RMS vs Peak and Track Referencing

[bigdaveo11]

Hey guys,

I have two quick question in regards to referencing other tracks. Recently I have been putting a reference track on an audio channel in my arrangement to constantly switch back and forth between to check my original levels. I know the track has been mastered so my questions are as follows...

1. how do I go about matching the loudness levels? Obviously by ear is my best bet but is there a method to match them somewhat close using the level fader which leads my to my next question 2. regarding comparisons between RMS and peak levels when trying to get your tracks to sound similar to professional tracks, granted they have been professionally mastered so I wasn't sure if it was a good idea to even be concerned with RMS/peak levels of reference tracks.

Apologies if these questions seem confusing, as I am having trouble stating exactly what it is I am trying to ask.

Appreciate your time.

[Keith99]

If you are going to compare volume RMS is your best bet. Most commercial tracks have an average RMS reading of -10 to -12db whereas most unmastered material averages closer to -20db

[bigdaveo11]

ok thank you. was looking for a simple answer like that ^. So when using another pro track as a reference how should I go about matching the levels to my "in progress" track, using RMS? Basically what I want to do is be able to A/B back and forth between my track I am currently producing/arranging/mixing and a pro track but I am not sure on how to match the volume levels using RMS or peak since obviously the pro track has been mastered and mind hasn't. Looking to use this referencing technique to hear relative levels/balance between instrument mainly.

[MrMagneto]

Well, if you match the peaks, it won't help at all. Both peaks would be around 0 and the reference track would sound way louder than your unmastered.
So the best way to go, in my opinion, is to look for the most energetic part of the track and find out the average RMS level of this part (I think you can do that with "SPAN"). Then you do the same with your track. Then you turn the volume of the reference track down by the RMS difference of the two tracks.
So if the reference track is -10dB RMS and yours is -20, then you'll need to turn the reference track down by 10db.

[BertKoor]

Then you turn the volume of the reference track down by the RMS difference of the two tracks.
So if the reference track is -10dB RMS and yours is -20, then you'll need to turn the reference track down by 10db.

That's the only way to deal with it. The only thing you can compare is the overall sound and feel. Loudness of an unmastered and mastered track cannot be compared. During mixing you should not pay any attention to that. Just make it sound as good as possible. Raising the level to match that of pro releases is something to worry about later, during mastering.

[bigdaveo11]

great explanations guys, answered all my questions. thanks again.