How do you balance the levels and gain staging of multiple plugins?

1 What is gain staging?

Gain staging is the process of adjusting the input and output levels of each plugin in your signal chain, so that the signal does not exceed the optimal range of each plugin. The optimal range is usually between -18 dBFS and -6 dBFS, depending on the plugin and the DAW. If the signal is too low, it may introduce noise and lose detail. If the signal is too high, it may cause clipping and distortion.

2 How to set the input level?

The input level of your plugin chain depends on the source of your audio, such as a microphone, an instrument, or a track. You should set the input level of your audio interface or your DAW to match the level of your source, and avoid any clipping or distortion. You can use a metering plugin or the DAW's built-in meter to monitor the input level. A good rule of thumb is to aim for an average level of around -18 dBFS, with peaks no higher than -12 dBFS.

3 How to set the output level?

The output level of each plugin in your chain affects the input level of the next plugin. You should set the output level of each plugin to match or slightly lower the input level, and avoid any clipping or distortion. You can use a metering plugin or the DAW's built-in meter to monitor the output level. A good rule of thumb is to aim for an average level of around -18 dBFS, with peaks no higher than -12 dBFS.

4 How to use gain reduction plugins?

Gain reduction plugins are plugins that reduce the dynamic range of your audio, such as compressors, limiters, gates, and expanders. They can help you control the loudness and consistency of your audio, but they can also affect the gain staging of your chain. You should use gain reduction plugins sparingly and carefully, and always adjust the makeup gain or output gain to compensate for the level reduction. You can use a metering plugin or the DAW's built-in meter to monitor the gain reduction and the output level.

5 How to use gain enhancement plugins?

Gain enhancement plugins are plugins that increase the perceived loudness or brightness of your audio, such as EQs, saturators, exciters, and enhancers. They can help you shape the tone and character of your audio, but they can also affect the gain staging of your chain. You should use gain enhancement plugins moderately and tastefully, and always adjust the output gain to prevent any clipping or distortion. You can use a metering plugin or the DAW's built-in meter to monitor the gain enhancement and the output level.

6 How to check the final level?

The final level of your plugin chain is the level that reaches your master bus or your final output. You should check the final level of your plugin chain to make sure it does not exceed the maximum level of your DAW or your delivery format. You can use a metering plugin or the DAW's built-in meter to monitor the final level. A good rule of thumb is to leave some headroom of around -6 dBFS for the final level, and use a limiter or a normalizer if needed.

7 Here’s what else to consider

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