Mixing Down your Audio
Recording
Getting Started
- Getting started with the final mix is an exciting part of the recording
process. Don't rush the process however as it is critical to getting the best
recording possible. We recommend approaching the
process in three parts. In the first part we will cover how to get the basic levels and Eq the project.
Using a Compressor
- First we recommend using a compressor on the final mix even if you plan
to Master the project at a later stage. Turn the compressor on from the start
because it will change the sound of the overall mix adding more bass. If you are
using a computer or DAW there are some nice plug ins designed for mastering that
are great for this.
Getting a Basic Level - Next start
with the drums bringing them up to a moderate level. Do not use any reverb or
effects on any of the tracks at this stage unless they are permanently attached
to or "printed" on the track. Second bring the bass up to where it sounds about
the same loudness as the drums. Use your ears here. Next bring up the guitars,
and other instruments to where they are in proportion with the bass and drums.
Next bring up the vocal and listen to the song with all tracks engaged. Notice
any problems in the mix and write them down so we can work on them at the next
stage. All we need to do here is make sure that the
instruments are the right
loudness first. Next we will pan tracks to the left or right and readjust the
volume as needed. Then we will Eq each track to optimize it and then add effects
next.
Panning Tracks
- Now that you have a basic level listen to your project. Are instruments
competing with each other muddying the mix? Try panning similar instruments or
multi-tracked parts like multiple vocals either slightly (i.e. 10 %) or heavily
(100%) to the left or the right. Remember that panning hard to the left or right
effectively halves the loudness of the track so boost the volume to counteract
this. Bass drum, bass guitar and snare almost always sound best in the center
tracks so try panning other instruments out the the sides first and see if this
helps. On other drum instruments try creating a virtual drum kit by panning each
instrument to a unique position like snare slightly left and toms slightly
right, etc. Take some time to try and get a good sound here before you move on.
Moving On - Now
that we have a basic overall level and the tracks panned where we want them lets
move on to
Equalization or Eq.
Part
2 - Finalizing your Mix -
Now that you have a basic mix and have added the Eq to it
lets move on to finalizing the mix and put some polish on our project.
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.
Adding Audio effects - If you have the levels where you want them and have
added Eq its time to add some plug-ins or effects like reverb, delay, chorus,
flanger, and other effects to help that
final mix
shine.
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.
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