Gain Staging In 5 Easy Steps

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Are you gain staging your mix? Do you use a VU meter? Let me know in the comments!

[@ndongolo]

I learned this technique with Jacquire king. I have been using it for years

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

@@ndongolo Yes, I think he uses slightly different numbers but it's the same idea.

[@HR2635]

gain staging always. Saves time in the end if you stage the tracks before starting the mix. And VU meter .. mostly, but also a loudness meter which is a more detailed view of the same thing but also good to use if you dont do the mastering yourself.

[@BillGraper]

I do. I have the Klanghelm VUMT. I put it on every track BEFORE any other plugins (reverb, compression, saturation, etc...), and make sure the louder things are hitting around -16dB. The quieter things, I leave alone... or bring up slightly. Those are never a problem.

[@Producelikeapro]

Always the best advice from you Sara!

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Thank you!

[@ScottHOlson]

I used this method on my latest mix and it worked very well. There may be no such thing as a 'formula' for the creative process, but having a place to start and a way to start makes a huge difference. Btw, since I'm recording/mixing/mastering my own songs in my home studio, I decided to send a mix to Sara for a professional critique and I couldn't be more pleased with how that worked out. Thank you, Sara!

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Thanks for sharing!

[@barinderpalsingh1397]

Hey Sara, I got your course, and it really changed my perspective on mixing. I’ve seen huge improvement in my recordings. Thanks a ton!! Good to see you again….love your pleasing voice ❤

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Amazing!

[@TheraminTrees]

You are a fantastic educator Sara. Seeing a new upload is always a treat.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

That’s so nice, thanks 😊

[@KennyLauderdale]

Please do a video mixing hard hitting hip hop or trap beats

[@ViceSquad]

Sara's Masterclass is INVALUABLE to all mix engineers, artists and bands who record, mix and dig in doing it themselves. By completing this course I have gained masses of useful information and practical tips that will be used in my own mixes. 100% Recommended to anyone striving to improve what they do 🙂 Paul Vice Squad x

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Thanks Paul!

[@carlosrueda67]

Your channel has been a great source of learning as a beginner in the mixing process itself. Thank u so much!

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Happy to help!

[@AndreaMinces]

I've discovered your videos today... I can't stop watching and taking notes! I have a band with friends and I'm working on backing tracks. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge! From Buenos Aires, Argentina

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Wonderful! Thank you and glad to help!

[@JohnG-ic1pc]

I just watched your video and a few others on gain staging and it has helped already! Thank you!!!

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

I'm so glad!

[@AnymMusic]

to this day I don't really understand the point of gain staging. If something is too loud, just turn it down. If something is distorting that you don't want distorted, find the source and just lower the input volume a bit. Yeah the volume sliders will be all over the place, but as long as the mix sounds fine, there's no problem right? Granted, my sliders are at -12dB at default so the mix tends to be really quiet with more than enough headroom anyway, but even without headroom, it's fine if it's not clipping no? (artist mixing my own tracks pov)

[@DbiPro]

The point is to have complete control of your mix not just thinking a louder channel makes your mix better because it doesn’t

[@RoopeBb]

Great video Sara, thanks! Loving the way you tutor, you’re not showing the techniques alone but you also tell why something is a good practise. 😊

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Thank you! I think the "why" is so important, which is WHY my videos are never 6 mins long, nor my courses 4 hours long! Haha!

[@jakeusta]

I’ll never thank you enough for this video !!!! ❤❤❤ thank you very much! I subscribed and would like to learn so much from you !!!!

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

You’re welcome

[@Miicrowahvei]

Thank you Sara for this. 😊 Revisiting and re-explaining the older video is a great idea.I think many people actually benefit from basically being told the same information a few times, but with slightly different vocabulary etc makes it easier to finally grasp the subject much better. Thanks again!

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

I totally agree!

[@davidmosele1960]

Thank you Sarah practical and simple explanation of a process I often missed when gaining experience. It becomes even more relevant when a lot of analogue modeled plugins are included in your project. Thanks again for sharing your advice to us newbies.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@BadBlitz]

Not only am I learning how to mix, my anxiety is heavily sedated by your voice =)

[@stevejon381]

Generally speaking mixes these days often have a higher dB level compared to let's say 30-40 years ago. Musicians don't use gaps in their music as a way of enhancing the sound.. One example (although maybe not the best) is 'Two Rivers' by Jeff Beck (Jeff Becks Guitar Shop), a simple arrangement played by monster musicians, Terry Bozzio on drums and Tony Hymas on keyboards. The silence allows the instruments to punch through the mix and gives the music greater dynamic range. You rarely get these types of mixes now..

[@musiccreation1198]

Thanks!

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Thank you so much! I'm very grateful 🙏

[@Niknouri]

Thanks for your help... but what about our audio line volumes?? When we should set them? Before gain staging or after that? 🙏🏻✨️

[@bjdarl24]

Thanks for the great advice Sara

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

You're so welcome!

[@LewisMcDonaldBass]

It's amazing that these videos are free. Perfectly explained and in an easy way for a beginner to grasp. I'm a beginner so I am going to be using this tips in my mixes.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Great to hear!

[@5ymp70m]

Hi, question about the limiter - what value do you usually set for the ceiling?

[@MusicLover-rt4bs]

Yes. I use a VU calibrated to -18. I get it close and then balance with faders.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Sounds good!

[@MrStevepowell7253]

Thanks for your reply. And ditto for all the great videos at Simply Mixing. Just to avoid any confusion on my part I purchased the Klangheim like yours. Did you see my other question re peaks? Following your advice re using the VU meters (starting with kick etc) I am definitely getting better mixes (clearer, layers more obvious, gelling better)but my tracks are peaking higher than I think is usually recommended - they're usually around -3db which I guess will be problematic for mastering (??) . I suppose your advice would be to use compression more precisely

[@JayeKingMusic]

Love your content!

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Thank you 🙏

[@joeowensuk]

Just wanted to say thanks. Method works very well for me.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Great to hear!

[@RasCuban33]

So I have an unorthodox setup, I use a Tascam Model 24 for tracking and print my mix to a Tascam Dp-03 which has Mastering functionality. In between the two I have a ART MPA PRO mic pre into a AudioScape Buss Comp making it completely out of the box setup. I use a TC Clarity M which monitors my final mix from the DP-03 with an analog to digital converter. The Clarity M is giving me my Lufs and DbTP readings, I shoot for -14Lufs on the mix after mastering. What would be the gain staging numbers for all analog setups?

[@iLoudwing]

this is real good! thank you :)

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Glad to help!

[@clubbell]

Simply amazing!! I love your approuch and how clear this is explained

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Thank you so much!

[@tomferguson5254]

Hi Sara. Great video. If I wanted to set the calibration of the VU meter to -18db, what level should I be looking for on the kick drum and bass guitar?

[@turtlefeet7722]

In analog times everything was cranked up to avoid ground noise level from the gear. Now everything is super sensitive and clean. I like analog gear because of its characteristics and much higher headroom.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Thanks for sharing

[@pco2004]

Thanks for providing an update. I found this to be very concise and informative and it helped clear up questions that I had. Great content

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Thank you!

[@bonjuvi05]

Absolutely stunning! Grateful to “meet” Sara. My music was crazy messy before. Thank you so much!

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Glad to help!

[@Retrodbryant]

What’s your method behind mixing at -14db?

[@johnnyvegas2015]

good stuff...thanks

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@mohanshiva_musical]

U can use normalise gain at -18bu at shot??? For all tracks at a time

[@wannacoffy4915]

Thanks! Brilliant explanation!

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Thanks for watching!

[@nersonangelo]

Hi Sara super late.. When everything is already playing around the kick and bass what roughly the needle should look like? is it now on the 0VU? thanx much another amazing vid.

[@papitoredmusic1]

Another great vid sister.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Thanks!

[@AdamEzraOfficial]

You are doing a great job, keep the content coming!

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Much appreciated!

[@FelipeGruberTV]

Beautiful video 🖤

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Thank you!!

[@jacquelamontharenberg]

Excellent Sara. Thank you

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

You're so welcome!

[@steppabanton9753]

Nice to see another video from you. It's been a while. Thanks.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

More to come!

[@stephenmcnamara9928]

If you are ultimately aiming for (e.g.) -14 LUFS after mastering, such as streaming, would you want to set a lower target, such as -18 LUFS and use the same steps?

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

You can use -18dB if you want a quieter mix like -14LUFS for sure.

[@stephenmcnamara9928]

@@SaraCarterSimplyMixing Thanks for responding, but I wasn't focused so much on a quieter mix overall -- just wondering if mixing at -14 LUFS, in your view, leaves sufficient headroom for a mastering engineer. Or do you prefer a finalized/mastered level (for streaming) somewhere significantly higher than, e.g., -14 LUFS? Thanks. Really interesting video.

[@reziahamed9255]

Thanks a TON for revisiting the thought process behind this Sara. :)

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

My pleasure!

[@DeltaWhiskeyBravo13579]

Excellent tutorial again. Thanks. Yes I've definitely gain staged my mix. And those Klanghelm meters are great. I use a stereo Vu meter at the top and bottom of each mixer channel to keep tabs on what levels are going through, and this gives me an idea how much the effects are affecting the level. Klanghelm meters are light on the resources as well. My current setup with the Klanghelm meters is on my 4 various effects channels to use -18 dBVU in and out on those, then change to -12 dBVU on the input of my master bus, -6 dBVU as my final output after a brick wall limiter. My final peak dBFS is going to be -1, however my average is about -14 to -10 dBFS. Right now this isn't a project for music creation yet, however it will include that later on. This is on my DAW Livestream processing project.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Sounds spot on!

[@seamasmanly]

Good content, thanks 🙏

[@seamasmanly]

Yes, I gain stage every track. I learned the hard way that failure to do so leads to harmonic distortion, and shitty sounding mixes.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Glad you liked it!

[@jonthomas83]

This is brilliant, thank you. How do I apply gain staging techniques to a weak DI signal, so that it's suitable for a guitar amp plugin, for example?

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

I'd probably use clip gain to boost its volume pre inserts. I'd look at the manual for the plugin to see if it recommends how loud the input signal should be for its best operation.

[@jonthomas83]

@@SaraCarterSimplyMixing Thanks so much, Sara

[@markwillride]

Thank you.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

You're welcome!

[@pb3662]

Great video - the only tip I would add (and its implied) is that as you add your plugs (EQ/compression/etc), make sure you gain stage them so that input/output are approximately balanced.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Yes, level matching where applicable and checking the meters on the plugins when applying them. Thanks for watching

[@diegooliveras1952]

you are great! brillant video

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Thank you very much!

[@МихаилМайский-н7х]

Привет из России!!! С весной вас Сара 🌷🌷🌷 Здоровья и творческих успехов 🙏

[@photorealm]

Really good tips. As a noob, One of my biggest mistakes is not leaving headroom on the tracks.

[@thomasaxelsson6739]

Thanks for this video! Great tips on leveling the mix. Specially how to use the VU meter through out the process. Very easy to understand and a good walk thru tempo./Thomas from Sweden.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@deeymobeats]

thank you sara🙏

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

You're welcome 😊

[@gmt41690]

Great video! Thank you so much for your helpful advice! Is the minus 5dB level for drums and bass playing together pre- or post-compression on these instruments? Thank you! 😊🙏🏻

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

It can be either. If pre, you'll have a little less headroom than post. You should periodically, check the VU meter for your overall mix level and adjust as needed.

[@dantimofei]

Hi Sara, thank you for your great videos, they’ve been very helpful for me lately! 😊 I will definitely try to use the UV metter when trying to mix my next song 😄. However, I was wondering, is there a sweet spot on the UV for the snare drum? Thanks a lot! 🫶🏻

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

I just get the kick drum sitting right and blend the snare by ear

[@dantimofei]

@@SaraCarterSimplyMixing makes sense, thank you 😊

[@jimschrader9507]

thanks much!

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

You're welcome!

[@MentalS6k]

Fantastic video. Thank you Sara 🙏🏾☺️

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

You're so welcome!

[@muyiwaadefila7638]

Love you teachings

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Thank you, glad you like them!

[@melokit-music]

Thx a lot 🙏✨

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

You're welcome!

[@MurdaMetz]

Thanks for sharing , if I’m summing my tracks would I want to use -18 as my reference to 0vu ? If so would it be ok to add + 4 db on my print mix fader and use a vu calibrated to -14 as to get a good idea of the final loudness while mixing ?

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Yes, I don't see why not. Sounds about right. Let me know if it works!

[@MurdaMetz]

@@SaraCarterSimplyMixing there are a couple things I noticed , the hotter I run my tracks into the 2 bus summing the more dynamic it appears, and adding 4 db on the print mix track allows me to get a more competitive mix it seems , and I’m able to make better decisions while mixing without running things to hot , and yes I’m using vu meters. Thanks Sara !

[@theslideguy4228]

Excellent, mi amiga. Thank you.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Many thanks!!

[@mrmorpheus9707]

Is your limiter the last in chain b4 your vu meter or after?

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

It's a after the VU meter

[@chrisgreen8215]

Does this method still apply after plugins are added? Like, after the kick ans bass are compressed and eq'd, should they still be hitting around the same point on the VU meter?

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

If you level match your dynamics processing, then it should stay roughly the same. It depends how much EQ is applied as to the final outcome, but it shouldn't be wildly different under normal circumstances

[@mikewaldron4492]

Can I just check something? So, if your drum/bass buss is peaking at -5 in the chorus, and your VU is set at -14, does this mean that your combined drum/bass buss output is -19dBFS? Would you then use a parallel buss (drums for example) outside of that buss, or would you use parallel processing directly on the buss?

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

On average, yes that would compute! Parallel comp - It doesn't matter so long as the VU meter sees it. The VU meter should be across your mix to pick up all your processing, so you can adjust levels as you mix from this point onwards. That is all you need to monitor now as you add processing and adjust any track or bus levels.

[@닥터최]

While watching this video of Sarah Mixing, if drums and bass are -5vu, what level should vocals be at for vu? If the drum track is about -7vu, -6vu overall and the bass guitar is mixed together, -5vu sometimes goes over slightly. At this time? How much vocal should be -vu level?

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Mix them using your ears, so they sound balanced. It's OK if the numbers aren't exact, don't sweat the numbers 😁

[@닥터최]

@@SaraCarterSimplyMixing thx sara

[@higueraproducciones]

Thank you very Much. As always, very good 🙏

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Thanks for watching

[@musiccreation1198]

Thank you Sara !!

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

You're welcome!

[@vlakanas]

Great vids. Excellent info. Not every track is at -14 or -18. Isn't best to stage each one? Now, if you do, at the mix stage, is everything going to be too loud? Because you start with the kick, and its at and around -7. Or the Drum bus at -7? Well should I be shooting for that? And if so, what should other tracks be at? Or just eyeball it as you did with the piano? Bass & drums ,-5. Thanking you in advance.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

By only gain staging the kick and bass, you mix everything else around it using your ears. Saves time by not gain staging every single track to a specific value, like some prefer to do.

[@vlakanas]

@@SaraCarterSimplyMixing I don't think that works in every genre of music. When having to deal with Greek music, instruments like bouzouki, baglama and tzouras, they can have dynamics , that can be all over the place. high to very low transients. Yes, depending on the player and how they play. Either way, thanks for the info. Very helpful. Keep up the great work.

[@joshguthriemusic8090]

Awesome video!!❤️

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Glad you liked it!!

[@kentbyron7608]

What a skilled and passionate communicator! Super serious and super passionate right at the start, my kind of teacher. Roll up the sleeves and immediately hit the topic, with clear precise choice of words... a remarkable teacher. Gratitude! Great energy! You're invited to our homestead for dinner. Bravo! 👏👏👏🌹🌞💝🙏🏼 Subscribed.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Wow, thank you!

[@haraldroebers]

Great - Thanks, Sara!

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

You're so welcome!

[@thetransonicford]

Hi Sara, thanks for the interesting tutorial. One question about the kick: If you set kick level during a static mix to -7: In later stages of the mix when you potentially add a kick sample or parallel compression, would you pile that on top and increase the level or would you gain stage again to keep the kick level around -7 samples and other shenanigans included? Thank you

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

In this video I add the processing to the -7VU signal. Level match your compressors and watch the VU meter on the mix bus to keep the overall mix around 0VU to +1VU **roughly**

[@thetransonicford]

@@SaraCarterSimplyMixing thanks for the quick reply

[@PW77788]

This technique does it work on all genres of music as a ball park guide for headroom.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

I've not tried it on anything other than a standard guitar band set up or on instrumental, electronic so I don't know. Dance music or EDM might need experimentation!

[@TrunxKraft3000]

So how do i get volume out of the whole mix once i gain stage?

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Many people use a limiter on the master to get a mix closer to commercial levels.

[@stevegeorge7773]

The downloadable sheet doesn't work. Can't download it for some reason.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

email me and I'll send it direct

[@okay1904]

Brilliant

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Thanks!

[@reziahamed6654]

Revisiting AGAIN ! as this is such a useful topic covered cannot be found elsewhere.... Please get Sara's Rock Mixing Masterclass without a second thought if you are serious abt this ART... ITS INDISPENSABLE.... !

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Thanks Rezi!

[@alimousavi1979]

bravo sara

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Thank you!

[@seanhoward5562]

Doesn't the ruler on the left side of the track give an indicator that the track is hot when being recorded?

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Yes, it does! Keep in the green to yellow.

[@Rio-uv1gs]

So it's bad to use the faders to balance the mix? Cause I've found when i gainstage I still have to move the faders anyway...Any advice please..

[@Bville-E]

If you cool with it use your DAW pregain to adjust & leave the faders channel @ 0

[@Rio-uv1gs]

@@Bville-E In conjunction with the UV meter...ah...Got it. Thx

[@Bville-E]

@@Rio-uv1gs You got it !!!!!!!

[@Bville-E]

@@Rio-uv1gs You might have to level your faders when you do your mixdwn depending on your workflow setup Busses, Groups, Submixes etc

[@BraddersMusic]

Wondering why Pro Tools uses terms like Print or Tape is this a left over from a bygone day and age as I think it refers to mixdown selection!

[@BottleneckMoses]

Is Jack the studio assistant a salaried employee or there on work experience?

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

He's paid in stokes and cuddles 😻

[@ItsOnitaro]

Don't true VU meters analyze RMS rather than peak? These VU meters seem like they are analyzing peak.

[@toamaori]

Thank you. Instant sub from me!

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Awesome, thank you!

[@CosmicDogShit]

Hi Sara just wanted to say you’re flipping awesome

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Oh thank you! ☺️

[@paulanderson7796]

Writhing cat to the right of the frame. Ours does this kind of thing as well -)

[@DariuszBlasi]

Soooo...As i understand a final mix has around - 14dB of headroom?? Thats aaa loot. Usually when i give my mixes to mastering i leave around - 9, and many times i heard - 6 or even - 4 is enough.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

-14dB on average so the peaks are higher. VU meters read the average signal, like RMS and LUFS

[@DariuszBlasi]

@@SaraCarterSimplyMixing oooooh - ok - thank you!

[@blakemorgan6520]

Curious why your calibrating at -14 but are wanting things to not hit zero. Also you spoke of just kick and bass and kick but the rest of the drums were playing which i would think affected the vu meter. I do enjoy the videos though

[@a.rogatum]

🙏

[@howaboutno7980]

that's a lovely cat

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

She is! ☺️

[@ETCPRODUCTIONS88]

First here

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

Congrats!

[@eomediaservicesinc.515]

Love the lessons. Is there anyway these can be less chatty? A 5 min intro is 4:30 too long. Each step could take about a minute.

[@seamasmanly]

KZbin gives you the option of listening at 1.5 or 2x speed. Click the gear icon.

[@discosourcedjs]

Been producing 25 years, never heard the word gain staging. Need to start by explaining what it is... hahaha All good ill find out on google. then watch the video.

[@commonbeats]

Thank you!

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

You're welcome!

[@starsandguitars2050]

Thank you, excellent video and advice.

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

My pleasure!

[@TrueFallacy]

Thanks very much, Sara!

[@SaraCarterSimplyMixing]

You're welcome, thanks for watching!