Adding reverb,
chorus, delay and other audio effects to your final mix.
Adding Effects - Now that we've
got out tracks equalized we need to add effects such as reverb, delay, chorus
and other audio effects to help add polish to the project. We're assuming here
that your using a DAT or computer and are using plug-ins or are adding your
effects by running from your tape machine into them. If you have already printed
your effects to tape then you can move on to the mastering stage. If not then we
have some flexibility to add a little magic at the final stage before mastering.
Reverb - Reverb is essential to most recordings adding
a little depth and space to the final mix. Try first adding a bit of reverb to
drums to give them a bit of depth. If your inexperienced here
the try a preset if you have one. If not try a medium sized room and don't go
too crazy here. A little goes a long way. Next try a bit of verb on the guitars.
Try using a little less or more than the drums. Now a bit to the vocal, perhaps
a bit less than the drums. I wouldn't recommend any reverb on the bass for most
songs because it will sound washed out. Experiment here and find the right sound
for each song trying as best you can while preserving your original mix. Be
careful not to use too much verb as it will overwhelm the mix making it sound
smaller.
Delay - Delay is similar to a
reverb effect except that where reverb is a bunch of tiny reflections, delay is
a series of large reflections similar to an echo. For vocals try delay instead
of reverb effect for that famous slap back sound. Try settings between 30-120 ms
for a subtle effect or 600-1800 ms for a pronounced echo.
Chorus - The chorus effect is
basically an effect which mimics the sound of an instrument that has been
doubled, tripled, or quadrupled. Chorus can sound great on a number of things
like electric guitar, vocals, piano, etc. Like most effects use sparingly for
best effect.
Flanger - Flanger is a very short
delay which has a distinctive roaming or pulsing sound. It can
make a nice addition to vocals if used subtly or to guitars and other
instrument.
Other -
Remember to be creative in the mix down process trying different and unusual
effects
like pitch modulators and distortion plug ins on vocals. The sky's the limit
here.
Listen in mono and on
other mediums- Now that you have added effects to your project make any
minor adjustments in the mix and prepare yourself to finalize the mix. First you
will want to listen to the project in mono to make sure that the stereo effects
and phasing aren't causing you any problems. If they are then make corrections
before you print the CD or tape. Next you are ready to finalize the recording.
Some people like to take a few days away from a project before they do this.
Once you have finalized the mix then its time to print it out to CD or tape.
Finished? - Now
that you have your CD you may think the process is over. Actually the next step
is critical. Checking the mix with different audio sources. Since a CD is going
to be heard on many different mediums, some low fi some not so you need to check
your mix on a boombox, in your car, and as many other places as you can. Make
notes about any weaknesses
in the mix. If you are unhappy with the results make changes and print the CD
again. Check it out again and again until you get the right mix for all mediums.
I have known engineers to take weeks to complete this stage.
Mastering - When
you are finished congratulations you are at the
mastering stage of the
process. Click here for
info on mastering.
Tips and Tricks - Already set up and
you just need tips
and tricks to make your recording sound better.
Click here.
Drums - If you need
help or tips on recording acoustic drums then this is
the place to check out.
Electric
Guitars - If you want help
recording a electric guitar then check out
this page.
Acoustic Guitars - If you want help recording
an acoustic guitar then check out
this page.
Bass - Need help capturing that
electric bass we offer a few options for you
here.
Vocals -
Vocals can make or break a project. Get some nice
tips
for recording vocals here.
Other Instruments - Want to add
that saxophone, cello, or flute to a project. Get the
facts here.
Mixing - Need help
mixing those tracks to get the right sound from your
mix. We can help here.
Equalization or Eq - Do you have a basic overall level and the tracks panned where
you want them. Then check out our tips on
Equalization or Eq.
Mastering - Need help
mastering your songs. Get the low down
here.
Other Items of Interest
- Also while your
here feel free to check out our record label
Silver Dragon
Records and see what we can offer your band in terms of recording and other
services. Also check out
Lazarus X
Houston's hottest local band and their new
CD release
Weapon of Love or
download a free mp3 for a limited time.
Home
-
Next
Thank you for checking out Silver
Dragon Records music home recording and mixing tips
All rights reserved.
