How do I achieve a loud & clean mix? Mix to 0db

So, why 0db?

Let’s fast forward to the mastering stage. Traditionally, this is where mastering engineers raise the gain of our mixes up to 0dB to achieve loudness goals. If we’ve mixed our tracks effectively, the moment our mix starts hitting that 0dB ceiling, it won’t immediately degrade. But how do we know if itwilldegrade or not?

That’s where mixing at 0dB comes in.

By mixing at 0dB, we can troubleshoot potential issues before they become problems in the mastering stage. Things like ineffective side-chaining, clashing frequencies, or the way certain sounds interact with a limiter.

Not only does this approach give the mastering engineer the best possible mix to work with, but it also helps you develop valuable skills in balancing and refining your tracks.

But my mix is supposed to be at -3dB to -6dB before I send it off for mastering…

That’s correct! We still need to leave headroom for the mastering engineer. To solve this, simply put a gain plugin on the master bus and reduce the output until you reach the required level.

Don’t I also need things at 0dB for ring-mod sidechain to work?

Yes. With the way ring modulation side-chain works, if there’s any headroom above the side-chain input signal, the sound being ducked will bleed through and mask it. For the effect to work properly, both the input and the side-chained signal need to be at the same level.

In closing…

What we’re discussing here applies specifically to electronic dance music, where loudness and clarity are key goals. Not every genre will benefit from starting at 0dB. However, it’s always good practice to check how your mix reacts when limited, you may discover issues that need fixing before the final mastering stage.

If you want to learn how to mix to 0, check out this mixing video.

Max.