Cut and Level Mixing
I received a question from Flash at Flashpoint Studios regarding the differences between adjusting levels in Nuendo.
One way is to use the objects in the arrangement window and raise and lower them there… the other is to use the mixer and raise and lower the levels in the mixer.
Cut and Level Mixing Example (Click to view Full Size)
- First you see the track with no edits as it was recorded
- Then you will see that the vocal track has been “cut” into phrases
- Finally, you will see the vocal phrases have been “leveled” to be more consistant
Here is the difference:
If you raise/lower the level in the arrangement window (i.e. the objects) you are increasing/decreasing the level BEFORE it hits the mixer and the plugins. The advantage of doing this is that you can smooth out the levels before they hit a compressor… in effect making the compressor not work so hard and also making it less likely to hear the compressor work. If you are wanting to NOT hear a compressor work, then this is the best choice.
Neodynium Compressor Plugin
If you raise/lower the level in the mixer, you are changing the levels AFTER the plugins. The advantage of doing this is that you can keep the effect of a compressor working but adjust the level of the sound lower/higher while keeping the compressor effect. If you are WANTING to hear the compressor work, then this is the best choice.
FWIW I always adjust levels in the arrangement window for constant level… then I use the mixer as a simple overall level control.
This generally makes my projects sound like I didn’t use plugins… Which is always a good thing.
