Pre-Fader- vs. Post-Fader-Metering

Understanding Pre-Fader and Post-Fader Metering in Mixing Logic

One important aspect to note when mixing in Logic is the choice between pre-fader and post-fader metering.

Post-Fader Metering

• Post-fader metering shows you the signal after it has passed through the channel.
• If you're listening to something and you lower the volume here, it will lower the overall output volume.

Pre-Fader Metering

• Pre-fader metering displays the original output signal, regardless of your fader position.
• No matter where you set the fader, it will always indicate the original signal.

Key Differences

• If you're peaking, the input signal will still show peaking status even if the output volume is low.
• This provides a far better representation of your mixing status and helps you identify any peaking at the main volume.

Example

• For instance, if your fader is down but the meter shows the signal is still up, you can see where the peaks are:
  • "Whether I have it up here or down here, it's still going to show me the source signal."
  • If I'm peaking over here, even when the volume is very low, I'll be aware of where it is at.

Adjusting Levels

• I might go ahead and adjust whichever instrument is peaking.
  • For example, the bass seems to be too high; I can pull it down a bit now.
  • Be careful: lowering it here influences the output volume, but the original signal remains high.

Final Adjustments

• The original signal is coming through the ACQ section of my SSL console.
• My approach would be to lower the input signal slightly and perhaps apply a little compression.
• For now, I'll leave the EQ as is since it doesn't bother me much.
• Overall, the signal level is acceptable now.

Let's see how the next instrument is performing.