music and sound mixing question

[Matthew Jackson]

I have an introduction that will start with some light melodic stuff, and then boom into the main theme... What I've done is put the same music file in Audio 1 and then Audio 2... is that bad or bad practice to get a full sound? Is there anything else I should be doing that is the correct way or is this a method?

thanks!
Matt

[Steven Gotz]

If you are looking for a quick way to increase the volume, doubling the audio that way is certainly a valid and easy way to go about it.

[Matthew Jackson]

it seems to work just fine... just wanted some feedback from other folks... just in case it would secretly destroy my whole project from within...

thanks!

[Steven Gotz]

Just be careful not to let the combined volume take you into the red during playback or you will get some nasty clipping.

[Matthew Jackson]

yea, what I've done is put the music (wav) file into Audio 1 and Audio 2, set the volume exactly the same on the clip, and then set the volume the same on the track monitor... then I've gone into my master monitor and come off it just a hair to keep it slightly in the yellow.... is that cool?

[Steven Gotz]

It should be, yes. I stay out of the yellow. In fact, I average about -6dB to make it on par with professional DVDs playing on the same system.

[Matthew Jackson]

-6 at the master level or even track levels? I'll try that as well.

thanks!

[Colin Pearce]

The method we use, which I think would be a lot safer, is to add one or more extra "Volume" audio effects to the effect controls of that clip. Then you can use keyframes to time the introduction of the volume boost.

[Steven Gotz]

I use -6dB at the master. Remember, if you have enough clips at -12dB it adds up pretty fast.