The No.1 trick for LOUD mixes - Gain-Stage like a PRO in Cubase

[@espenstoro]

Nearly 20 years in Cubase, and NOW I learn about the pencil on audio events? This is embarrassing! I would automate, and then bounce before compression.

[@DomSigalas]

This made me happy. Enjoy the new tool! :)

[@YASIR.K]

me too

[@boogie2266]

I don't know if it'll make you happier but you are not alone ;-)

[@amirharony3859]

me too.. wowwww

[@MrSimZOldSchoolRev]

@@boogie2266 Add me to this list...haha

[@charley2070]

It is almost spooky how much i learn from this channel.

[@DomSigalas]

👻👻👻 hahaha thanks Michael!

[@svenningk]

I know, same here!

[@cryptout]

@@DomSigalas I have a list with all Dom’s awesome lessons so I can rewatch per topic when I need help. 100 times better than any manual!

[@lucianappleton1212]

30yrs in Cubase and the pencil tool made me feel like a fool. It even ryhmes. Thank you!

[@onyxxproductions8187]

Same - I've gotten pretty smug with these "like a pro" videos finding that I'm doing everything in them, but this one made me feel like an amateur for sure

[@regismel197]

OMG the pencil thing.... you killed me

[@olegloza]

+1 The pencil thing made me cry about the hours I spent editing vocals using pre-gain envelope and the overall even clip gain. I only wish it were more obvious that this feature exists in Cubase.

[@Cchogan]

I cheer every time I hear someone say, "don't use compression to fix things!" That was driven into me when I started in engineering in the late 70s. And on analogue, it was even more important because of noise. In fact, with the exception of the pencil tool (something I have loved in Cubase), so much of what you talked about comes from the analogue book. We always recorded at as high a level as we could get away with because of noise. The higher the signal, the lower the noise - simple. So, in theory, everything on the 24 track was the same level, more or less. At mix time, the first thing I used to do was put all the faders at zero/unity the whole way down the desk, then do a very rough mix using the channel gain knobs. (And for those who haven't played with a desk, the input gain is attached to the input amp on the channel circuit - it is the first stop from the tape machine). I much preferred using PPM meters (they are easier to watch because of their slower release and fewer fussy markings). I would end up with a mix that was just a little bit low, but all the faders were still level. As a note, I almost never had to turn anything up - always down. The other thing we did (pre automation) was to bounce things like vocals and ride the fader constantly as we did so - the manual version if what who you did with the pencil tool. Sometimes on Cubase I use a plugin called Vocal Rider to achieve a similar result. Very useful! The platform might be digital and computerised now, but you have stuck wonderfully to those old analogue rules that were developed over decades, often because of the limitations of the equipment, but also because people had the same ears as you and wanted lovely, clean mixes.

[@rozbcoz]

Faders at Zero; use input gains to get close as you can to a mix. It makes so much sense I can't believe we did it so wrong all this time live and in the studio. Even the individual monitor mixes (live especially) are so easy to dial in from that starting point 'cause they are also even as can be. I hate wedges on stage - sound companies don't know how to EQ them, they're Mono and the mix you get is atrocious - if you hear anything at all. In-Ears and your own Tablet to mix on is the only way to go. Front of House? - a lot of incompetent braggards are out there who shouldn't be, who don't understand Balance, EQ, and least of all, FX. Thankfully, there are a few who set a standard for what sound should and can be. Faders at Zero and ride those gains - you'll never look back - except to shake your head and laugh at how stupid you were mixing with some faders set near minus infinity. And no more blowing up the board!!! Everything lit up as Red-light extreme as it will go all the time on every channel, sub, and output is not the way to go - not good. Trim. Cancel Reply

[@MrHatmando]

Bloody hell Mr Sigalas, I'm astounded! You have produced the ultimate guide to Gain-Staging in one brilliantly concise, no nonsense YT session in under 18 minutes. Absolute genius work Dom, I just wish I'd found you sooner!!!!

[@tracktaylor2783]

Yeah fantastic studf

[@mousewrangler]

I know! He's terrific isn't he?

[@matthewfritz]

Holy crap, Dom! THANK YOU! Gain staging has been eluding me a bit and this was the most concise and straightforward explanation I have seen. I actually have a workable process now, especially within Cubase.

[@simonesalvatore76]

The pencil trick is just AWESOME! I was automating all the breaths for years, now I know how to do it in the right way! Thanks Dom!

[@sangorilla1]

I'm absolutely inspired by your obvious passion for helping people understand how to use this product AND put them on the path to creating their own music.

[@yosoysoloyo4024]

You're a free king lifesaver man, I can't tell you how much of a difference your channel makes for me!

[@SkyMix71]

Dom, you are such a good teacher, I have learned so much from you, and truth be told, one is never too old to learn new things! The way you deliver your teachings on this channel, and with so much passion, is simply sublime! I've been active in the audio industry in Belgium since 1993, I have done editing, mixing, mastering and composing music for fiction series, and I have been a Cubase aficionado (also Nuendo) and user since 1999. Now I also teach Cubase (and sadly also Adobe Audition) in high school in Belgium. But the way you are making these youtube tutorials and videos, really helps me at delivering my teaching methods to my pupils. I am much older than you, but then again, I consider you as my role model, to teach my young audio padawans in school. ;-) I'm a big fan of yours, and I also redirect my pupils to go and watch (and ding your notification bell and subscribe to your channel) all your videos on KZbin here. Normally I have to make my own videos to explain stuff to them, so they can watch them again, but with a knowledge-source like you, I can let them watch all of your videos and hope they absorb as much as they can. It really helps me out. Continue your good work, I will continue watching everything you deliver. Greetings, Miguel

[@LindaMissad]

WOW, using the pencil to smooth out the audio is brilliant, Dom I did not know about that. Thank you so much for sharing this tip.

[@bandninkasimusic6484]

I recently used this gain staging technique this week on a recording of an original song of mine and it totally transformed the song. The final result was a revelation. It wasn't that difficult to implement either. No more recording "hot" from now on.

[@skr2520]

only with analog mixers.... never with DAW....this is priceless knowledge ...thank you Don you are such a blessing.

[@randallnielson2011]

On of the best of Dom's tutorials. This might be the most important thing I've learned so far. I'm totally comfortable building a solid gain foundation for each mix now. Dom, I knew a couple of the concepts you taught (headroom at -18 or -12, for example) but I had no idea of the order these moves should come in, or "where" these moves existed in the signal chain (like knowing that pencil adjustments should come before fader automation, etc.). It makes total sense now ... but it might have taken me months, even years, to figure it out through experience on my own. Really appreciate this lesson. Immediately, immediately helpful and impactful.

[@miro.hristov]

Even though I am a Reaper user, your videos always help me a lot. They're so universal despite they're Cubase focused. Thank you.

[@CinderellaVasia]

Dom, your explanations and every detail and tip you provide are exceptional! I can't wait for your next video! 😃

[@twilightbiscuit]

this is the reason I still watch Cubase tutorials...what a great DAW. I' ve been using it for so long now and still there are things I didn't know..

[@whoisjinx]

Even though I'm a long-time Cubase professional, I always look forward to learning new tips and tricks, and I'm usually amazed at how I could have lived without them before. Thanks for helping to elevate all our Cubase games.

[@tcmontario]

Probably the most concise explanation on the subject in the dozen vids I just watched. Excellent work!

[@BirajGautamofficial]

You teach in such a way that anyone can easily get it. Cheers hope to get more tutorials on mixing.

[@CircusNormal]

Fuck me, I've been using Cubase for about 15 years and I had absolutely no idea the pen tool did that, absolute fucking game changer!! Kudos to you mate!

[@jorgedejesustejedavaldez5283]

Please don’t ask if we want a video about the thing you don’t fully explain, PLEASE JUST DO IT, WE NEED MORE TUTORIALS OF CUBASE 10.5 AND MAKE THE CUBASE COMMUNITY GROW ❤️

[@photicsonar]

I am a cubase user from Version 1.0 and I have never ever used the pencil for gain staging... What a great video, man! Perfectly explained!

[@LarryOnKeys]

Awesome, I was a "just turn the fader down" guy, until now. Thank you.

[@DomSigalas]

🤟🏼🤟🏼🤟🏼😀😃😃

[@d.m.ebeats9013]

Cubase is the best Daw so so amazing 🔥🔥🔥Dom

[@JohnMcGFrance]

Just found your channel. Learning so much already and I’ve been using Cubase since it was first released! In fact I started with Steinberg 24 on an Atari ST. This video was fantastic. I have always just pulled the channel fader down. Using these tips I’m sure will make a big difference to my control over the final mix. Trouble is now I want to watch all your other videos which is stopping me actually recording music. Thank you for the videos and your time making them.

[@javierpenya]

Dom, I have no words to say that this video is fantastic, and your explanation even better. Clear, honest, concised, incredible. Cubase is a fantastic DAW, and deserves great teachers as you are. I learnt a lot about gain stagin in 17 minutes ! All fantastic, from the 1st minut ti the last. I am unable ti highlight only one oart of the video. You are helping to grow all the Cubase community users. Congratulations. I will keep this video in a safe place as the "bible" of gain staging, and of sure, I will revisited more than once, and I will share to other colleagues.

[@JeanMarcBrissat]

This pencil feature has been available for a long time... Cubase is best!

[@crowbarproductions5190]

The more of Dom's videos I watch, the more I'm convinced he is the Jesus of music production in Cubase. Absolute godsend! Thank you Dom!

[@Drgmusic_]

We can also make an automation of the Pre-Gain section to ensure that volume is balanced before hitting any plugin! :)

[@antoinemontmory]

I'm new with Cubase LE 13. Thanks a lot for your help. Cubase releases the dream you want !

[@MrDrop11]

Cubase needs an optional feature to automatically pull the pre gain down to whatever predetermined level you have set. (-6,-12-18 or whatever you want.) That way, when you drop in a vst or sample, cubase would automatically adjust the pre gain to your desired setting while leaving the fader at zero. Doesn't seem like it would be that hard to implement it. Would save us a ton of time.

[@idirtyrecords]

yes i was thinking the same as i watched the vid

[@CyrilleBoucanogh]

it would be hard to implement as Cubase can't decide whether it should be -6 or -18. Sometimes you have over a hundred tracks and your levels are too hot, sometimes you have just ten tracks and you're ok with the recorded levels. And if you work professionally uour levels are never too hot, as they should always be recorded not hotter than -18 dB TPFS.

[@IEMedia]

Thank you for this explanation 🙏 I’ve been using cubase for well over a decade and didn’t know any of this stuff 😆 🤦‍♂️ My mixes always end up squashed and over processed and this is most certainly why. Can’t wait to put it into practice!

[@NeuroticNexus]

There is a small trap by using "PreGain" (not only this one), maybe just when you are not used to it. For instance I had the Noise Gate in the Channel Strip in use and lowered now the PreGain. The Noise Gate of course had to be adjusted in the threshold. First I was wondering why there was no longer any sound after lowering the PRE gain...so if Gain Staging on a already started project, be aware of the impact

[@silentstormstudios]

Wow, talk about information that you can immediately apply to improve your work. This was gold. Thank you.

[@MrBatomaeus]

Amazing tutorial, thank you Dom! A question: You mentioned that you like to have -12dB on the master while mixing. How do you achieve that this remains more or less constant while adding more and more tracks during production? (And why -12?)

[@OLLYM2023]

I can't get over how good the Pencil on "Gain" for audio samples is.......thanks so much!

[@sonicrange]

Hey Dom. I'm really glad that I found your channel. You can't imagine what I already learned by watching your videos within the last two weeks since I found you. I wish I had more time to test out all of your tips by myself. Keep up the good work!

[@theavramium]

Cubase roles all the other daws out there since the very beginning. Thank you Dom !

[@Am6-9]

The pencil tool is a good idea but needs to be reworked, it is a pain to use, e.g. the points are so tiny, it is practically impossible to hit them again in case you want to edit the curve. You should be able to edit them like automation, with Bézier curves and proper tools. It is a long time since I used Ableton Live, but the clip envelopes there were sooo much easier to use. And that was ten years ago. Could be a great tool, as of now I rarely ever use it because it’s a pita. It is usually faster to automate the pre gain.

[@chrisibbetson]

Very true!

[@TaylorSappe]

I love using the pencil tool, but you are correct. We do need a way to be able to zoom in on the points to make them bigger and easier to work with.

[@crankcommand2334]

Thank you Dom again for an awesome Cubase features video - finally this is what this great DAW deserves...

[@suebphatt]

Ok so I just found this precious tutorial after I just my gain staging my song with that old bad methods. Let me cry my tears out above peak level 😂

[@englishliteratureclass7821]

This video is an eye opener. Thanks for teaching the methods. I'm really grateful to you😊

[@adriangallagher3566]

Dom, this advice is absolute gold. Thank you!

[@scargoprods]

Great course again! Answering my questions about those different faders etc.

[@eleuvisa26]

Thank you so much for helping me learn and understand Cubase. I've used Reason since ver 1.4 I had always tried to learn Cubase and couldn't find the gap between projects. Now that I have, you have certainly helped me make the jump. Once again, thank you.

[@ronfrancois]

Passion! ".. some cannot handle hot levels" He went really deep into some shit there.

[@precisionsoundworksstudio]

Excellent explanation... Thank you! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@originunknown3209]

Not just a tutorial on gain staging, it’s a tutorial on gain staging with PASSION!!!! Absolutely brilliant!!! I have Cubase 8.5, I hope the audio can be attenuated like that in sections with the pencil tool in 8.5, and it’s not a latter version feature!🤞

[@cylonvoiceguy]

I think it's in the PRO versions, I stopped at Cubase 9 elements, you can't do it. Also, the pre-gain will upset your noise gate threshold..

[@buddhadub864]

This video changed lives! 800 pages cubase manual no wonder this man is a genius!

[@Timoteus_X]

Wow! Why didn't I know about event based gain staging? That's a game changer for me. I always cut the clip and adjust the volumes visually. That is way better! Thanks for the knowledge 👌

[@jerbinkle]

OMG Dom! 8:12 into this I was in tears laughing at your face! Priceless. Funny because it's true!

[@adimneve9220]

Thanks for all the great tips Dom, you help me a lot with the production and those small details!

[@grahamhughes2025]

thanks Dom, very appropriate for my journey/learning at the moment........appreciated.

[@LindsayGibb]

Like all your tutorials, insightful, clear, and enjoyable...thanks Dom !

[@lamf0422]

Just from watching a couple of your vids yesterday and today, i’m learning a lot and my mixes are rewarding me for it. You are the man!

[@journeyom1612]

I knew about the pencil and I have been using it to change the amplitude in my samples since Cubase 7. It was one of the greatest discovery in music production I had at the time. The consequence was and still is the only way to manage my music mixing production. Dom, I really liked the way you explained it. Marvellous

[@marcusdekker]

Great Video!! For those who cant see the pre channal in the Mix Console; Making Input Gain Settings The Pre-Gain slider allows you to change the level of a signal before it reaches the EQ and the effects section. This is useful as the level going into certain effects can change the way the signal is affected. A compressor, for example, can be driven harder by raising the input gain. Gain can also be used to boost the level of poorly recorded signals. Procedure On the MixConsole toolbar, click Racks and activate Pre (Filters/Gain/Phase) to show the Pre rack above the fader section. Drag the Gain slider to the left or to the right to cut or boost the gain. Great video, Don; i didnt know about these gain settings possibilities.

[@ubhare]

That's life saving!!! Thanks Dom.

[@ananth725]

Had it under my nose and yet missed it. Thank you again Dom !

[@yosoysoloyo4024]

Really excellent video about a critical step in mixing. Thank you so much!

[@Ryukk1984]

This is great. I was taught at college to drop all the faders to start for analogue mixing but this solution for DAW is brilliant

[@martymodus7205]

Dom, I just have to drop a comment to say YOU ARE AWESOME!!! I'm switching to Cubase from Sonar & your videos have been making me LOVE the process. The pencil tool idea=GOLD. Although you didn't mention it directly, I didn't know my channel setting EQ could be knobs instead of sliders. I love that. I just started watching because the Pre Gain is buried in Cubase compared to Sonar, so I wanted to see what you do, but then I learn SO much more than I expected. On one hand, you have amazing energy, but more importantly, I love that the information you share is consistently well thought out and extremely useful. Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you!! You make the world a better place!

[@DomSigalas]

Thank you so much Marty! Glad to see all the work is paying off! Comments like this make it all worthwhile ❤️

[@mozwall_2560]

Dom for president! Best Cubase related channel out there!

[@matthiasdapra3360]

Awesome stuff and - as many of you - I didn't know about the pencil tool either. After more than 20 years of working with Cubase! So thank you Dom! As far as I can see, it is very useful and it will be part of my workflow from now on.👍

[@michaelsullivan155]

Precises and to the point. Great info. It's the most angry I ever seen you about a topic but glad you did. There is so much hype about this DAW that DAW this plug in that Plug in you mange to keep it real and relatable.

[@mondayrose4169]

Did not know about these functions, but I do now thanks to Dom. The older SX2 that I just switched over from doesn't have many of these new tricks. They've come a long ways since 2005.

[@andreefarmer3475]

Ive been using Cubase since 2009 and had no idea about the pencil automation trick. Thank you Dom appreciate you man for giving out these helpful tips!

[@Raggo12345]

Watching this video again to do gain-staging better. Brilliant video! Thanks! You have so many great tips for Cubase!

[@inteked_live]

Again, such a clear and easy tutorial and showing pros and cons of working on gains. Thanks!!

[@You4Final]

The first time I recognized why gainstaging is important at all...thanks for this brilliant explanation

[@AurasSparsas]

Your hints are like gems. Thank you very much!

[@MorisoniProductions]

A really useful quick reference video for understanding gainstaging in Cubase. As always, really clearly and dynamically explained! Thanks a million!

[@johncostigan6160]

Dom, I started recording in 1970 and subtle things done well were best. I have been using Cubase since VST 3.5, and you have taught me to finally use what I learned in 1970, but forgot. Thank-you.

[@musicinsession]

FINALY I found a fucking video that explains this properly!! I am metal guy, but gosh every single video so far just says the words gain stage as if we all knew what that is! I just want to track my bloody guitars!! Thanks Dom for the master class!!

[@springbreak2021]

Wooow that pencil trick is incredible!! I can't wait to play with it. Feels like I level up every time I watch one of your videos, Dom. Thank you so much, man!

[@mixbygygyondbeat1295]

Wow am so grateful. I usually would use the faders for gain staging... Now I know better. Thanks Dom

[@rienfierst2731]

Great video. I realy learned something after working with cubase for 15 yrs. Realy excellent tips. THNX 🤟🤟

[@melekanre]

OMG !.. this is the best video of gain staging ever... thankk youuu

[@folktronic]

Fantastic Dom, didn't know about the pencil tool!! Thanks!

[@iamtjwalker]

How did I not know about the pencil? A morning of watching your videos I've learnt more about Cubase than what I've picked up along the way using it every day for 15 years! Thank you!

[@BaldEaglePro]

I have been a studio musician for 27 years. I started with 2" reel-to-reel. I've been recording in Cubase for about 8 years, but I'm learning it on my own & I still feel like I'm a newbie. And THIS video made me feel even MORE ignorant!! Lol. But now you have enlightened me. THANK YOU, DOM!! THE PENCIL TOOL !!! OMG!! I have been wondering for 5 years what that pencil tool was. This is going to EXPONENTIALLY cut down on my vocal and lead instrument editing and mixing... all while allowing me to maintain the integrity of my original audio files. And you explained it SO simply. THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! (Did I say thank you?) I am liking AND subscribing.

[@Bluesparkle_]

Dom is simply the best Cubase tutor! Gain Staging is such a mystic topic, but this explains all. I like the pre gain knob, interesting fact about the fader volume scales (never knew). So probably will start using the pre gain and tool, rather than faders... 👍

[@chillindillon1889]

I've been f'ing up. Thanks for sharing. Awesome info!!!!

[@belgradeboy77]

WOW!!! So many tips and tricks in this great video. Thanks Dom

[@ale.mascia]

Pencil tool... just another step towards satisfacting knowledge. Thank you!

[@truthseeker630]

Dom, as I said in many of your videos, you're the man!.

[@rattfink9]

The pencil even works in 5! This is brilliant! Cheers, Brother!

[@sandipbanerjee5398]

Excellent session....First time I am learning this....thanks Sir.

[@VovaHook]

Thanks a lot, dear Dom!

[@willdobson79]

Almost always something new learned in your videos, thanks Dom!

[@AcousticMutation]

Thank you for your Cubase shares Dom!

[@kingdroopie4118]

That pencil tool tip is otherworldly. Your tutorials are a cut above the rest always leaving feeling like it was worth the watch. Fantastic channel !!

[@marcoantoniodelfine2433]

Dom, thanks for the video it helped a lot, I've been using Cubase for years, and I didn't know about these tips, congratulations for sharing in an objective way.

[@louisdesailly]

Thx for all your videos, it's very usefull, and i understand your english very well

[@infestedalien]

Thank you for these advices! Finally I can improve my workspeed in my favourite DAW! :)

[@VintiqueSound]

What!!! How did I not know about the pencil tool on audio events! This will make my life so much easier, thanks Dom :)

[@waseemstephen3942]

most authentic information i've ever come across..thanks for sharing your indepth knowledge.. stay blessed

[@beryan1000]

Awesome tutorial Dom. Thank you again. Love the info. on the pencil! No I didn't know I could do that, but Wow, now that I do, How helpful it will be for me. Appreciate your sharing.