A D 2 4 0 2 - 9 6 - O P E R A T I N G M A N U A L
In spite of our best efforts to produce clean audio, there is always a demand for a CD that is as
loud or louder than other CDs. The truth is, 16-bit masters that are created using “Over” meters
may end up 3 dB hotter than masters that are created using FSD metering. What often happens,
is that “Over” meters will allow clipping of the highest peaks (by about 3 dB). In most cases, this
clipping is audible. But, the CD will sound louder and sometimes that is all that seems to matter.
A suggestion:
Keep the original recording clean by using a FSD meter. Create a final 20 or 24-bit
mix entirely with FSD meters. Then and only then, transfer to 16-bits (using an appropriate dither
process), and adjust the levels using an “Over” meter. This way, if the clipping proves
objectionable, you can still go back to the clean mix and repeat the transfer. Better yet, avoid the
use of an “Over” meter entirely. Whenever you are being pressed to achieve maximum loudness,
use one of the digital loudness processors.
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