will let you know it all works out as the journey continues
be well
thanks much

carL