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This is something i actually don't know how to do and I would assume it is not normalization but low compression - with high gain and low'ish threshhold, a little soft knee - and it doesn't matter if there is distortion when the resulting same volumne throughout track is turned up really loud!?

Other, more experienced mastering engineers will probably chime in here, but what I think you might be looking at (if I'm reading your post correctly at 1:00 in the morning) is a "Limiter." At least, that's what I use. While I use a "normal" compressor on other tracks -- kick, bass, etc., -- my final output is put through a Limiter.

Yeah, a limiter will give you that. It jacks up the total volume based on the threshold and gain settings you used. Just listen to Metallica's Death Magnetic and you'll hear a limiter over-used. There is a plugin by waves called the L2 Maximizer - that does it very well. And iZotope's Ozone mastering plugin is also very good. In the end, I always consider my songs finished when I have a great mix and regular volume levels. I don't master any of my tracks in the traditional sense. Sometimes I use the limiter, sometimes I don't.

If you're recording is digital, I would respectfully disagree that it "doesn't matter" if there is distortion. I use my adaptive limiter (Logic 7) which has input scale, gain, and output ceiling controls to control the level of the stereo output. The input scale is set so there is absolutely no point where the signal exceeds 0 dB. The gain is then set to boost the controlled signal to about zero (usually several dB above the input signal), then the output ceiling is set at near 0dB. If I boost the gain, the limiter kicks in when the signal hits the level set as the ceiling.

I've really enjoyed the Maxim plug-in that came with the Pro Tools 8 upgrade. I put it on the master fader, click on the 16-bit CD Master preset and SMILE Derek

Jun 25, 2009, 7:02am, mewman wrote:I would respectfully disagree that it "doesn't matter" if there is distortion.Agreed. Digital distortion is the pitts!

If you don't have something great that came with your DAW here is a really super mastering limiter. sounds good and is easy to use -http://www.voxengo.com/product/elephant/

Jun 25, 2009, 10:06am, derekmcfarland wrote:I've really enjoyed the Maxim plug-in that came with the Pro Tools 8 upgrade. I put it on the master fader, click on the 16-bit CD Master preset and SMILE DerekDerek would you please warn us when your going to flash that smile?I need to put my shades on!

Jun 24, 2009, 8:23pm, ezpowell wrote:This is something i actually don't know how to do and I would assume it is not normalization but low compression - with high gain and low'ish threshhold, a little soft knee - and it doesn't matter if there is distortion when the resulting same volumne throughout track is turned up really loud!?What are are you recording in? PT, Logic Cubase etc etc??There are some great limiters out there. Some even free.Also, go to the Digidesign User Conference (DUC) or Gearslutz and do a search on mastering - there is a lot of helpful advice RE the mastering process on them - might help you get that Derek - you should try the Massey Limiter - they have a free demo version (Won't save settings/automate/bypass) that is outstanding! IMHO it leaves Maxim waaaaaaay behind in sound quality and functionality. Worth a look.http://www.masseyplugins.com/?page=l2007Cheers,Scott

Jun 25, 2009, 3:57pm, matthoggard wrote:Jun 25, 2009, 10:06am, derekmcfarland wrote:I've really enjoyed the Maxim plug-in that came with the Pro Tools 8 upgrade. I put it on the master fader, click on the 16-bit CD Master preset and SMILE DerekDerek would you please warn us when your going to flash that smile?I need to put my shades on! Matt: FLASH in 3...2...,... Scott: Thanks, I'll check out the Massey!Derek