The TRUTH About Gain Staging | Everything You Need to Know

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The TRUTH About Gain Staging | Everything You Need to Know
Gain staging in audio production is one of those hot topics that seems to cause a lot of confusion. Before you start mixing your song, it is important to get this right for the best results. In this video, I will show you what gain staging is, how to read your meters in your DAW, and how to set the gain for the correct headroom in your mix. I am using Pro Tools for this tutorial but this lesson can be applied to any DAW including Logic Pro X, FL Studio, Studio One, reaper, Ableton, and more.
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[@waynewav]

Hey guys, I teamed up with SweetWater to help support the channel. If you are buying audio equipment the future, please go through this link, it helps me keep making content for you. imp.i114863.net/c/2342425/791999/11319

[@SupremeSpeaking]

My guy! Say less gzz. We appreciate you!

[@ogrebadogre3194]

Done deal.

[@davethemathguy]

yooh you reallly make me smile in the intro no homo

[@losdude]

I seriously think that you are not only one of the most informed in this biz, but you're the funniest, and most charismatic person out there that's doing this. I love watching your videos.

[@losdude]

Also just bought the VU meter with your link - hope you get the credit

[@loslobosjr]

Gain staging is so important. Excellent explanation and tips as always!

[@waynewav]

💯💯

[@chrisjennings5731]

Bro said “tripping bout clipping”! 🤣

[@kardosantana803]

Thank you Wayne!!! I never knew what Gain Staging really meant. Now when I start any session, I’ll make sure I add that VU meter and set my volumes with Clip Gaining before anything else. It’s those slight changes in Fader Resolution that will take my mixing to another level. Again, I say thank you.

[@abdullah5473]

I'm a logic user and this vid really helped me , your doing amazing job .. love from Saudi Arabia ❤️✌🏻

[@waynewav]

🙏🏽🙏🏽💯

[@mw2gamerize]

Your excitement gets me excited to learn more. Thank you Wayne!

[@premkapoor7864]

Thankyou Love from India , Aayush.

[@kqsystemzrecordings]

This Very Important Jewel Improved ALL My mixes by so much!!

[@KavayahSounds]

Dope Video Bredren! The audio quality, video quality, lighting, information and professionalism is the best I've seen on KZbin so far. Keep pressing on. Big Up!!!

[@waynewav]

🙏🏽 thanks fam

[@davym3415]

Great Video, I prefer this video explanation & demonstration than the others out there on KZbin, you broke everything down ro layman's terms and it was easy to understand.

[@professuhx504]

I don't think I ever clicked a video this fast lmfao 😂🤣🤣😂 Much love bro for droppin' these gems! I'm bouta record some bars right now!

[@waynewav]

Nice! Let’s get it.

[@rabbitinyourrucksack]

loving the london accent when you say Gain Stagin' great video mate

[@gregorybrown6200]

the more i watch your videos, the better my mixes get. Thanks

[@drixxdraco599]

Oh man, your turning me into a monster. Thanks for the gain staging lesson

[@waynewav]

No problem

[@saintfrancisbeats9639]

Bro! You are the dopest with the mixing game!

[@jayevans3578]

ima full sail alumni too bruh and i still come check ya videos out from time to time to stay sharp

[@jorgesoto1763]

Super helpful. Such a great instructor. The way you explain things makes understanding so easy. Thank you sir!

[@Rollacoastertycoon]

I always mix low and gain stage just enough to where the sound isn’t distorted. Raise your volume with distortion, compressor, multiplessor and a limiter two to keep it clean from clipping

[@memoriesoftheshowroom1171]

MMMM, gonna pass my exam now. Thank you

[@kenselcer]

Thanks for the great explanation about gain staging. I appreciate it!

[@slickonthebeat22]

Dropping gems all across the board bruh

[@gauravharrish2162]

Still 1 of my favourite videos ever

[@theericmirandashow]

This video is the holy grail of mixing. If you are not starting with proper levels you are driving off a cliff.

[@chadcary2399]

Gain Staging is crucial!

[@Allious131]

It is thus is why i use mpc for my beats and protools for the vocal mixing wav files baby

[@fishjacksonstudio1201]

Best video of 2020

[@countrymusicoutlaw]

Mate that was pearler of an explanation on gain staging and good tips as well - cheers Leigh; oh and yes even in the early eighties I did a course using analogue desk and tape and was a good way to learn but harder - keep up the great work

[@chubbknoxxmusic]

Yo I saw you put them glasses on lol No seriously this video is MONUMENTAL!!! You just help me find the peace to the puzzle hidden under the bed lets go!!! Also I've been thinking about taking the PT certification class this year but have unanswered questions. Thanks again Wavy Wiz' I appreciate you take care!!

[@londonsea5077]

Hey thanks for the tutorial. Would you consider doing a gain staging tutorial where you mix a whole track? I think it would answer a lot of these questions posted in the comments. Thanks.

[@socoldmediallc9023]

Bruh if you were in the A I swear to god I would pay you for in-studio lessons

[@samgoodson1298]

I've been watching your videos ever since you first started dropping them, even though I know how to do all this stuff already I still watch and hit like because it's entertaining, and I love your perspective. Keep being yourself bro. You're helping alot of people!

[@adityakulkarni9780]

I was worried about this thing for long. Just opened KZbin for it, and bang!! I saw your video! Thanks Man!! You are amazing!

[@AutumnKings]

Thank you brother. This is so helpful and we are grateful to have you sharing your wisdom.

[@raymiller8487]

Great video, Wayne. I knew what gain staging was and I do it. But this video gave me the details needed to do it properly. Before I was just guessing.

[@RaulSupreme]

This vid is one of the best on the topic on here!

[@louiegroenewald]

Nobody anywhere on youtube explains the following regards Gain Staging. Hi!, Thank you for all the videos and great honest transparencies. You're a legend and a great mentor, even though I don't know you personally. I have one problem/misunderstanding regards gain staging. I understand everything you say in this video and the reason for Gain staging, etc. The one thing I don't understand is........Input level needs to be mostly around -18dbfs for plugins, etc. If I put all channels at -18dbfs it will mean they are all the same volume. What do I do about the channels that needs to be lower in volume to bring a better balance in the mix? If I adjust the faders too low I use resolution. Therefor the faders needs to be at unity Gain, right? So I can only adjust Pre gain again to keep fader at unity Gain. But if I do this I loose all the plugin settings I had when level was at -18dbfs as input. What do I do. Thus is the confusion part for me? I can't have faders at unity gain and all channels at -18 the same time. The mixbus or master bus will clip. Please help. Hope this is clear.

[@gbashari]

First thing, wasn't here for a long time, feels good to be back to your channel :) I remember i "learned" in some youtube video that the best gain level for plugguins is somewhere between -6 to -9 db, but after messing with things for a little while i noticed it's should be even lower. -18 sound perfect (not reading the manuals was my bad as well). Anyways, thanks a lot!! much appreciated! I've searched youtube for couple of days for that answer!

[@Datwheeliethough]

Can you explain further

[@just4dalaughters431]

My second video of your channel...and dude, u have saved lives... And yeah, this video was definitely helpful.. coming from a Logic X user

[@MasterMind-mx5ki]

You make people wanna watch your videos you low key a comedian too 😂😂😂

[@bryansolis9444]

Man your channel is amazing thanks for your tips

[@donniehall9088]

Good looking bro. I bought a template that joint 🔥🔥🔥🔥💯

[@chrisjennings5731]

... and All the time you do brother! Still dropping knowledge! 🙏 That was like the advanced version of the one you made a while back on levels and beginner mixing! We’ve come a long way!

[@katestarr9444]

Needed this!!! Thank you!!

[@dillon25228585]

Wayne.Wav = WAV GOD!!!!

[@RicardoTolbert]

So important! The most overlooked aspect of mixing.

[@yollachrist7313]

Wavy your the 🐐! U got me putting out nothing but radio ready mixes!!! Thanks bro!!!

[@inigollames]

I'm from Spain and since I watch your videos y am learning a lot. Thanks

[@josefojma1580]

Great video and channel! Very useful info

[@mixedbyv]

I’m curious to know what changed, your previous information about gain staging was different from this and didn’t reference using VU meters? Still great content! I’m just trying to continue to learn as I’m sure you are!

[@JayTheYTGuy]

Honestly, this dude has gotten better over a short amount of time. I think he just hit the books a little harder and on his hustle. His work now as pretty elite.

[@mixedbyv]

Jesse Fishman yea I feel ya! There’s so much to learn. I think the gainstaing part is the most overlooked part. Great recording going in, easier to mix in the box

[@dawnlee3158]

Someone always ask the question I need answered, Preciate it bro 💪🏽

[@daddydiesel7910]

Always heard about gain staging and always clippin now i kno why thanxs again wavgod💯☝️

[@BrandonAyre]

Man, you are sooo good at this! Thank you! I just bought a hoodie. Gotta support... Thanks.

[@user-my9dp2ny3l]

Providing real industry knowledge!!! Thank you brother !!!

[@holywaterandgreentea]

Inspirational channel

[@ob4809]

Amazing Video Bro! Thanks a lot

[@rejourn]

I work in FL but this transferred perfectly thanks for the knowledge

[@beautifulsounds1118]

Thanks for the info bro really helpful

[@EBarreto267]

clearest explanation I've heard. Thank you!

[@traylonra-von2112]

Great teacher

[@clifford_ramos]

This is exactly what I was looking for! Thank you for your clear and simple explanation!!!! 🙏🙏🙏

[@bobbytagariello9388]

LOVE BROOOOOOOOOOOOOO EDIT NINJAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

[@GingerbreadJay]

Excellent video King 👑 u the goat

[@joejones4237]

Thank You always for your help

[@TJEnnis0811]

This cleared up some confusion. Thanks!

[@jaymusik1235]

Yeah wavey yeah

[@CryzorBeatz]

Damn ! The Way you explain all this stuff about Pro Tools and something like this about Gainstaging ... Crazy dude ! You're my new Pro Tools Master and also my pro bro in tutorials ! Just because of you and your pro tools videos I'm now a pro tools user ! Came from Logic but ! How fast I'm now in Pro Tools is damn crazy ! and it makes more fun I don't know why but it's a fact haha Greetings from Germany my friend ! Great videos

[@famusaaa]

ONCE AGAINNNN WAVY DID IT AGAIN THIS MAN REALLY HELPFUL

[@BrandInman]

Great, clear instructional video. Thank you!

[@reeseedwards5865]

you a fool on them intros bruddah lol go stuff

[@royaltysounds6484]

Thank You Wanye

[@GildedTouch]

I came across you like a few days ago looking up some Logic shit because I have used GarageBand for years. BIG DIFFERENCE. Btw GarageBand IMO is the best free DAW and I was so reluctant to pay for one because I’m cheap 😂😂😂 Anyway I literally only wanted to look up one thing but I binge your vids now because you’re so fun to watch. This channel is slept on compared to some enormous channels bout the same shit that are SOOO BORING. You’re subs have got to be shooting up.

[@sfisothwala9077]

Thank you so much,Boss.

[@grayjack54]

Hey WAVY, great presentation on gain staging. Question, what size/type monitor and console mixer are you using?

[@justpercyworldwide6791]

Best gain staging tutorial on the internet!!!!

[@GilleYade]

Great Vídeo!! Congretulations

[@chrisjennings5731]

Love you my dude!

[@PhilMeadJams]

Not the exact type of music I work on, but your tips and explanations are excellent.

[@marlowdurden5330]

I would like that you show to use this is used for all tracks at the same time, as well as just one .

[@holywaterandgreentea]

Excellent and Thanks

[@KevyJBeatzBangerzfromBelow]

Appreciate you soldier!!!

[@jamalkargbo1112]

Thank you so much information

[@ILL8ZILLA8]

Finally, a video that is simple and straightforward about this..thanks man...although I still haven't seen a video that includes how to match a reference track as well as gainstage...I believe you just turn down the mastered wav. to hit 0 with headroom at.-18 correct?

[@workoutsontwitch1687]

Damn, I understand this now. Appreciate you bro

[@waynewav]

💯💯

[@energysphereentertainment-4975]

Like what you're doing.. Keep it up...

[@nrichmusic3217]

Great explanation on Gain Staging, thanks Wavy!

[@billyhughes9776]

Great vid man -- super useful info -- I'm finally applying proper gain staging before starting a mix, didn't for a long time. I prefer to use a trim control to adjust levels for gain staging to give myself the option of using clip gain afterward for mixing moves later on. VU (volume unit),....sorry,.....I know,...I'm that guy. OH! I subbed, keep em coming.

[@spencermartin5622]

Thank you for your content! Very helpful and so well executed.

[@granthaddow4127]

love your work bro..... thanks for the tips..

[@gabe60153]

LIFE HACK

[@malcolmm4360]

Gain Staging is not really important anymore, not in the digital domain. But every music production KZbinr does a video on it. What it should be called is clipping. Or don't go into the red. It is that simple and doesn't warrant endless discussion.

[@TheBlackJewelz]

I like the way you explain bro. Very clear. Subbed.

[@mlady4783]

Excellent explanation, best I seen!

[@user-xq4xr7jl8h]

So easy to follow and helpful as always! 🤩

[@mikeharwoodmusic]

Top tip of the day!

[@ashandesilvaguitarist]

yep subbed right at the intro! cause why not?

[@edmoss2020]

Great stuff thanks.

[@holywaterandgreentea]

Thanks Brother

[@blauwave]

Very Helpful. Thanks!

[@mikeb1824]

Looove this!!! Thank you man!

[@tonyp7621]

Hodgetwins intro 🤣👌 spot on too .... aye main 🤣🤣

[@strategicpeoples2973]

Dope video people truly overlook gain staging