(Below is a simplified description of a broader issue that can be applied to more than verse-chorus such as bridge, etc., but it will work for this question.)
I’m working on a chorus that introduces a couple more instruments preceded by a reverse cymbal announcing that the chorus is fuller and more powerful.
But as I try to find a good balance between the underlying melody of the verse that flows into the chorus and the additional sonic presence, and once I’m satisfied with the chorus mix, I go back and let it play from the verse…
… the chorus is way too loud.
So I lasso the louder tracks and/or use their group/fx tracks to bring down the loudness, but then they don’t sound the same – there is a loss of presence and power if not proportionality between the new instruments and mix.
So it’s quieter and not a blowout, but there’s a loss of the “it” factor, the thing that was exciting to arrange and hear that made the chorus pop.
So I go back and re-balance the chorus mix just to end up… too loud again.
It’s like getting stuck in mixing hell.
Q: What tools or plugins or approach in Cubase should I use to avoid this probably all too common issue? The simpler and most direct way/s would be best.
Thanks.