Mastering CD Track Volumes, by DianaDee Osborne

Easy way to master CD tracks so each has a
consistent volume level with the others: 

As we "send to iTunes" in GarageBand... or "bounce out"
completed songs with all tracks in Logic or ProTools etc, 
it's difficult to have exactly the same volume per song.
       ONE REASON:       
Some drum tracks or instrument tracks
are naturally louder-- a song full of flute and light keyboard
only is naturally softer unless we're careful to raise volume.

Simple method for a quick mastering of volumes:
1. Create a separate recording program project with the CD Name.
2. Pull in each full song, in track order.
3. Slide each track to begin after the previous track--
      with the amount of "silence" you want between tracks.
4. Listen to the "seam" between each track, and 
5.     adjust the track's volume to match TRACK 1.

6.  OPTIONAL IDEA:  Create a filler track to transition 
     from one track to the next with a bit of continuing music.
     I like to use foundation tracks from the SYNTH LEAD
     instrument family in Garage Band. 
7.  BUT REMEMBER: Unlike in expensive programs,
     you cannot "bounce out" track pieces from GarageBand.
     A.  If you have no filler (#6), just drag each song track to
           Measure 1; send each to iTunes; and create CD from there.
OR
     B.  If you DO create a filler, it's a bit more time consuming:

--  Send the FULL CD tracks to iTunes,
--  Pull that new merged track into the GarageBand project.
--  Separate each track as each new song starts
-- Then do Step 7A above. 

EVEN  IF  YOU  HIRE SOMEONE  TO MASTER YOUR CD,

     this is a good way to get Advance Ideas on what you want.
 

BEST OF ALL, YOU SAVE MONEY by
hearing how tracks blend into each other--
so you get a preview and can experiment with
changing song track order to give the CD sound you want.

Much joy to you creating new music!
Lots of Examples to hear free at http://www.DianaDeeOsbornesongs.com/

©2014 DianaDee Osborne;  all rights reserved