Nearly 20 years in Cubase, and NOW I learn about the pencil on audio events? This is embarrassing! I would automate, and then bounce before compression.
I cheer every time I hear someone say, "don't use compression to fix things!" That was driven into me when I started in engineering in the late 70s. And on analogue, it was even more important because of noise. In fact, with the exception of the pencil tool (something I have loved in Cubase), so much of what you talked about comes from the analogue book. We always recorded at as high a level as we could get away with because of noise. The higher the signal, the lower the noise - simple. So, in theory, everything on the 24 track was the same level, more or less. At mix time, the first thing I used to do was put all the faders at zero/unity the whole way down the desk, then do a very rough mix using the channel gain knobs. (And for those who haven't played with a desk, the input gain is attached to the input amp on the channel circuit - it is the first stop from the tape machine). I much preferred using PPM meters (they are easier to watch because of their slower release and fewer fussy markings). I would end up with a mix that was just a little bit low, but all the faders were still level. As a note, I almost never had to turn anything up - always down. The other thing we did (pre automation) was to bounce things like vocals and ride the fader constantly as we did so - the manual version if what who you did with the pencil tool. Sometimes on Cubase I use a plugin called Vocal Rider to achieve a similar result. Very useful! The platform might be digital and computerised now, but you have stuck wonderfully to those old analogue rules that were developed over decades, often because of the limitations of the equipment, but also because people had the same ears as you and wanted lovely, clean mixes.
Faders at Zero; use input gains to get close as you can to a mix. It makes so much sense I can't believe we did it so wrong all this time live and in the studio. Even the individual monitor mixes (live especially) are so easy to dial in from that starting point 'cause they are also even as can be. I hate wedges on stage - sound companies don't know how to EQ them, they're Mono and the mix you get is atrocious - if you hear anything at all. In-Ears and your own Tablet to mix on is the only way to go. Front of House? - a lot of incompetent braggards are out there who shouldn't be, who don't understand Balance, EQ, and least of all, FX. Thankfully, there are a few who set a standard for what sound should and can be. Faders at Zero and ride those gains - you'll never look back - except to shake your head and laugh at how stupid you were mixing with some faders set near minus infinity. And no more blowing up the board!!! Everything lit up as Red-light extreme as it will go all the time on every channel, sub, and output is not the way to go - not good. Trim. Cancel Reply
+1 The pencil thing made me cry about the hours I spent editing vocals using pre-gain envelope and the overall even clip gain. I only wish it were more obvious that this feature exists in Cubase.
Bloody hell Mr Sigalas, I'm astounded! You have produced the ultimate guide to Gain-Staging in one brilliantly concise, no nonsense YT session in under 18 minutes. Absolute genius work Dom, I just wish I'd found you sooner!!!!
Same - I've gotten pretty smug with these "like a pro" videos finding that I'm doing everything in them, but this one made me feel like an amateur for sure
Fuck me, I've been using Cubase for about 15 years and I had absolutely no idea the pen tool did that, absolute fucking game changer!! Kudos to you mate!
I recently used this gain staging technique this week on a recording of an original song of mine and it totally transformed the song. The final result was a revelation. It wasn't that difficult to implement either. No more recording "hot" from now on.
I'm absolutely inspired by your obvious passion for helping people understand how to use this product AND put them on the path to creating their own music.
Dom, you are such a good teacher, I have learned so much from you, and truth be told, one is never too old to learn new things! The way you deliver your teachings on this channel, and with so much passion, is simply sublime! I've been active in the audio industry in Belgium since 1993, I have done editing, mixing, mastering and composing music for fiction series, and I have been a Cubase aficionado (also Nuendo) and user since 1999. Now I also teach Cubase (and sadly also Adobe Audition) in high school in Belgium. But the way you are making these youtube tutorials and videos, really helps me at delivering my teaching methods to my pupils. I am much older than you, but then again, I consider you as my role model, to teach my young audio padawans in school. ;-) I'm a big fan of yours, and I also redirect my pupils to go and watch (and ding your notification bell and subscribe to your channel) all your videos on RUclips here. Normally I have to make my own videos to explain stuff to them, so they can watch them again, but with a knowledge-source like you, I can let them watch all of your videos and hope they absorb as much as they can. It really helps me out. Continue your good work, I will continue watching everything you deliver. Greetings, Miguel
Holy crap, Dom! THANK YOU! Gain staging has been eluding me a bit and this was the most concise and straightforward explanation I have seen. I actually have a workable process now, especially within Cubase.
Thank you so much for helping me learn and understand Cubase. I've used Reason since ver 1.4 I had always tried to learn Cubase and couldn't find the gap between projects. Now that I have, you have certainly helped me make the jump. Once again, thank you.
Please don’t ask if we want a video about the thing you don’t fully explain, PLEASE JUST DO IT, WE NEED MORE TUTORIALS OF CUBASE 10.5 AND MAKE THE CUBASE COMMUNITY GROW ❤️
Even though I'm a long-time Cubase professional, I always look forward to learning new tips and tricks, and I'm usually amazed at how I could have lived without them before. Thanks for helping to elevate all our Cubase games.
On of the best of Dom's tutorials. This might be the most important thing I've learned so far. I'm totally comfortable building a solid gain foundation for each mix now. Dom, I knew a couple of the concepts you taught (headroom at -18 or -12, for example) but I had no idea of the order these moves should come in, or "where" these moves existed in the signal chain (like knowing that pencil adjustments should come before fader automation, etc.). It makes total sense now ... but it might have taken me months, even years, to figure it out through experience on my own. Really appreciate this lesson. Immediately, immediately helpful and impactful.
Wow! Why didn't I know about event based gain staging? That's a game changer for me. I always cut the clip and adjust the volumes visually. That is way better! Thanks for the knowledge 👌
Just found your channel. Learning so much already and I’ve been using Cubase since it was first released! In fact I started with Steinberg 24 on an Atari ST. This video was fantastic. I have always just pulled the channel fader down. Using these tips I’m sure will make a big difference to my control over the final mix. Trouble is now I want to watch all your other videos which is stopping me actually recording music. Thank you for the videos and your time making them.
Not just a tutorial on gain staging, it’s a tutorial on gain staging with PASSION!!!! Absolutely brilliant!!! I have Cubase 8.5, I hope the audio can be attenuated like that in sections with the pencil tool in 8.5, and it’s not a latter version feature!🤞
Thank you for this explanation 🙏 I’ve been using cubase for well over a decade and didn’t know any of this stuff 😆 🤦♂️ My mixes always end up squashed and over processed and this is most certainly why. Can’t wait to put it into practice!
Cubase needs an optional feature to automatically pull the pre gain down to whatever predetermined level you have set. (-6,-12-18 or whatever you want.) That way, when you drop in a vst or sample, cubase would automatically adjust the pre gain to your desired setting while leaving the fader at zero. Doesn't seem like it would be that hard to implement it. Would save us a ton of time.
it would be hard to implement as Cubase can't decide whether it should be -6 or -18. Sometimes you have over a hundred tracks and your levels are too hot, sometimes you have just ten tracks and you're ok with the recorded levels. And if you work professionally uour levels are never too hot, as they should always be recorded not hotter than -18 dB TPFS.
There is a small trap by using "PreGain" (not only this one), maybe just when you are not used to it. For instance I had the Noise Gate in the Channel Strip in use and lowered now the PreGain. The Noise Gate of course had to be adjusted in the threshold. First I was wondering why there was no longer any sound after lowering the PRE gain...so if Gain Staging on a already started project, be aware of the impact
Precises and to the point. Great info. It's the most angry I ever seen you about a topic but glad you did. There is so much hype about this DAW that DAW this plug in that Plug in you mange to keep it real and relatable.
Dom, I just have to drop a comment to say YOU ARE AWESOME!!! I'm switching to Cubase from Sonar & your videos have been making me LOVE the process. The pencil tool idea=GOLD. Although you didn't mention it directly, I didn't know my channel setting EQ could be knobs instead of sliders. I love that. I just started watching because the Pre Gain is buried in Cubase compared to Sonar, so I wanted to see what you do, but then I learn SO much more than I expected. On one hand, you have amazing energy, but more importantly, I love that the information you share is consistently well thought out and extremely useful. Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you!! You make the world a better place!
The pencil tool is a good idea but needs to be reworked, it is a pain to use, e.g. the points are so tiny, it is practically impossible to hit them again in case you want to edit the curve. You should be able to edit them like automation, with Bézier curves and proper tools. It is a long time since I used Ableton Live, but the clip envelopes there were sooo much easier to use. And that was ten years ago. Could be a great tool, as of now I rarely ever use it because it’s a pita. It is usually faster to automate the pre gain.
Hey Dom. I'm really glad that I found your channel. You can't imagine what I already learned by watching your videos within the last two weeks since I found you. I wish I had more time to test out all of your tips by myself. Keep up the good work!
Amazing tutorial, thank you Dom! A question: You mentioned that you like to have -12dB on the master while mixing. How do you achieve that this remains more or less constant while adding more and more tracks during production? (And why -12?)
Ive been using Cubase since 2009 and had no idea about the pencil automation trick. Thank you Dom appreciate you man for giving out these helpful tips!
Wooow that pencil trick is incredible!! I can't wait to play with it. Feels like I level up every time I watch one of your videos, Dom. Thank you so much, man!
Dom, I have no words to say that this video is fantastic, and your explanation even better. Clear, honest, concised, incredible. Cubase is a fantastic DAW, and deserves great teachers as you are. I learnt a lot about gain stagin in 17 minutes ! All fantastic, from the 1st minut ti the last. I am unable ti highlight only one oart of the video. You are helping to grow all the Cubase community users. Congratulations. I will keep this video in a safe place as the "bible" of gain staging, and of sure, I will revisited more than once, and I will share to other colleagues.
Awesome stuff and - as many of you - I didn't know about the pencil tool either. After more than 20 years of working with Cubase! So thank you Dom! As far as I can see, it is very useful and it will be part of my workflow from now on.👍
I knew about the pencil and I have been using it to change the amplitude in my samples since Cubase 7. It was one of the greatest discovery in music production I had at the time. The consequence was and still is the only way to manage my music mixing production. Dom, I really liked the way you explained it. Marvellous
Dom, I started recording in 1970 and subtle things done well were best. I have been using Cubase since VST 3.5, and you have taught me to finally use what I learned in 1970, but forgot. Thank-you.
I liked the video, became subscribe and activated the notification. I am a Sound Engineer student in Turkey, nobody tells us these like you and nobody wants to share things that they know. Just share everything with us and grab the likes okey.Easy... Thanks.
FINALY I found a fucking video that explains this properly!! I am metal guy, but gosh every single video so far just says the words gain stage as if we all knew what that is! I just want to track my bloody guitars!! Thanks Dom for the master class!!
Awesome mixing tutorial. Thank you so much for this. BTW, to anyone looking for pre gain, you may need to go to the racks toolbar and activate it. It isn't always visible by default.
Hey Dom. Just wanting to express my appreciation for your generosity in spilling some of that exceptional knowledge you possess. I can truly say my current mickey-mouse project sounds a 1000% better after simply applying what I've learnt from you just in this session, and from a bunch of your other sessions...👍
Dom, thanks for the video it helped a lot, I've been using Cubase for years, and I didn't know about these tips, congratulations for sharing in an objective way.
I have been a studio musician for 27 years. I started with 2" reel-to-reel. I've been recording in Cubase for about 8 years, but I'm learning it on my own & I still feel like I'm a newbie. And THIS video made me feel even MORE ignorant!! Lol. But now you have enlightened me. THANK YOU, DOM!! THE PENCIL TOOL !!! OMG!! I have been wondering for 5 years what that pencil tool was. This is going to EXPONENTIALLY cut down on my vocal and lead instrument editing and mixing... all while allowing me to maintain the integrity of my original audio files. And you explained it SO simply. THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! (Did I say thank you?) I am liking AND subscribing.
Thanks for this Dom, I sort of knew all this but thought I would watch the vid as I've been struggling with gain staging accordion (hardest thing I've ever had to record!)...... And I had totally forgotten the pencil trick! BOOM!!! Accordion now gain staged.... Thanks
Great Video!! For those who cant see the pre channal in the Mix Console; Making Input Gain Settings The Pre-Gain slider allows you to change the level of a signal before it reaches the EQ and the effects section. This is useful as the level going into certain effects can change the way the signal is affected. A compressor, for example, can be driven harder by raising the input gain. Gain can also be used to boost the level of poorly recorded signals. Procedure On the MixConsole toolbar, click Racks and activate Pre (Filters/Gain/Phase) to show the Pre rack above the fader section. Drag the Gain slider to the left or to the right to cut or boost the gain. Great video, Don; i didnt know about these gain settings possibilities.
Dom you´ve been my ambassador to Cubase (maybe even more than Claudio, Infected Mushroom, and The Zimmer) getting my copy right after trial ends in 9 days or so...
How did I not know about the pencil? A morning of watching your videos I've learnt more about Cubase than what I've picked up along the way using it every day for 15 years! Thank you!
Hey Dom! Wow, more than 15 years in the business, but this was new for me too, embarrassing indeed, hahaha, but well, happy to apply it now! Thank you!
Awesome tutorial Dom. Thank you again. Love the info. on the pencil! No I didn't know I could do that, but Wow, now that I do, How helpful it will be for me. Appreciate your sharing.
I just wanted to say that what you did with that pencil tool changed the game for me, man. Thank you very very much, Dom. I've been a sub and been watching your videos for a while now, I learned tones of things, you're absolutely a godsend to us cubase users! Please don't go anywhere, and keep up the good work, brother! I was literally about to have a mental breakdown with my first song's mixing process... I did the pre gain automation thing for the entire vocal track just so I can have my volume fader untouched. Also, what I did to my vocal track's wave form should probably count as a crime 'cause I cut it down into tiny pieces and messed it up real bad. It looks like frankenstein's monster's dongle at this point lol. Even tough vocals sat inside the track so well when compared before... and it sounded even and didn't clipped most of the part... It still peaked on mvmeter2 above +9db because of the shouting parts of the song. And because of the little peaks like this, I wasn't able to make it loud enough at the mastering process. My head was about to explode before seeing this video. Now, It's time to draw the line! =)
Nearly 20 years in Cubase, and NOW I learn about the pencil on audio events?
This is embarrassing! I would automate, and then bounce before compression.
This made me happy. Enjoy the new tool! :)
me too
I don't know if it'll make you happier but you are not alone ;-)
me too.. wowwww
@@boogie2266 Add me to this list...haha
It is almost spooky how much i learn from this channel.
👻👻👻 hahaha thanks Michael!
I know, same here!
@@DomSigalas I have a list with all Dom’s awesome lessons so I can rewatch per topic when I need help. 100 times better than any manual!
I cheer every time I hear someone say, "don't use compression to fix things!" That was driven into me when I started in engineering in the late 70s. And on analogue, it was even more important because of noise.
In fact, with the exception of the pencil tool (something I have loved in Cubase), so much of what you talked about comes from the analogue book. We always recorded at as high a level as we could get away with because of noise. The higher the signal, the lower the noise - simple. So, in theory, everything on the 24 track was the same level, more or less. At mix time, the first thing I used to do was put all the faders at zero/unity the whole way down the desk, then do a very rough mix using the channel gain knobs. (And for those who haven't played with a desk, the input gain is attached to the input amp on the channel circuit - it is the first stop from the tape machine).
I much preferred using PPM meters (they are easier to watch because of their slower release and fewer fussy markings). I would end up with a mix that was just a little bit low, but all the faders were still level. As a note, I almost never had to turn anything up - always down.
The other thing we did (pre automation) was to bounce things like vocals and ride the fader constantly as we did so - the manual version if what who you did with the pencil tool. Sometimes on Cubase I use a plugin called Vocal Rider to achieve a similar result. Very useful!
The platform might be digital and computerised now, but you have stuck wonderfully to those old analogue rules that were developed over decades, often because of the limitations of the equipment, but also because people had the same ears as you and wanted lovely, clean mixes.
Faders at Zero; use input gains to get close as you can to a mix. It makes so much sense I can't believe we did it so wrong all this time live and in the studio. Even the individual monitor mixes (live especially) are so easy to dial in from that starting point 'cause they are also even as can be. I hate wedges on stage - sound companies don't know how to EQ them, they're Mono and the mix you get is atrocious - if you hear anything at all. In-Ears and your own Tablet to mix on is the only way to go. Front of House? - a lot of incompetent braggards are out there who shouldn't be, who don't understand Balance, EQ, and least of all, FX. Thankfully, there are a few who set a standard for what sound should and can be. Faders at Zero and ride those gains - you'll never look back - except to shake your head and laugh at how stupid you were mixing with some faders set near minus infinity. And no more blowing up the board!!! Everything lit up as Red-light extreme as it will go all the time on every channel, sub, and output is not the way to go - not good. Trim.
Cancel
Reply
OMG the pencil thing.... you killed me
+1
The pencil thing made me cry about the hours I spent editing vocals using pre-gain envelope and the overall even clip gain. I only wish it were more obvious that this feature exists in Cubase.
Bloody hell Mr Sigalas, I'm astounded! You have produced the ultimate guide to Gain-Staging in one brilliantly concise, no nonsense YT session in under 18 minutes. Absolute genius work Dom, I just wish I'd found you sooner!!!!
Yeah fantastic studf
I know! He's terrific isn't he?
30yrs in Cubase and the pencil tool made me feel like a fool. It even ryhmes. Thank you!
Same - I've gotten pretty smug with these "like a pro" videos finding that I'm doing everything in them, but this one made me feel like an amateur for sure
Fuck me, I've been using Cubase for about 15 years and I had absolutely no idea the pen tool did that, absolute fucking game changer!! Kudos to you mate!
The pencil trick is just AWESOME! I was automating all the breaths for years, now I know how to do it in the right way! Thanks Dom!
I recently used this gain staging technique this week on a recording of an original song of mine and it totally transformed the song. The final result was a revelation. It wasn't that difficult to implement either. No more recording "hot" from now on.
I'm absolutely inspired by your obvious passion for helping people understand how to use this product AND put them on the path to creating their own music.
Dom, you are such a good teacher, I have learned so much from you, and truth be told, one is never too old to learn new things! The way you deliver your teachings on this channel, and with so much passion, is simply sublime!
I've been active in the audio industry in Belgium since 1993, I have done editing, mixing, mastering and composing music for fiction series, and I have been a Cubase aficionado (also Nuendo) and user since 1999. Now I also teach Cubase (and sadly also Adobe Audition) in high school in Belgium. But the way you are making these youtube tutorials and videos, really helps me at delivering my teaching methods to my pupils. I am much older than you, but then again, I consider you as my role model, to teach my young audio padawans in school. ;-)
I'm a big fan of yours, and I also redirect my pupils to go and watch (and ding your notification bell and subscribe to your channel) all your videos on RUclips here. Normally I have to make my own videos to explain stuff to them, so they can watch them again, but with a knowledge-source like you, I can let them watch all of your videos and hope they absorb as much as they can. It really helps me out.
Continue your good work, I will continue watching everything you deliver.
Greetings,
Miguel
Even though I am a Reaper user, your videos always help me a lot. They're so universal despite they're Cubase focused. Thank you.
Holy crap, Dom! THANK YOU! Gain staging has been eluding me a bit and this was the most concise and straightforward explanation I have seen. I actually have a workable process now, especially within Cubase.
Dom, your explanations and every detail and tip you provide are exceptional! I can't wait for your next video! 😃
WOW, using the pencil to smooth out the audio is brilliant, Dom I did not know about that. Thank you so much for sharing this tip.
Thank you so much for helping me learn and understand Cubase. I've used Reason since ver 1.4 I had always tried to learn Cubase and couldn't find the gap between projects. Now that I have, you have certainly helped me make the jump. Once again, thank you.
Please don’t ask if we want a video about the thing you don’t fully explain, PLEASE JUST DO IT, WE NEED MORE TUTORIALS OF CUBASE 10.5 AND MAKE THE CUBASE COMMUNITY GROW ❤️
You teach in such a way that anyone can easily get it. Cheers hope to get more tutorials on mixing.
You are the best, you are the reason people like us gets premium content for free. Thank you very much.
Thank you Dom again for an awesome Cubase features video - finally this is what this great DAW deserves...
Even though I'm a long-time Cubase professional, I always look forward to learning new tips and tricks, and I'm usually amazed at how I could have lived without them before. Thanks for helping to elevate all our Cubase games.
On of the best of Dom's tutorials. This might be the most important thing I've learned so far. I'm totally comfortable building a solid gain foundation for each mix now. Dom, I knew a couple of the concepts you taught (headroom at -18 or -12, for example) but I had no idea of the order these moves should come in, or "where" these moves existed in the signal chain (like knowing that pencil adjustments should come before fader automation, etc.). It makes total sense now ... but it might have taken me months, even years, to figure it out through experience on my own. Really appreciate this lesson. Immediately, immediately helpful and impactful.
The more of Dom's videos I watch, the more I'm convinced he is the Jesus of music production in Cubase. Absolute godsend! Thank you Dom!
I am a cubase user from Version 1.0 and I have never ever used the pencil for gain staging... What a great video, man! Perfectly explained!
Awesome, I was a "just turn the fader down" guy, until now. Thank you.
🤟🏼🤟🏼🤟🏼😀😃😃
This pencil feature has been available for a long time... Cubase is best!
I'm new with Cubase LE 13. Thanks a lot for your help. Cubase releases the dream you want !
Wow! Why didn't I know about event based gain staging? That's a game changer for me. I always cut the clip and adjust the volumes visually. That is way better! Thanks for the knowledge 👌
Just found your channel. Learning so much already and I’ve been using Cubase since it was first released! In fact I started with Steinberg 24 on an Atari ST. This video was fantastic. I have always just pulled the channel fader down. Using these tips I’m sure will make a big difference to my control over the final mix. Trouble is now I want to watch all your other videos which is stopping me actually recording music. Thank you for the videos and your time making them.
We can also make an automation of the Pre-Gain section to ensure that volume is balanced before hitting any plugin! :)
Not just a tutorial on gain staging, it’s a tutorial on gain staging with PASSION!!!! Absolutely brilliant!!! I have Cubase 8.5, I hope the audio can be attenuated like that in sections with the pencil tool in 8.5, and it’s not a latter version feature!🤞
I think it's in the PRO versions, I stopped at Cubase 9 elements, you can't do it. Also, the pre-gain will upset your noise gate threshold..
Thank you for this explanation 🙏
I’ve been using cubase for well over a decade and didn’t know any of this stuff 😆 🤦♂️ My mixes always end up squashed and over processed and this is most certainly why. Can’t wait to put it into practice!
Cubase needs an optional feature to automatically pull the pre gain down to whatever predetermined level you have set. (-6,-12-18 or whatever you want.) That way, when you drop in a vst or sample, cubase would automatically adjust the pre gain to your desired setting while leaving the fader at zero. Doesn't seem like it would be that hard to implement it. Would save us a ton of time.
yes i was thinking the same as i watched the vid
it would be hard to implement as Cubase can't decide whether it should be -6 or -18. Sometimes you have over a hundred tracks and your levels are too hot, sometimes you have just ten tracks and you're ok with the recorded levels. And if you work professionally uour levels are never too hot, as they should always be recorded not hotter than -18 dB TPFS.
There is a small trap by using "PreGain" (not only this one), maybe just when you are not used to it. For instance I had the Noise Gate in the Channel Strip in use and lowered now the PreGain. The Noise Gate of course had to be adjusted in the threshold. First I was wondering why there was no longer any sound after lowering the PRE gain...so if Gain Staging on a already started project, be aware of the impact
Precises and to the point. Great info. It's the most angry I ever seen you about a topic but glad you did. There is so much hype about this DAW that DAW this plug in that Plug in you mange to keep it real and relatable.
Dom, I just have to drop a comment to say YOU ARE AWESOME!!! I'm switching to Cubase from Sonar & your videos have been making me LOVE the process. The pencil tool idea=GOLD. Although you didn't mention it directly, I didn't know my channel setting EQ could be knobs instead of sliders. I love that. I just started watching because the Pre Gain is buried in Cubase compared to Sonar, so I wanted to see what you do, but then I learn SO much more than I expected. On one hand, you have amazing energy, but more importantly, I love that the information you share is consistently well thought out and extremely useful. Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you!! You make the world a better place!
Thank you so much Marty! Glad to see all the work is paying off! Comments like this make it all worthwhile ❤️
Ok so I just found this precious tutorial after I just my gain staging my song with that old bad methods. Let me cry my tears out above peak level 😂
The pencil tool is a good idea but needs to be reworked, it is a pain to use, e.g. the points are so tiny, it is practically impossible to hit them again in case you want to edit the curve. You should be able to edit them like automation, with Bézier curves and proper tools. It is a long time since I used Ableton Live, but the clip envelopes there were sooo much easier to use. And that was ten years ago.
Could be a great tool, as of now I rarely ever use it because it’s a pita. It is usually faster to automate the pre gain.
Very true!
I love using the pencil tool, but you are correct. We do need a way to be able to zoom in on the points to make them bigger and easier to work with.
The pencil even works in 5! This is brilliant! Cheers, Brother!
this is the reason I still watch Cubase tutorials...what a great DAW. I' ve been using it for so long now and still there are things I didn't know..
Hey Dom. I'm really glad that I found your channel. You can't imagine what I already learned by watching your videos within the last two weeks since I found you. I wish I had more time to test out all of your tips by myself. Keep up the good work!
Amazing tutorial, thank you Dom!
A question: You mentioned that you like to have -12dB on the master while mixing.
How do you achieve that this remains more or less constant while adding more and more tracks during production? (And why -12?)
Ive been using Cubase since 2009 and had no idea about the pencil automation trick. Thank you Dom appreciate you man for giving out these helpful tips!
only with analog mixers.... never with DAW....this is priceless knowledge ...thank you Don you are such a blessing.
The loudness war!!!! :D you almost 20k man congratz !!
That's indeed great news for celebration! 😃
Wooow that pencil trick is incredible!! I can't wait to play with it. Feels like I level up every time I watch one of your videos, Dom. Thank you so much, man!
OMG Dom! 8:12 into this I was in tears laughing at your face! Priceless. Funny because it's true!
Wow... thanks, Dom! I was the guy cutting up that clip and using clip gain. I did not know about the pencil trick! Thanks so much!
Pencil tool... just another step towards satisfacting knowledge. Thank you!
Dom you are just a gem in this world
Dom, I have no words to say that this video is fantastic, and your explanation even better. Clear, honest, concised, incredible. Cubase is a fantastic DAW, and deserves great teachers as you are. I learnt a lot about gain stagin in 17 minutes ! All fantastic, from the 1st minut ti the last. I am unable ti highlight only one oart of the video. You are helping to grow all the Cubase community users. Congratulations. I will keep this video in a safe place as the "bible" of gain staging, and of sure, I will revisited more than once, and I will share to other colleagues.
Awesome stuff and - as many of you - I didn't know about the pencil tool either. After more than 20 years of working with Cubase! So thank you Dom!
As far as I can see, it is very useful and it will be part of my workflow from now on.👍
You're a free king lifesaver man, I can't tell you how much of a difference your channel makes for me!
I knew about the pencil and I have been using it to change the amplitude in my samples since Cubase 7.
It was one of the greatest discovery in music production I had at the time. The consequence was and still is the only way to manage my music mixing production. Dom, I really liked the way you explained it. Marvellous
Dom, this advice is absolute gold. Thank you!
Probably the most concise explanation on the subject in the dozen vids I just watched. Excellent work!
Dom U are the Wiz of Cubase - THX a freaking lot.!!
Dom........you are my hero. The pencil too I been using Cubase for almost 20 yrs and I did not know this smh.
Dom, I started recording in 1970 and subtle things done well were best. I have been using Cubase since VST 3.5, and you have taught me to finally use what I learned in 1970, but forgot. Thank-you.
I liked the video, became subscribe and activated the notification. I am a Sound Engineer student in Turkey, nobody tells us these like you and nobody wants to share things that they know. Just share everything with us and grab the likes okey.Easy... Thanks.
Cubase roles all the other daws out there since the very beginning. Thank you Dom !
Awesome video Dom. Once again you teaches me something new. Thanks
This video is an eye opener. Thanks for teaching the methods. I'm really grateful to you😊
FINALY I found a fucking video that explains this properly!! I am metal guy, but gosh every single video so far just says the words gain stage as if we all knew what that is! I just want to track my bloody guitars!! Thanks Dom for the master class!!
I've been f'ing up. Thanks for sharing. Awesome info!!!!
Just from watching a couple of your vids yesterday and today, i’m learning a lot and my mixes are rewarding me for it. You are the man!
Had it under my nose and yet missed it. Thank you again Dom !
Like all your tutorials, insightful, clear, and enjoyable...thanks Dom !
Awesome mixing tutorial. Thank you so much for this. BTW, to anyone looking for pre gain, you may need to go to the racks toolbar and activate it. It isn't always visible by default.
Thank you for these advices! Finally I can improve my workspeed in my favourite DAW! :)
Wow, talk about information that you can immediately apply to improve your work. This was gold. Thank you.
The pencil tool hack is gold dust. I had no idea about it before now. I can already see I'll be using it to death! Thank you Dom 😎
Thanks for all the great tips Dom, you help me a lot with the production and those small details!
Grâce à vous, je viens de gagner des heures de boulot. MERCI BEAUCOUP !!!
Wow am so grateful. I usually would use the faders for gain staging... Now I know better. Thanks Dom
OMG !.. this is the best video of gain staging ever... thankk youuu
Hey Dom. Just wanting to express my appreciation for your generosity in spilling some of that exceptional knowledge you possess. I can truly say my current mickey-mouse project sounds a 1000% better after simply applying what I've learnt from you just in this session, and from a bunch of your other sessions...👍
The pencil tool is AWESOME...i didnt know that..you are legend....thanks
Dom, thanks for the video it helped a lot, I've been using Cubase for years, and I didn't know about these tips, congratulations for sharing in an objective way.
I have been a studio musician for 27 years. I started with 2" reel-to-reel. I've been recording in Cubase for about 8 years, but I'm learning it on my own & I still feel like I'm a newbie. And THIS video made me feel even MORE ignorant!! Lol. But now you have enlightened me. THANK YOU, DOM!! THE PENCIL TOOL !!! OMG!! I have been wondering for 5 years what that pencil tool was. This is going to EXPONENTIALLY cut down on my vocal and lead instrument editing and mixing... all while allowing me to maintain the integrity of my original audio files. And you explained it SO simply.
THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! (Did I say thank you?) I am liking AND subscribing.
The best content delivery on RUclips. It’s a simple as that.
What!!! How did I not know about the pencil tool on audio events! This will make my life so much easier, thanks Dom :)
Thanks for this Dom, I sort of knew all this but thought I would watch the vid as I've been struggling with gain staging accordion (hardest thing I've ever had to record!)...... And I had totally forgotten the pencil trick! BOOM!!! Accordion now gain staged.... Thanks
Great Video!! For those who cant see the pre channal in the Mix Console;
Making Input Gain Settings
The Pre-Gain slider allows you to change the level of a signal before it reaches the EQ and the effects section. This is useful as the level going into certain effects can change the way the signal is affected. A compressor, for example, can be driven harder by raising the input gain. Gain can also be used to boost the level of poorly recorded signals.
Procedure
On the MixConsole toolbar, click Racks and activate Pre (Filters/Gain/Phase) to show the Pre rack above the fader section.
Drag the Gain slider to the left or to the right to cut or boost the gain.
Great video, Don; i didnt know about these gain settings possibilities.
OMG, this pencil feature is so powerful!!!
Really excellent video about a critical step in mixing. Thank you so much!
Dom you´ve been my ambassador to Cubase (maybe even more than Claudio, Infected Mushroom, and The Zimmer) getting my copy right after trial ends in 9 days or so...
How did I not know about the pencil? A morning of watching your videos I've learnt more about Cubase than what I've picked up along the way using it every day for 15 years! Thank you!
Hey Dom! Wow, more than 15 years in the business, but this was new for me too, embarrassing indeed, hahaha, but well, happy to apply it now! Thank you!
This video changed lives! 800 pages cubase manual no wonder this man is a genius!
I'm learning so much from this channel. Excellent stuff 👍
Hi Dom, the global meter settings you used in this video for Meter Position, were they set to (a) Input (b) Post-Fader (C) Post-Panner?
Great video. I realy learned something after working with cubase for 15 yrs. Realy excellent tips. THNX 🤟🤟
maybe the best channel for all DAW users :)
Awesome tutorial Dom. Thank you again. Love the info. on the pencil! No I didn't know I could do that, but Wow, now that I do, How helpful it will be for me. Appreciate your sharing.
Thanks so much for doing this. It lifted the fog on gain staging for me.
I'm going crazy with this new pencil hack 🙏👍
I didn't know the pencil could do that?! Learned a lot today, thanks Don!
Another clear and concise example why to use Cubase.
#HHNET
Thank you for your Cubase shares Dom!
I just wanted to say that what you did with that pencil tool changed the game for me, man. Thank you very very much, Dom. I've been a sub and been watching your videos for a while now, I learned tones of things, you're absolutely a godsend to us cubase users! Please don't go anywhere, and keep up the good work, brother!
I was literally about to have a mental breakdown with my first song's mixing process...
I did the pre gain automation thing for the entire vocal track just so I can have my volume fader untouched. Also, what I did to my vocal track's wave form should probably count as a crime 'cause I cut it down into tiny pieces and messed it up real bad. It looks like frankenstein's monster's dongle at this point lol.
Even tough vocals sat inside the track so well when compared before... and it sounded even and didn't clipped most of the part... It still peaked on mvmeter2 above +9db because of the shouting parts of the song. And because of the little peaks like this, I wasn't able to make it loud enough at the mastering process.
My head was about to explode before seeing this video.
Now, It's time to draw the line! =)