Mastering at -0.2db?

[KrazyKatz]

Why is the standard rule of thumb to set the limiter at the end of the chain on the master to -0.2db?

The only possible reasons I can think of are :

1- Since it's known that songs will be converted to .mp3 which causes a cut at the peaks of around 0.2db, it's compensated for prior.

2- When matching various songs into an album it gives you the extra 0.2db of 'play' for additional re-mastering the whole compilation together if necessary.

But I'm just guessing...

Anyone else?

[LPChip]

I'm not entirelly sure why that rule exists.

I only use it because it means that the clip-indicator doesn't lit. XD

[MurdersGalore]

I can attempt to answer this question..though I may not be 100% accurate.
Mastering at -0.2db is the norm because of CD pressing houses. Most will reject a master disk for going over 0db if even only for a nanosecond. It's for quality control purposes....so most producers and mastering engineers master at -2db to make totally sure their disks don't get rejected.