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The dB Scale
Before we dive deeper into compression, conversely mixing and mastering, it’s imperative that
we understand how the dB scale works.

What is dB?
dB stands for deci (or tenth) of a Bel (unit of sound or electrical pressure named after Mr A.G.
Bell). If you read around the dB, you will find out that it is used for many different physical
measurements. But we are focusing on it’s use in audio, particularly in FL Studio. The peak
meters in FL Studio are displayed in and against a dB scale. The dB scale used on audio
equipment is a relative scale. That is, the values displayed are relative to the 100% volume
limit imposed by the audio output device or audio file (wav, mp3 etc). It is impossible to have
more than 100% since that, by definition, is as loud as the equipment or digital audio file can
go.
Put simply, dB is a physical scale where adding 6dB, to any value, roughly multiplies the
volume by 2. Subtracting 6 dB divides the volume by 2.

Some 'dB change' values to remember

o + 12 dB = 400% volume increase.
o + 6dB = 200% volume increase (twice the original level).
o + 1 dB = ~10% volume increase.
o 0 dB - No change. Note this is not 0 dB on the scale, but the difference between two
dB levels.
o - 1 dB = ~10% volume decrease.
o - 6 dB = 50% volume decrease (half the original level).
o - 12 dB = 75% volume decrease (to 25% of the original level).

Using FL Studio Peak Meters

Often when mixing, your goal is to get the peaks of the loudest sections of the mix close to the
maximum possible level, 0 dB, without clipping, going over 0 dB. Clipping happens when a
sound wave carried inside audio equipment (analog or digital) becomes louder than the
maximum volume that can be reproduced. When audio is clipped its waveform looks like the
tips of the peaks have been 'clipped' off (hence the name clipping).

While occasional transient clipping incidents are not usually a problem, if clipping is pushed
too far your audio will distort and crackle. Once a saved (rendered) audio file is badly clipped,
there is no way to fix the problem (although the Edison Noise Removal Tool does have a
Declipper Function that can rectify mild clipping issues).

The 0 dB reference level marks the loudest sound a digital audio file rendered from FL Studio
can record or the audio interface D/A converter can make, before clipping occurs. Peak meters
in FL Studio turn orange (or in some cases red) to attract your attention when the signal exceeds
0 dB (see above). However, not all orange peak meters (signals over 0 dB) are bad.

Valentine Nyamajiwa | FL GANG

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As a rule, never let your master track go beyond 0dB. Insert tracks can breach this value, and
your mix will come out just fine.

END

Valentine Nyamajiwa | FL GANG