After carefully setting the audio levels in each separate track, when I do an audio mixdown, the level of the new mixdown track is way, way to high, in the red. Each track sounds fine on its own, they sound fine together in playback, but when mixed down to a single track, ithe level jumps. It's as if the system is adding the levels instead of combiningt the audio. What am I overlooking? Any help will be appreciated.
How are you monitoring your mix BEFORE the mixdown? Is your timeline set as direct out or stereo? What is your mixdown set to be?
Just a note in case you are not familiar with it: Mixing is an additive process. Mixing two mono tracks of 1K 0db tone results in a +6 mono trk of 1k tone. Having a properly set up signal path with accurate metering at the appropriate points is key to getting a mix at the level you desire.
I suggest you do a test with tone as I outlined and see what is happening.
Jef
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Jef Huey
Senior Editor
Jef - This is very helpful. I need to revisit my settings and think through the signal path. I will do some tests and closley monitor levels of all tracks together before mixing. Thanks for the clear explanation. It's so understanable when you understand it! I may have more questions down the line. Many thanks... Len
Also make sure your Audio Settings are set for "Alternating L/R." New users (for some reason) start with the default of "All Tracks Centered" which will increase your levels significantly for things that should be split.
-- Kevin
Kevin Klimek: Also make sure your Audio Settings are set for "Alternating L/R." New users (for some reason) start with the default of "All Tracks Centered" which will increase your levels significantly for things that should be split.
I don't know if I would make that blanket statement. If all your tracks are mono, why NOT start there?
It is much more important to know how the audio system works and and how Avid MC handles audio so you as an Audio Mixer get the desired result.
Just my opinion.
I understand what you are saying. It's just that the default of that setting changed after "Alternating L/R" was the deafult for as long as I can remember.
I discovered that when I had to remake a user and was laying down stereo tone @ 0db that was going out hot.
If you're experiencing hot levels, it's still something you have to check.
Len44: Jef - This is very helpful. I need to revisit my settings and think through the signal path. I will do some tests and closley monitor levels of all tracks together before mixing. Thanks for the clear explanation. It's so understanable when you understand it! I may have more questions down the line. Many thanks... Len
As Kevin suggested, if you have stereo elements in your project, make sure it is set to have tracks alternate L and R.
Then go through ALL clips and look at the Pan assignments. Make sure they are what you want. THEN set levels and "mix" the show.
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