My exported projects are not as loud/hot as commercially released CDs.
Last updated on 3/22/2016The information in this article applies to:
- SONAR (All Versions)
- SONAR Home Studio (All Versions)
- Music Creator (All Versions)
- Guitar Tracks (All Versions)
- Home Studio (All Versions)
CDs released on major record labels are always “mastered”. This is the final step before publishing. It involves applying equalization and dynamic processing (compressors/limiters/expanders) to your final mix to add an even volume and “punch”. You can certainly accomplish this in Cakewalk products, but bear in mind that it is a technique that is just as advanced as mixing.
If you are looking for a quick solution, consider exporting your project to a single stereo wave file, importing it into a new project and applying a limiter. This video will show you how to use Boost 11, the limiter that comes with SONAR Home Studio 6 XL.
If you would like to read more on mixing and mastering, check out our Mixing and Mastering guide here.