**Going Home for Christmas**

[Webgab]

This is an original song I wrote for a friend who was stuck in Iraq for Christmas for the second year in a row. He wrote and told me how tough it was not seeing his family, hearing his kids laugh on Christmas morning, his dog, TJ, barking and getting into all the wrapping paper. Thankfully, he is home now in one piece. Let's hope all of our troops can be home for their Christmases soon!
(I know it's kind of a long song, but please listen all the way to end to get the full flavor of the song.)
Peace,

[brandondrury]

The whole mix sounds like it has been compressed/limited very aggressively (presumably by some kind of "mastering" plugins).

Other than that, it's a cool little Christmas instrumental.

Brandon

[Webgab]

Originally Posted by brandondrury

The whole mix sounds like it has been compressed/limited very aggressively (presumably by some kind of "mastering" plugins).

Other than that, it's a cool little Christmas instrumental.

Brandon

Guilty as charged. When I listen to it now, those bells hurt my ears. I have a question though which has been frustrating me for a while now. How does everyone get their mixes so frickin LOUD without clipping? Do I need new hardware, software? If you listen to this tune, SoundClick artist: WebGab - Acid jazz, new age, rock, pop, hip-hop and more. FREE downloads. ... I got alot of positive feedback on this as far as the mix, the song itself, but a few people commented that it needed to be "cranked-up" a bit. If I increase the gain, or add compression or a limiter, it sounds like shit, in my opinion. Any suggestions?

[brandondrury]

I got alot of positive feedback on this as far as the mix, the song itself, but a few people commented that it needed to be "cranked-up" a bit. If I increase the gain, or add compression or a limiter, it sounds like shit, in my opinion. Any suggestions?

Well, if it sounds like shit, don't do it!

I get into great detail on this topic in my home recording book (which is mega mega close to being released) but the problem stems from using up too much peak energy in a mix with the drums.

The secret is to send the drums off to a parallel compressor set as a limiter. Knock off 12dB. (I start with a release of 75ms, but the release is VERY VERY critical to the sound we desire).

Blending this in subtly with your drums will allow you to actually turn down the uncompressed drums and you will therefore use less peak energy but maintain your powerful drum sound.

Brandon