Mix too hot! Lowering output 1 2 in logic x

essential tracks wrote:

Mix too hot! Will I loose quality or change the overall sound by lowering output 1+2 in logic x? (The individual faders are not peaking)

You will not loose any quality by lowering the main outputs, no. In fact, you can also go over on individual strips by a whopping theoretical 1,500 dB - the only channel strip that should NEVER go in the red at all is the Output 1-2 or Stereo Output channel.

In Logics' mixer, you could also select all channel strips apart from the Stereo Out and the master, and drop all of them in one move by 1 to 3 dB, that should have the same effect as loweing the main stereo outputs. It's considered "good housekeeping" to not have insane levels though (some plugins may clip).

essential tracks wrote:

Just out of interest, is there a difference between doing this with output 1+2 and the master fader?

Cheers

If you only have one stereo output, there's no difference. If you have more stereo ouputs, the master fader would lower them all simultaneously.

There is a another way: insert a Gain plugin on your Stereo Output channel strip and use that to throttle down the signal.

Technically all three do the exact same thing, so it is eventually just personal preference, but this is my order of preference (from elegant to less elegant) when dealing with an "overheated" output signal:

1. Lower the contributors' levels.

2. Use a Gain plugin (last in the chain, or only followed by metering plugins) on the Stereo Out, or use a gain function of any other plugin already used on the Stereo Out (EQ, compressor).

3. Lower the Stereo Output fader.

4. Lower the master fader. (I never do that, I've "glued it in place" (mentally). Master fader? I have no master fader!)

Again, all four methods will yield the exact same result.

You're welcome. 🙂