16
Slate Digital FG-‐X Virtual Mastering Console
When we say -‐11 dB RMS, this refers to the loudest passage of the song (typically the
chorus). For instance, a typical pop rock song can start out at -‐12 dB RMS for the verse,
get to -‐11 dB RMS for the prechorus as more instrumentation is brought in, and then
peak at an average of -‐10 dB RMS for the chorus as all the elements of the mix are in
gear.
VI.2.
D
IS T O R T IO N
In the rare case that you hear distortion via the FG Level, follow these steps in order:
•
Lower the ITP slider. This will make the curves gentler and 99% of the time will
remove the distortion without affecting anything else. If you find you like the
sound of the ITP slider when it is higher on a particular mix, simply automate the
slider down during the portion of the mix where you hear distortion.
•
Check the mix. Often times distortion is caused by an unbalanced frequency
response within the mix. Usually, the unbalance is in the low end. Ensure that
your mix doesn’t have sudden bursts of
extreme
sub lows, or long low end
resonances that are overbearing. To be clear, healthy sub low end is handled
fine by the FG Level. Excessive distortion of your mix at RMS levels of -‐10 to -‐
8.5dB is most likely an
INDICATION THAT YOUR MIX HAS POOR FREQUENCY
BALANCE
. Make sure that before pushing a mix louder with the FG Level that
you have properly balanced it with an equalizer, such as the upcoming FG-‐Q
mastering equalizer.
•
You’re pushing the mix too loud. As powerful as the FG Level is, if you push the
processor to unruly levels, such as -‐5dB RMS, it can still cause bits of distortion.
Push the mix to healthy level of -‐10dB RMS to -‐9dB RMS.
