I want to find out a plugin that can set a certain level of peak dB automatic. I do not want to compress or limit, I want to turn down the "fader" to achieve a certain dB that I want. Like Vocal Rider, but this one do not work for what I want.

I want to set -18dB and the plugin will turn down or up the fader to achieve this peak level. So simple.

 

Last edited by a moderator: Apr 8, 2022

https://www.hornetplugins.com/plugins/hornet-vu-meter-mk4/

i use this one sometimes ^ has an auto gain function where you can set your target level and the plugin automatically adjusts the gain of your audio to hang around that level

 

Hornet VUMeter MK4/TB mvMeter2 will help you with this situation

 

Hornet VU MK4 (You can buy it, it's like 3USD most of the time) or LU MK2 (similar price range).
You know normalizing right? We usually Normalize to peak values.
What VU MK4 can do is Normalize to RMS values.
So basically, it will Normalize (by adding or reducing gain of the plugin) the RMS value of the signal to a set value.

Similarly, LU MK2 will Normalize to LUFS values.
I find, LU MK2 a better because we usually hear or perceive Loudness almost according to LUFS and not according to RMS.
My 2c.

 

I believe in you that you are able to do this by yourself!

 

I like the no-win situation this sets up.

 

Powair by Sound Radix has a very nice loudness leveler.

https://www.soundradix.com/products/powair/

Plus it has a unique compressor so win-win.

 

i've never understood this gain staging hype... like, dont record your source material at comedically high levels? Don't crank the master output on a vst to max? It's literally that easy... If someone can explain to me why I consciously should think about gain staging, when I dont use sample packs, I'm all ears.

 

kjlkj

 

Last edited: Aug 12, 2022

You always need -18db input on a audio plugin with the gui of a physical audio processor. It's a law of nature.

 

.....what?

 

Every daw has that plugin. It's called Gain Automation.

 

@"hype" it's the same as any other new term people come up with for things people have been doing the whole time. But since they have learned a new word now, they might as well use it. See also Ny, Sidechain, Parallel, Upward, Sideways, etc. compression for another example of it.

 

I stumbled upon Hornet VU Meter MK4 and bought it right away. It's a steal for what it does. Simple & effective - set and forget.
Now I start every session with it and go from there

 

this is not exactly the same as "auto gain". it is not automated relative to the volume of the channel. It is based off the parameter values you set. it will move back to those values, if you move it, but it is not using detection.

 

Last edited: Apr 8, 2022

from the videos I've watched in the past on "gain staging" I sit there and watch it and ask myself... why is this even a term?

 

Why the hell do you want -18dB FS peak for musical content???

 

I believe all of the plugin advices given so far are misleading because they keep the target level after processing being done by the concrete plugin. What you actually need is TBProAudio FinalLoud3 3.0.16 (find it on sister site). You set the desired gain in LUFS, play the whole file, then press 'render' and you automatically get the wanted absolute loudness level.
(You can also set max TP, if you want).

 

Last edited by a moderator: Apr 8, 2022

jujj

 

Last edited: Aug 12, 2022