As discussed several times in this forum there came up the question whether to keep channel volumes low in order not to clip the master output or just to put down the master fader.
Myth: it sounds better to keep the channels low instead of setting down the master fader.
testing setup:
Cubase SX
2 stereo tracks with sine wave 100 Hz 0dbFS
panning rule \"-3db\" chosen
Test A:
- All channel faders at 0db
- Master output is clipping and it is audible.
- Master fader exactly down to the point until no clipping occurs (-3.0db)
- Export audio the resulting wave
Test B:
- each channel fader -3db
- Master output peak at 0.0dbFS, no clipping
- Master fader at 0.0db.
- Export audio the resulting wave
Wave A minus wave B resulting 0.00000000
test repeated with massive overload of track volumes (+30db) and more tracks: same result.
End of myth, because both ways give exactly the same result.
If somebody please could do this test in Logic & ProTools?
Myth: it sounds better to keep the channels low instead of setting down the master fader.
testing setup:
Cubase SX
2 stereo tracks with sine wave 100 Hz 0dbFS
panning rule \"-3db\" chosen
Test A:
- All channel faders at 0db
- Master output is clipping and it is audible.
- Master fader exactly down to the point until no clipping occurs (-3.0db)
- Export audio the resulting wave
Test B:
- each channel fader -3db
- Master output peak at 0.0dbFS, no clipping
- Master fader at 0.0db.
- Export audio the resulting wave
Wave A minus wave B resulting 0.00000000
test repeated with massive overload of track volumes (+30db) and more tracks: same result.
End of myth, because both ways give exactly the same result.
If somebody please could do this test in Logic & ProTools?