FIVE METHODS THAT WILL DRAMATICALLY IMPROVE YOUR MIX.
1. Editing
Before
you jump into the mix make sure you edit every track. Solo each track
and listen for pops, humming, background noise etc. If you have recorded
any vocals or live instruments delete or mute space where the sound is
not used in the arrangement. When compression is added to the mix all
background noises, headphone bleed, and click tracks will potentially
become more noticeable. To be safe, edit and delete any extra tracks not
being used.
2. Monitoring From Multiple Sources
It's important to listen on studio monitors, but the average listener probably doesn't own a pair of genelecs.
Through out the mix down, listen on headphones, laptop speakers, car
system, and any other source you see fit. The majority of people will
probably hear the track from their crappy iPod headphones. Make
sure to listen at both low and high volumes. If you are a rap or
electronic producer, listen to the mix on a live system or club
speakers. If you have a friend that does live sound or Dj's, this
shouldn't be too difficult.
3. Referencing Similar Music
Pick 1-2 songs from a similar genre to reference through out the mix. Next add a couple of tracks to the DAW
and solo them to get an idea of how the songs dynamics, space, and
frequency balance compare. Throwing a spectrum on the master can help
you visually compare frequency levels.
4. Correct Use Of FX
EQ
To
start, place a high pass filter on any track that isn't bass heavy ex/
High Hats, Crash, Guitar, Vocals, Lead synth line etc. Solo the track
and cut until you hit desired ranges.
When eqing, begin
by cutting frequency ranges that do not complement the sound. To find
unwanted frequencies boost one band with a large Q setting and drag this
band across the frequency spectrum. When something sticks out
negatively it's safe to cut.
Compression
If
you're new to compression go slow. Start by grouping tracks into sub
mixes. Create a group for Drums, Vocals, Fx, Lead etc. Then add a
compressor to the group channel instead of compressing each track
individually. If you're looking for punchier drums, place a
compressor on a return channel, use a slow attack time to boost drum
transients. Play with the ratio and make up gain until you find a sound
you want. You can compress the bass a little harder, but use a slower release to avoid harmonic distortion. If the bass is competing with the drums, sidechain the bass to the kick and the snare. Whenever the kick hits, the bass gain will quickly drop allowing for more room in the mix.
Dont use limiting during the mixdown. Save this for the master.
Reverb
Adding
space to the mix can do wonders. Try putting a reverb unit on a return
channel, then start sending a small signal from each track. Do not add
reverb on low frequencies like the bass, this will just result in mud.
The reverb should sound natural. A little verb on the high hats, vocals,
and snare seem to do well. Gated/sidechained reverb can really help a
snare drum punch through the mix without leaving an unwanted tail.
5. Layering & Panning
If
you're looking to beef up sounds, start by layering. To achieve a
bigger guitar sound record two passes. Pan one to the left and one to
the right. Add a small amount of channel delay to one of the tracks and
the guitar will sound twice as big. You can create a bigger snare by
layering a mid frequency snare with a high frequency snare. This works
with the kick as well. Layering vocals for the hook/chorus is always a
good move. Keep the main vocal take in the center and then pan a couple
dubs slightly left and right. Cut the low/mid frequencies of the vocal
layers.
Note: Do not place FX on the master channel. Save master processing (EQ, Compression, Limiting) for the Mastering Engineer.
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