I mixed a track for a friend’s band, and it turns out that they plan to use it on an upcoming EP. That’s the good news. But the final mix I sent is too hot and I GENTLY used a Waves LL-1 to raise the levels, which are not slammed. Frankly, I thought they planned to post the track to their website for download, and not send it for mastering since mixing is just a hobby for me.
The problem is that if I take the LL-1 off, I have a few spots where the peaks are clipping the master buss (only about +0.9 dB), and the overall loudness is still fairly hot.
So my question… can I simply lower the master buss volume by 6 dB or so to avoid the clipping while maintaining all of my automation moves? What I mean is, is that an acceptable way to create headroom and will it keep the overall dynamics the same?
I have a fair amount of automation and I really, really do not want to go back in and have to change it all. I am not using compression on the master buss, but I do have an instance of the Slate VTM. The final mix moves, all automation, were to the LL-1 as well, but I am satisfied with the overall blend even with the LL-1 off (working in 32-bit, so I can hear it fine with the “clipping” but dithering to 24-bit makes the clipping audible). I just need to avoid those peak clips, and I need to provide headroom.
Also, looking at the Control Room loudness meter, what average loudness should I shoot for in my final mix to go to the mastering engineer?
Rookie mistake mixing too hot, I know, but I am hoping to avoid a complete remix to shave off the gain. Any help is appreciated. I need to get on this tonight, so any quick response is really appreciated!!