Mixing Techniques:
 |
 |
 |
Tracking is the process of recording audio files. These can then be arranged or sequenced to play in a particular order. MIDI and/or virtual instruments tracks can be included at any stage. Once you are happy with the song structure then comes the time to mix.
Mixing is the process of adjusting relative levels, pan-pot setttings and the application of EQ and effects. Although EQ in a DAW is often found as a plug-in, in many applications a dedicated EQ section is available for each audio and VI track. EQ is also encoutered on a hardware mixing console so we shall include the application of EQ in this section.
The first process is the adjustment of levels. Try this virtual mixer above. Notice how different the song sounds when the bass or drums are pulled back. IMPORTANT: Many tracks are recorded in mono as opposed to stereo, it is the use of the Pan-Pot feature that places the mono tracks in the stereo field to create the stereo image, not necessarily stereo recordings. See how the vocals sound much bigger when panned in different directions.
Mono recorded tracks are very often: Vocals, Bass guitar, Acoustic guitar through a pick-up, Miked amplifiers and Brass. Stereo tracks are audio recorded with two microphones, the output of a VI or the left and right recorded channels of an external MIDI device. Stereo tracks are hard panned and the Pan-Pot control adjusts the balance between the left and right track. For example you may have Virtual Organ track but adjust the balance so that more sound comes form the right side whilst still benefiting from stereo reproduction.
Here are a few Tips and Tricks:
- VOCALS: Lead vocal in the centre, if you use layered leads try panning them a little bit to either side. Harmony tracks should be close to the centre unless a special effect is required. Backing Vocal tracks are good when you have many of them and hard pan. In general is is desirable to have lead instruments in the centre and then support instruments to the outside.
- ACOUSTIC GUITAR: As per the 'Music Sequencing' page: Stereo record with two microphones; Use an installed pick-up and microphone and experiment with placing it in the stereo field; And one of our favourites: If the performer can play the same part twice use mono microphone or pick-up recording and hard pan each take oppositly. Another good trick which can be applied to other tracks as well is to record a performance in mono and then make a duplicate track. Hard pan each track left and right and use the delay or time off-set parrameter to play one track early, perhaps 5 milliseconds and the other track late by 5-10 milliseconds. This creates a wide sounding stereo image.
- ELECTRIC GUITAR: If there are more than one rhythm tracks try panning these a little off centre. Lead guitar usually close to the centre unless harmony or double tracks are used, such as the lead following an organ part in that case a wider image is a good idea.
- BASS GUITAR: This is one of those instruments where it is sometimes better to mix up than to mix down. That is: start with the fader at zero and bring it up untill it can just be heard. Experience has shown that the novice has more trouble controlling the bass than anything else. With real bass as opposed to MIDI or VIs the use of a compressor or limiter plug-in is highly recommended.
- DRUMS: These will usually be recorded in stereo, again it is sometimes a good idea to mix them up rather than down.
- FADER LEVELS: These don't all have to be high 7-10/10. If you have a number of tracks don't be surprised if many or most faders are in the range 5-6 to maintain a master out of close to max 0dB.
As your own mix progresses you will make large changes at first and towards the end you will find that very small chages can have a huge impact on the overall sound. If audio effects or EQ are applied to the track then levels will probably have to be re-adjusted.
 |
 |
 |
EQ or Equalization:
Take a look at the graphics above. The one on the left shows a picture with a dark background and one one on the right with a lighter background. Which picture stand out the most? The one on the right, this is because there is more contrast between the picture and the background. EQ works in much the same way with sound.
EQ is the process of not just changing the tonal content of the sound in a 'pleasing' way but EQ can be used to boost or cut frequencies so that one particular sound or instrument is emphasized in one part of the audio spectrum and others in different ones. This creates contrast that allows the listener to focus on different instruments.
We are not going to get in depth here as this is a more advanced area of music production but we suggest that by experimentation the novice will gain knowledge and understanding of the process. Neveretheless here are a few tips and tricks:
- VOCALS: Usually need a bit of brightening up so boost around 5KHz but pull it back down above that to avoid to much sibilance or 'SSSS...'.
- ELECTRIC GUITAR: Often a small amount of mid boost around 1KHz sounds good.
- MIDI and VIRTUAL INSTRUMENTS: Don't mess with these too much unless it is for a special effect.
- DON'T OVERDO IT: Start with small changes and experiment.
- LOW CUT: or High pass: To get rid of muddiness and to increase overall clarity pull back the bottom end of ALL tracks except Bass and Drums or just the Kick drum. Sometimes the mix may sound too bassy, but you keep pulling the bass guitar back and it doesn't fix it, well try taking the bass out of the other tracks.
- FADERS UP: Whilst it is good to listen to EQ changes in Solo mode so you can hear your adjustments. Make sure you check the EQ settings with all the other instruments playing to experience and create contrast.
 |
 |
|