Matching volume outputs

[leeleema]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone knows a way of matching volume outputs from different buses. Essentially I have a drum bus and fx bus, the latter of which flip gates the drums so only one of the two is ever sounding. However I need to keep the volumes consistent. I vary the types of FX depending on the project so a static arrangement of FX with tweaked and fixed volume outputs to match the drums is not an option. I'm pretty sure a limiter would be ideal here with sidechain but really not sure beyond that. Something like the PSP Twin-L maybe. Or something simpler? Thanks

[leeleema]

But then the sidechain aspect wouldn't work because they are not sounding at the same time

[BertKoor]

Or something simpler?

Most often just using my ears works out quite well

[imrae]

The Hornet VU meter plugin has a useful auto-gain feature. Turn it on, play some audio and it automatically trims the level. Just remember to turn the auto-gain off again so the level stops wandering around afterwards.

[leeleema]

Thanks chaps, I had a look at that. I'm not quite sure that would do the trick. I think I've found my own solution. I'm going to match the levels as best I can and use exactly the same settings on the two sets of bus compression.

[leeleema]

The Hornet VU meter plugin has a useful auto-gain feature. Turn it on, play some audio and it automatically trims the level. Just remember to turn the auto-gain off again so the level stops wandering around afterwards.

I actually ended up getting this. Very useful. I rate the developer too, the progress from Mk 1 to Mk 4 is great as he has essentially continuously improved the plug based on feedback in a post on here. Thanks for the rec!

[mattfourmat]

you could also have a look at clipping, i find clipping can sometimes be very effective and almost invisible if used correctly