Cakewalk by Bandlab: Gain Staging

[@tbmcc_]

That was THE most demystifying treatise on one of recording's most obtuse basic concepts I've ever seen

[@striverfor7628]

1:02 1:48 Start with a clean slate, set all Gain controls to 0 by double clicking on the dials. Do the exact same for the faders, by double clicking. Switch off all FX, including in the ProChannel. 3:19 Solo one track and play the project. 4:57 Target levels. Aim for an average level of about -18db. Use the Gain control to achieve this. 5:58 Aim for a peak level of about -12db. Make sure your peak doesn't go over -6db. 6:33 Why set average level to -18db? 8:00 The other metre is a full scale metre. 9:05 Adjusting dials on FX plugins changes the RMS level. 10:31 Use the output control on the FX plugin to get about -18db RMS level again. 11:12 With FX plugins that don't have an output control, use Blue Cat's Gain 3 to adjust the gain of each FX plugin. 11:48 Cakewalk-specific: Monitor the gain on the ProChannel too. E.g. Applying a high pass filter in the EQ on the piano makes the average level drop to -24db. 12:48 The ProChannel EQ doesn't have an output level control, so Right click > Insert Module > FX Chain, (in FX Chain) FX+ > Show Rack Menu > Insert Audio FX > Blue Cat's Gain. 13:39 Other Cakewalk modules don't have an output control, like Saturation Knob. 14:05 After each module and FX plugin, check the gain is still good. Then apply it to every channel and the buses too. 14:35 With drums and percussion, the peak level quickly decays, the average level of them is not so important. A good level for these types of instruments is about -12db. Some people go to about -6db which is okay but just make sure you're not clipping. 15:38 Don't stress about gain staging. The level numbers in this video are just guidelines, just get in the ball park and don't clip. 16:01 You can make good recordings without gain staging. 16:23 Gain staging is just an assistant in your mixing.

[@richardbeeth6956]

Hi Mike. Like you I'm an older guy who's been using Cakewalk off and on for many years, and like you I'm still learning. I wish they would have hired you to be their trainer years ago. Your videos are well produced, clear, and very helpful. I'm amazed at how much I've learned from your videos. The program still drives me crazy sometimes though, like when my synths mysteriously change to other synths, or when I forget to turn off the punch in module, etc., etc. Anyway, hope you keep producing them. Thanks again.

[@Tanoti]

This video more than many others has made my mixes sound so much better, I'm now revisiting older recordings and re-mixing them using these techniques!

[@GuyAllenMusic]

This was something I never had done before in my 30+ years of Cakewalk, and man It was a life changer! Thanks!

[@oguzozgul492]

Man you won me already with your analogy of sun burn versus red color on the meters in the beginning. By adding that they were both preventable, you made me watch the video to the end regardless of what it contained. As a cakewalk fan since the late nineties, the acquisition of Cakewalk by BandLab pulled me back into music making. And as a beginner I will definitely benefit from what I've learned from this video. I will also go to your web site right now. Thanks a lot!

[@michaelwadehill4917]

I like your honesty at the end of the video so that people don't get obsessed about it.

[@1BrundleFly1]

Good stuff as usual, Mike. Pro Tip: You can use the FX Chain module to control levels in the Prochannel without adding any FX to it. Click the 'Control' button in the bottom of the module to access the Input and Output gain controls for the FX Chain module itself. And if you use the Input fader to get back to your -18dB target, the module will be ready for insertion of any FX that you might decide to add there later.

[@CreativeSauce]

Awesome tip thank you! Even after 20 years, I still get to learn rudimentary stuff! Just tried it - perfect :)

[@RainStickland]

@@CreativeSauce Does this mean the Blue Cat wouldn't be necessary then?

[@cary3428]

Rain Stickland Exactly, that was a great tip.

[@a2lvar]

Could not understand the tip. Could you attach a screenshot to show where is the Control button at the bottom of the module?

[@revolver330]

@@a2lvar I had the same problem. The Controls button was obscured by the track name. You need to collapse or remove the other modules so that FX Chain moves up. This will allow you to see the buttons at the bottom.

[@beau.seidon]

In case anyone hasn't mentioned it yet, the FX Chains in ProChannel have their own input and output faders, so you don't actually need a 3rd party plugin to adjust gain after those ProChannel modules without an adjustable output. Simply insert an empty FX Chain between modules and select the Controls tab at the bottom. I use the input fader to make adjustments in case I decide to insert a plugin in that rack later.

[@fdefede]

Nice job on the video! I owned a 24-track analog studio for years, and always tried to hit right around 0 DB on the VU meters - as you had indicated was the sweet spot. I didn't know that about -18 was the sweet spot for RMS. I have been recording and mixing everything at 0 DB on the digital meters in Cakewalk for years. I will try it. Thanks for the instruction.

[@CreativeSauce]

Hey Frank - yes I did the same in digital for ages. But there really is no need to go that hot. Once I started doing this, everything felt more under control. Thanks for watching!

[@philsspace69]

@@CreativeSauce Absolutely right that there is no need. Especially not when recording in 24 bit. But also worth noting, there is no technical downside either, as long as you don't hit the 0dB or above. It is more of a safety buffer, to keep the incoming signal a little less hot, for example if there would happen to be some unexpected loud peak.

[@cornbone]

the part about peak level being more relevant on percussions than the average level was so interesting! i never would have thought of that. such an informative video!

[@pierrecarter3090]

Holly Molly! I saw this video quite long ago, but I just watched it again. Hey, some tricks I forgot just came back! Thanks a lot Mike, the older videos are quite accurate!

[@VjaceslavsNovikovs]

Same!!! Watching 3rd time! I love this guy with his explanations!

[@mikesmith3084]

Regarding Metering for better visuals-A little more work is involved but I do it once-save as a template and my workflow is always fast and ready to go when I create a new project. In track view go to Options--Go to Meter options- Scroll down until you get to Record Meter Options-Playback Meter Options-Bus Meter Options--Here you can set your preferences for RMS-- PEAK Levels or a combination of both as well as better visual scaling. This is what I Do--When I go to Record Meter Options -I set to RMS-If you want you can choose Peak + RMS. By default it is set to -60db change to -78db Do this procedure for Record Meter Options-Playback Meter Options-Bus Meter Options. You will now get RMS levels in Record view--playback view and Bus view with better visuals-Less eye strain You can do this procedure In the Console View and the Prochannel View as well. Once again-When this is done save as a template and watch how much more efficient you recordings and workflow becomes :D

[@lexiflexipickle]

Forever grateful to have found your goldmine of a channel!! I have watched nearly all of your videos (especially regarding Cakewalk) and you have drastically helped me improve my music production techniques. Much much much love!!

[@RainStickland]

This was super helpful. as always. I've seen lots of videos on gain staging, but until now I didn't understand the full process. I understood the idea of it, but not that it had to be done continuously throughout the mix - sort of an important detail. And now I see why the Blue Cat plug-in would be really helpful. I'm almost done the third book, so I'll be able to get 'stuck in' with my mixes very soon, though I am playing around with stuff now so I don't forget what I'm learning. P.S. Don't worry about the burn too much. The damage that causes the worst problems is done when we're teenagers. You don't look like an old guy, but (like me) you're not a teenager. :)

[@CreativeSauce]

Its really something which gets done very quickly as you get more into the habit of it. Thanks for watching again!

[@jtor1138]

Recently discovered your channel. Really outstanding content. I’ve been using Cakewalk since the Pro Audio 9 days so hardly a newbie and yet I’ve learned so much from your videos. Tried your gain staging approach on a mix today and it was a revelation! Thanks a lot and keep up the good work.

[@tagonminmyatpianistandproducer]

I am currently learning to make music with cakewalk and your videos are awsome, keep making them.

[@gregberne631]

Masterfully delivered! Great back to basics refresher with a twist...Don't forget the inter-plugin influences that "add up"!! Thanks for this well explained "Root" lesson we never really look at when the mayhem of mixing begins!

[@charliehalbery5978]

Thanks. Ive learnt more from your videos than any others. Have donated a little will again as i use more of your tutorials. Great job. 🤟👍

[@CreativeSauce]

Thank you so much Charlie. Very much appreciated :)👍

[@walkintheseshoes]

One of the best yet! Been using CW for the past 10yrs too. Cheers

[@CreativeSauce]

Thank you so much - many more to come!

[@MuzixMaker]

For real instruments (especially multiple devices pre-summed through an external mixer), there are several points where the signal levels need to be set before they get to the DAW: program/patch level, master output level, "real" mixer input gain, mixer channel level, summed output level to the A/D inputs. How should these all be set? Ideally, with no additional noise (any active "gain" adds noise) but also at a high enough level so SNR is optimized, but without overloading (distorting) the next step in the chain. Also, are all of the channel inputs in CW stereo by default? Noted dual metering at 3:35. Great channel!

[@TheHutchMusic]

Very useful as I just started with CakeWalk, after 5 years of Ableton.

[@RTCLR123]

Can i ask why you did that? I tried Ableton, Reaper and CW but every time got back to FL11.

[@Lex-lw9bb]

How do you like CakeWalk so far compared to Ableton? I'm debating between upgrading my old version of Ableton(7) or saving the money and switching to CakeWalk.

[@JosephArruda-fq8ot]

Thanks Mike!!! Awesome video, this is new to me. I am micing a drum kit. Right now I have 4 mics going into a presonus FP10 pre amp which is hooked up to a laptop w/ Cakewalk installed on it. This video was very helpful too me.

[@alias-_unknown9999]

Mike this was an incredible video mate. You broke it down and led us on the right path the whole way, not one part of this video felt boring or overwhelming. Thank you once again and keep it up 💪🏼

[@dougpearson5943]

Thanks for another great video. I’m impressed with your clarity and attention to detail and even the clean look of your studio! Having said that, it would still be helpful for us beginners to narrate what you click on (or where you’re clicking if not obvious) when you perform each step (like how you made the Free G appear ). As your following grows you get more questions and I’m sure I don’t know where you find the time to answer all these inquiries, but it’s very much appreciated (I like to read your answers to others’ questions). So now to my question: Why not simply re-adjust the gain at the top of the channel after you add effects, instead of getting a plugin to turn down the gain?

[@reggiejahnmusic3973]

Thank You Doug, good point on Free G! Is it on the Master channel or on a buss because it doesn't appear to be on the piano track. Also when I put a channel. If I adjust it it doesn't appear to update the RMS value, if I increase or decrease the channel gain. Thanks!

[@dazbuc]

Thank you.............love all of your videos!!

[@CreativeSauce]

Thanks for watching, and I'm glad you enjoy :)

[@luisjavier4964]

Very helpful! I had no idea this was a thing, now I have to go back and record all my vocals!

[@gregberne631]

FANTASTIC first things first type of video, I will use this as a go to starting point! Thanks!

[@CreativeSauce]

It certainly has helped me over the years - I just feel way more in control of whats happeneing!

[@bobgreene3539]

Thanx again for a very well done vdo. I do believe you are my favorite 'elaborator' of mixing with Cakewalk, especially after your friend 'Morgan Freeman' said he liked your FB group...lol. Keep up the good work.

[@patjackmanesq]

Nice tips, Mike. I've an awful habit of leaving gainstaging to near the end of the project. Your way is a nice way to work with it as you go along. My greatest sin for years was to work like in the old analogue studios, always trying to keep the level as hot as possible. 😂 Even now I still get older engineers giving out to me for my "low" recording levels mind you!

[@stansierakowski37]

I'm very impressed with your series. I'm astonished when you tell me something I didn't even THINK of. I would surely like a pre & post version. Starting from the levels on the preamp knobs and levels thru to the final stage of your MP3 or *.WAV. As an OLD ANALOGUE guy, my target levels were completely WRONG. Some of this explains some of the edge that appears in my final mixes... that I didn't understand prior to this video.

[@GPM80]

Excellent vid mike. Lots of great tips for me throughout so thanks again

[@mentorlatifi6221]

Great comparison .........Cakewalk it's getting better !!

[@CreativeSauce]

Thank you for watching!

[@jstnxprsn]

Well, that turned out to be both more interesting and confusing than I expected. Interesting mostly because loss of gain was never much of as problem back in my day. With the hundreds of transducers involved in the electronics of old, the output of each usual had a small amount of amplification to account for any loss, and the next transducer in the chain would usually have a preamp to boost it a few dB coming in anyway. So, this thing with plug-ins sucking up the gain caught me off guard and was interesting in its ramifications. So, let's get to the confusing part. The "sweet spot" on the old VU meters came about because we needed to seperate the recorded music as far away from the noise floor as possible. For anyone reading who doesn't know, the old analog tape process tended to add a very low level of "noise" or hiss that could be noticed if the volume was high but the recording quiet. DOLBY and DBX were developed as a response, but traditionally you wanted to make the recording as loud as possible without introducing too much distortion (A tiny bit is good, hence the saturation plug ins) Generally, the VUs would be averaging around +3 unless you had excessive readings on the IPP meters ( Instantanous Peak Power - the LED lights which are common today, but were a single light on tthe VU) Which brings me to the confusing part. Why is there a "sweet spot" on the IPPs? It's all digital today, so the noise floor issue is moot. The saturation is achieved through a simulated effect. None of the old rules apply, except actual digital distortion is to be avoided like corona virus. Thoughts Mike?

[@CreativeSauce]

Well, often there is no sweet spot, and to this end, there is no need to hit these markers. However, if they have programmed the sweet spot, it will most often be in that range. Its really just a matter of manufacturers trying to stay true to the behaviour of the original hardware. It wouldn't make much sense to 'model' say a an LA-2A compressor, and then not mimic the behaviour of the sweet. For anyone reading, 0dB on analogue gear, is -18dB in a DAW (dBFS). In theory, if you are sure that you wont use plugins that make use of this sweet spot, then there is no need to aim for it. I just make it a habit, as I often will be using such plugins. But for clarity there is no actually 'sweet spot' in the digital realm :)

[@jstnxprsn]

@@CreativeSauce Had to read that a couple of times to be sure I was getting it right, but I think I'm on board with what you're saying. My instincts tell me though to alwsys record a given track as loud as possible without creating quality issues, because while you can always turn something down in as mix, turning it up has limitations, which could require turning down the entire mix to make a low volume track fit where it sounds nice. Just a thought. Thanks very much for your thoughts on this. Your channel is an excellent source of information and education all presented in a perfect way for my learning style. Btw, back when I was teaching the recording workshops, it quickly became clear to me that different students have different styles of learning, so approach needs to vary. On my case I would assign students who were getting it, to teach it to those who weren't in THEIR teaching style. That worked in every case but one thaty I was aware of. I'm mentioning this because I believe you mentioned that some people complained about your teaching style. I wanted you to know that compatibility of learning and teaching styles is a common thing, not any kind of failure on your part. Thanks again. Incidentally, your friend Pete and I are getting along splendidly. Thanks for the introduction.

[@camerojones]

Thanks for the tip on double clicking knobs to zero out.

[@therealjackfisher]

Another great tip. I used my audio interfaces gain knob to set up gains. That gain knob on console view, thats a very visible feature that I totally missed. HaHa. I always skipped this video because I felt like I knew how to set up my gains and I did. Komplete audio 6 have very clean signal so I leave my mixes as they were, and use the gain knob from now on on ever project. Thanks Mike.

[@CreativeSauce]

Haha - thanks Jack :)

[@steveowen8961]

Thanks for yet another very informative Cakewalk video. I'll be practising the techniques described and adding to my personal cheat-sheet on music production using Cakewalk. I'm not entirely sure if you've done a video about Mixing in Cakewalk yet; but if not, an extended tutorial would be greatly appreciated (by me at least).

[@CreativeSauce]

Hi Steve, thanks for watching! I'll be covering mixing more directly in the new year :)

[@Ninja-pc3gd]

I hope you make a tutorial about mid/side EQ next sir. Have a great day.

[@jonsepulveda2269]

very informative and easily understood. thanks mike...

[@Fretboard_Chaos_Productions]

Fantastic tutorial for someone like me who is new to recording. Thank you!

[@jimfogle184]

Glad to see this video. After your description how to perform gain staging makes sense. At 4:25, you show the FreeG plug-in but I didn't see or hear you describe how, or where, you installed the plug-in into the piano track signal path.

[@CreativeSauce]

Hi Jim - yes, that was my error, not to make that clear. So I actually placed the plugin in the master fx chain. This was because I knew I would only listen to each channel in solo, so no need to put it on each channel.

[@SimonMac]

Such great content! So much helpful/useful information - thank you so much!

[@joegrint6280]

Another excellent video - thanks Mike!

[@phuzbrain]

I like all of your tutorials... very helpful and useful information. I am new to Cakewalk and am climbing the learning curve. I still have a few bugs in my system but I believe they may be as a result of using Win.7 I may upgrade to 10 in the near future.

[@bandheadone5975]

You are a great learning resource! Thank you!!

[@trusso11783]

Looks like an informative video. Giving it a try now. Thanks.

[@BenevolentMutation]

Great stuff to know, I know you know this but I love how izotope gain staging is very easy right within say, Neutron 3 or Ozone 9.

[@bboymac84]

Benevolent Mutation Studios Izotope is the best!

[@chilykees]

Nice idea to use RMS for the instruments and peak for the percussions.

[@petrizen]

You are very good at teaching things 👍

[@CreativeSauce]

Thank you so much for watching. I hope you will subscribe :) kzbin.info

[@johnbrunskill9469]

Excellent tutorial!

[@CreativeSauce]

Thanks John :)

[@richiemajor]

Great Videos!!! very detailed and well thought out-- one quick question---If you have say a guitar panned left -should it be panned centered during gain staging?--thank you and turn it to eleven

[@alban6101]

Very intreresting, Sir ! ALWAYS ! I do not remember if i have already say it to u, ... So, THANKS SO MUCH FOR ALL UR WORKS and TUTOS ! As i'm used to say, MY PROCESS IS IN PROGRESS, or, the contrary wich is true too !

[@Gusrikh1]

Very interesting and educational. Thank you.

[@antjone]

Hi Mr Sauce I laughed at "If you didn't like the video, hit Dislike twice. How does compression fit in here, or is it the same rules (RMS 18 in and out?) Clearly Compression is going to reduce the difference between peak & RMS, so which do you believe? And finally, with everything mixed so quiet, isn't my mixdown going to be very quiet! Do we then want to create a new project to compress or Ozone our mixdown? Best wishes. Tony

[@CreativeSauce]

Hi Anthony - great questions! I would use the same approach (I hesitate to say 'rules'). Yes, everything would tend to lower on the meters in the master channel. And that a good thing at this stage - but of course not for release. But thats where mastering comes in! Check out my video on that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6HdaaWan7qgiK8

[@guitargeek9921]

Cakewalk by bandlab is awesome !!!!!

[@rudigerk]

This was very helpful! Thank you very much

[@CreativeSauce]

Thanks for watching Hans :)

[@pothavaramtalkies]

very useful tutorial. if u reduce time of these type of videos till to 12 minutes it will be fantastic.

[@padua79]

Thanks for the guidance. I'll use it to my advantage one I begin a new mix in the near future. God willing.........

[@cassandramondnacht7225]

This is so great! I love your way of explaining. One question tho: Why shouldn't I just adjust the main Gain knob after adding my plugins? I still need to learn a lot about effects and chains but couldn't you just put it after adding all the effects and adjust everything then?

[@DeebenMedia]

Hi! Great video; Teaches me a lot about creating a proper mix with gain staging. As I'm quite new to this, what RMS / peak level should I consider for vocal tracks? And do you make a difference between lead and backing vocals, or an entire choir?

[@KarmicBeats]

My confusion lies in which control should I use on cakewalk tracks, gain or volume? I know what each is from an electronic circuit point of view. Gain is active requires power can attenuate and can amplify. Volume is passive requires no power and can only attenuate. But that does not tell me when I should use each. Like if all I want to do is adjust the levels on a few simple tracks.

[@marcuscurtismusic]

Another great video mike. Thanks for all your hard work on putting these videos together. I have a few quick questions. 1. Did you insert the Free G plugin on the master bus because I can't see where you inserted it on the piano track? The second question is how do you get the free G plugin to stay open when you open other plugins? usually when I open another plugin Cakewalk will close the GUI on the last plugin you where working in. Thanks

[@nebukenazar]

Great video, again. Thank you.

[@CreativeSauce]

Thank you for watching again!

[@hakansoder5279]

Great video. Very helpful. Where do you put the Free G plugin? In the fx of the mastertrack?

[@marcusbernhardt7807]

Thank you so much the best tutoriál!!!

[@everardoarmenta]

Thank you so much! So useful.

[@guitarmon100]

Nice job breaking this down. My question: I do have many recordings where the levels are at 0 and higher (I came from the old school, starting with 4 track tape recording.) I don't think I will be able to go back and "fix" all these. So, if they are missing this "Sweet Spot", especially with the analog plugs on certain tracks, what should I be listening for?

[@sonnyrichardstriorockabill5684]

Hi Mike, another fabulous video and being an ex electronics tech' I get the benefits of this Gain Staging - TOP JOB Sir. Just one question though please? Where in the chain do you put the FreeG - I don't see that you have it as an FX plugin of every channel??? Perhaps I'm missing a link in my old and fading grey matter !!

[@thetej2000]

thanks a lot sir , it helped me a lot

[@myrio1]

When you say, "I'm just going to pop that up on the screen", at about 4:27, you didn't say that where you put the plugin! I cannot see it in the track bin so I can only assume you put the FreeG in the master effect bin. What gives? Also what screen resolution are you running? My FreeG is not as big as what you are showing. Thanks and sorry to bother you!

[@digitalsketchguy]

Great tut. Just subbed.

[@gauravgovilkar]

Hi! Great video, thanks so much. This helped clarify a lot of questions I had. I use cakewalk as well. I often find that, even though the individual channels are not clipping, the master bus meter shows very close to 0 or -1 db. In such situations, I dial down the gain at the top of the master bus so as the output comes out to be somewhere near -3 to -6. But I have always had second thoughts with this approach. Would like to know your thoughts. Thanks.

[@Darrenowsley]

love it! good job

[@CreativeSauce]

Thank you!

[@mdonchek]

Excellent videos, thanks . . . You mentioned that for those plugins without an output control to adjust the level you use another plugin to do so placed after it in the "chain." If I am using a single effect on a separate bus can I use the slider to compensate for an effect that alters the gain? Is it preferable to do so one way or the other? I am wondering why you used a plugin to adjust gain as opposed to the slider, and am thinking that might be because you want to correct the gain after each effect in case you have multiple effects stacked on one bus? Thanks again.

[@ramborums]

Thanks for another great video. I am just getting started learning about working with DAWs and Cakewalk in particular. Enjoying doing it with Creative Sauce University!! I have a question . why did the Avg meter in FreeG show close to -20 when the LEDs only went to around -17-18. What is their relationship?

[@PedroLucianoBenpp]

Hey Mike, such great content, as always!! One question about it though, why haven't you used the fader? Should I not use it to "adjust" levels? For example, after adding saturation, should I use the Blue Cat plugin or the fader? I generally use the faders, and right now I'm not quite sure if I should be doing that. Thanks!!

[@guitarmandan9831]

nice vid Mike but i wonder why you didn't use the gain trim that comes with the FreeG plug and instead used CWalk's gain?

[@chosenplay6896]

Ehi Mike, awesome tutorial. Perhaps it's a matter of a language barrier (I'm not english as a first language) but I did not understand a couple things: 1. is the goal to achieve -18 on every track but the drums? Would that be different if we were talking about, let's say, synth sounds? 2. if we use this kind of gain staging.. what purpose do the faders at the bottom of the chain have? It's like.. to bring the volume at -18 again if some "last minute" plugins change it just before that? 3. and... when we go to the mastering stage at the end.. I guess all of this does not matter anymore and we just boost it up and apply a limiter? xD

[@keithlane4705]

I don't know why, but I always adjust a VST volume, before touching the gain. You didn't touch on the subject and I'm curious on your thoughts, is it better to deal with a hot signal from a VST with the VST volume if it has one ?

[@CreativeSauce]

Its a good point. Because Cakewalk has a built in gain control on the channel, I tend to reach for that out of convenience. However some DAWs don't have it (unless inserted), in which case for VST instruments, I would use the volume control built it. Not because it's better in any way, but because it saves on resources (not adding a gain plugin). But either way is fine.

[@andyhampton1338]

Hi Mike, I just need a little clarification please. In the video you just listen to a couple of bars of a piano. But suppose you have an instrument that is quieter at the beginning of the song but louder later (midi velocity is higher), say in the final chorus, then how much of the track do you need to play to get the average RMS to -18? Do you just pick the last section - in this example the final chorus? Or do you need to play and monitor the whole track, to get the RMS of the entire track? Thanks for another great video.

[@charlesgazzola5]

Hello - I am a beginner and had a quick question on this. In Cakewalk do we turn down the volume in the plug in or using the gain switch on the mixer when gain staging? Thank you for your assistance and I love the videos.

[@Ninja-pc3gd]

Thank you so much sir!

[@CreativeSauce]

No problem Ninja

[@oscarrojas5783]

very good!!! thankyou

[@mimojapan]

G'day! Thanks for the great info! Some details came to mind that might not be clear to everybody: 1.) Is it correct to assume that your measuring part of the Piano track was where it's the loudest? 2.) Is it correct to assume that this "Free G" tool was inserted at the final mixbus? Cheers!

[@CreativeSauce]

Hey Mimo. Some great questions, and I apologise for not being clear on these things. 1) Yes, I always try to go for the loudest section of that instrument. 2) Yes, several people asked me about this! Its just in the master bus as a tool, and since I know I will be playing each channel in solo for gain staging, I know its measuring only one part at a time. The only thing to be mindful of, is that sometimes 'solo' also engages associated busses as solo'd as well. Thank you so much for these questions, it gives me the opportunity to clarify!

[@hugpam]

Learning Cakewalk and LOVING your videos. Great for a newbie like me. Speaking of newbie... so I have a vocal track that clips in one section. Are you saying that I adjust the whole track's gain because of that one peak to get it down to a -18 average? Or do I deal with the clipping some other way first? (re-recording is not an option in this case). Thanks

[@sunstealer]

Hey, Mike great video, but I have a couple questions: let's say I had a mix that was already pretty dialed in sound-wise, and then I wanted to gain stage at a later date: why not leave certain FX on , like compression, perhaps including even the pro channel except maybe EQ at first, or Am I totally confused; and I think I am(are you actually moving the FreeG plugin to the slot immediately post Each FX you have added or turned on?) , because it seems to me you'd be adjusting and readjusting over and over, when the LEVELS changed if FreeG is only on the busses, so, I don't think the one comment saying that you had installed it on the bus only is correct, but unfortunately that comment stuck with me, and I believe it's caused me to make bad assumptions... And the 2nd question is this: I assuming these target levels are basically supposed to be max limits, right??? So, I'd want to monitor and read the lFreeG levels on the loudest part for any particular instrument like, say there's acoustic guitar but part of it is a picked part, and d the other part of the song is vigorously strummed, and louder because of that, or should I have had the picking part recorded on a completely different track than n Thē strumming part, which I normally don't do , but now strikes me as a good idea, but I'm not prepared to go back and retrack anything I already have down and recorded sounding fairly good, the room I record acoustics in may not be available at certain times either, so retracking in general is problematic , especially if the parts sound good: Please advise as to how I should do this. i think I probably should get the strumming part to the levels you mentioned ... ,So in that case, should I mainly be trying to get the strumming part at the levels you mentioned in FreeG, the -18 and -12, because there is a fair amount of dynamics on the acoustic guitars, so my only other option would be using an excessive amount of compression, which seems dumb to me, but please advise, Mike: And thanks for these kickass vids, because I would be 101% lost without you. Other than you, I'm basically self-taught: so sometimes the obvious answer doesn't always come to me: So, thanks again, Mate!!! Top nottch!! Tip top, actually!!! 🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@MichaelKeeter]

Thank you for this one.

[@1983electric]

Quick question... what do you do now with the volume faders?? Are you suggesting to use gain over volume faders at all 0?

[@CreativeSauce]

Ah, an often confusing thing. So, controlling the gain, is more about the controlling the level at which we hit key items like plugins. Faders are at the end of this part of the signal chain, and we use them to control ultimately how loud that channel is in the mix. One way to thing it is like this. We may need an electric guitars signal to be loud enough to make an overdrive plugins get a great sound, but ultimately that electric guitar may be low in the mix, so it's fader would be down low. If we simply had the gain down low, then when it hit the overdrive plugin, we wouldn't get the kind of sound we want (it would be too clean).

[@1983electric]

@@CreativeSauce thank you, that makes more sense now

[@iblametheparents1025]

Hi Mike Great videos, I use them as a reference library and keep coming back when I need help. One question - I'm mixing a track and the Console sliders show mainly -39 to 6 on the left - except for a few inc SI drums which are showing 0 -127 (which is typical midi range). Just wondering why and whether I can default them all to one or other scale? Regards Phil

[@jakubbason3122]

what if you need to make something in the mix quiter later with the fader? You laso have to set a gain back to -18? (on a bus/master bus?) Won't it result in everything in the mix being exactly the same level of loudness?

[@CreativeSauce]

So once you have the gain set to a healthy level, then you adjust the volume you want it to be with the fader. Setting the fader at 0db just ensures you get a correct reading while gain staging.

[@thingmaker67]

Thanks for these videos, I've only been watching a short while and they are so helpful. For you, CS or anyone else, I am wondering about something. So, I was practicing these gain staging procedures on an older cakewalk project that contains only audio tracks. Any effects were added with external hardware during the initial recording of the individual tracks. When I plugged in the free g, the peak was around -5 while the rms was around -23 or so. Seems like quite a difference. My question is, What is the best way to record the initial audio tracks in order to achieve the -12 and -18 goals you suggest? I know you said don't panic or worry too much about the levels, but it made me wonder about how I'm recording the initial tracks. Thanks for the help everyone, and stay safe out there!

[@CreativeSauce]

Great question! Well, I think you are onto the answer, gain staging really starts at the tracking stage. In other words , When you can, try to record at these actual levels:) For subjects such as percussion which have very quick transients, and then decay almost immediately, I like to focus on the peak. For something like a vocal, I focus more on the RMS.

[@thingmaker67]

@@CreativeSauce Thank you! I sincerely appreciate it.

[@renderizer01]

A sunburn? Really? I always thought you Aussies are invincible to sunburns. And now this. So much to be learned here... ;O)

[@caryharlow917]

Thanks so much for what you do, Mike! Question: I often use the OTHER Tube Saturation module in Pro Channel (not the Softtube), as a gain instrument. Is there a reason you omitted it in this video? I've been using it with little or no Sat. Again, your vids are so helpful!

[@KSchultz98]

Something that I don't understand quite well is where to do the gain staging. I mean, is it in the loudess part or whatever?

[@CreativeSauce]

Hey Kevin, yes, focus on the loudest part.

[@jpinsa1]

Hi. Great videos. Thank you. Stupid question. I know how to use plugins, but how did you load up FreeG. Did you load it up in a bus, master, or the channel itself? Or does it open and apply to all? I'm new to Pro Channel etc, up until now I've always just added what I need in the FX bin. So in other words, do you need to add FreeG to the FX bin. Thanks a stack.

[@jacquesboileau6087]

Great info! Thanks! Valid for ANY DAW. It might explain some distortion I hear on my drum track. :-) One question: I could not tell where you inserted the FreeG meter plugin. Should it be added to every input? The master bus?

[@CreativeSauce]

Hi Jacques! No, you only need to insert it where there is no other option to adjust the level. Often plugins have a gain or level control of some kind, as do some modules in the pro channel. If however they don't, and you want to correct the level, then yes, insert and use the gain control. On the master bus, I would not gain stage to the same levels as other channels, but if the do have FX on the master bus, then you could use the gain control to adjust levels where they are affected by a plugin, if that plugin did not have it's own control.

[@jacquesboileau6087]

@@CreativeSauce I was refering to the metering usage of the plugin. Where do you monitor the level of the track using the plugin? At 4:25, where does the plugin come from?

[@CreativeSauce]

@@jacquesboileau6087 ah sorry. Yes, that plugin (FreeG), I inserted in the master bus. Since I know ilk be soloing each track and bus, I know it will only show the level of the channel in listening to. The link for that plugin is in the description. I hope that helps!

[@chriskelly4211]

Hi, I love your videos, they are most helpful and informative. I have a question, I dont have Magnetic ii on my sonar X2 producer edition. Could you reccomend something else I can use that is already in my DAW?

[@tpardy4908]

Hi there.. I see you are using the FreeG meter in mono mode. Where exactly are you plugging in the meter? On the actual track , or the master bus? In the video it doesn't appear to be on the track; so I am assuming it's on the master bus.. If it is the master bus, would you not use the plugin in stereo mode? I don't believe you mentioned in the video where you inserted the meter plugin.. Thanks! Btw: Your videos are awesome!

[@CreativeSauce]

Hi there, thanks for watching. You are quite right, it's on the master bus. As long as the channel I am gain staging is in solo, then it's handy to have there. One thing to note, is to make sure it's REALLY in solo. Sometimes effects sends go in solo with it in some DAWs. As for the mono/stereo mode. Well spotted! Of course you are correct, better to be the stereo version. Just an oversight on my part :)

[@RichOReilly]

Question around drum plugins such as EZ Drummer. What would you recommend for gain stage level of this type of plugin where all the sounds (snare-kick-oh-etc) come thru 1 track? This was very insightful. All my years with this DAW and I never touched the gain knobs up top..lol

[@HeroMike17]

Mike, have you ever tried to hold down the control-key, e.g. when you double-click the gain-knob to set it to zero? This "Quick Group" should effect all similar channels, but it doesn't seem to work on the reset of mixer-knob. To deactivate all effects you can use the "FX"-button at the top. This one disables ALL Plugins... I'm curious about your opinion on these...:-)

[@CreativeSauce]

Hi Michael, not 100% certain what you mean by 'similar channels', so hope I'm not getting your meaning wrong. Can can select multiple channels, and CTRL double click a gain control. It certainly affects all of the selected channels, but not in the way I would want in this. The gain control clicked is set to zero, but the others are moved relatively. So depending in their initial value they may or may not end up at zero. The same for faders. This is actually quite a handy behaviour, but not in this case. If I have misunderstood you then please let me know, I love to get tips and tricks from viewers!

[@HeroMike17]

@@CreativeSauce You're right, didn't mind your different base values. I often look into the old "SONAR" tutorials, many things are all the same even right now - HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!