Mixing

The mixing stage: when a mix comes together everything must be in sync. A fuller sound spectrum and separation using a good external clock.

After the hard work of recording / tracking, the engineer reaches the mixing stage . The starting point is always to listen very carefully to each track, making sure it contains no mistakes . This is followed by leveling, compressing and adjusting the EQ of each track . A snare-drum needs to sound like a snare-drum......

Much can be said about adjusting the EQ and the compression dynamics of each track. However, one thing is for sure - when a mix comes together, the overall sound is dependent on how the engineer has separated each track / instrument .

Everything must be in sync. A tiny change in timing of a bass track not only gives a slightly different feeling to the song, but also makes it easier to EQ . Thus, constant adjustments are needed during the mixing-process. The engineer hears a fuller sound spectrum and separation using a good external clock, for example an aardvark or apogee, making the low frequencies tight, the mid very present and the high brilliant.

The next step is to get the overall mix balance close to where it should be by adjusting various parameters and using several techniques:

  • switching stereo into mono and back
  • panning the low-frequencies to the middle of the sound-field
  • balancing left and right
  • processing frequencies below 100hz in mono
  • position lead vocals centre stage and pan the overdubs/backings

Learn by example - listen to international hit-records and eventually you will be able to analyze what you hear.

  • be aware of the equal loudness contours (developed by Robinson and Dadson)
  • always listen to the same volume
  • pick a reasonable db spl and stick to it
  • use mono and stereo reverb, and use a very good unit to achieve this
  • use delay, chorus and other effects - experiment and sync them to the tempo of the song
  • use a dynamic gain controller
  • switch between different speakers, sometimes using a good set of headphones,
  • put a copy on cd and listen in the car, at home, at your grandparents' house (where no doubt you will * find one of the stereo speakers wired + and - standing in the corner whilst the other is wired - and +, * hanging from the ceiling .... )

If your ears become tired, then take a walk outside and listen to the birds, to the surrounding noises and let your ears rest .

And lastly, level the final mix a few db under full scale so when mastering, there is scope for headroom.