Words of wisdom,,,
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Posted on Apr 27, 2009 02:26 am
cocamycola89
Member Since: Apr 27, 2009
good day all ;)
i have been doing music for a few years now and i have been very interested in all things production lately. Mixing, Recording, mastering ext is always on my mind...
My question is what are the most important things for a producer to know when mixing???
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CptTrippsCzar of Turd PolishMember
Since: Jun 20, 2006
Apr 27, 2009 12:46 pm What sound he is going for would be a top one for me.
Too many folks just stick a mic on a guitar and hit record because they think many magical things can happen in the mixing stage (there is magic, just not the kind most folks want). Based on the song and style I could spend an hour or more just trying guitar tones to find one that matches the mood.
So overall end result would be my choice. Much easier to plan ahead if you know where you're going.
J-botByte-MixerMember
Since: Dec 04, 2007
Apr 27, 2009 01:05 pm Agreeing with Tripps. I have yet to get into recording others, but you definitely want to get the instrumentation/feel right before you hit the magic red circle. ;)
I work with a lot of electronic/soft-synths, so I mess around and experiment a lot with different sounds, basses, leads, pads, etc. Until I get a combination of sound and feeling that works for the ideas jumping around in my head. Then it's just a matter of getting the "performance" right when I'm playing the keyboard, and adjusting levels and fx afterwards. I'm nitpicky though, so the mixing phase usually takes me 40 forevers before I'm happy with it.
I'm getting better though. Only took me 4 days to churn out Crystalized Zebetite (my metroid remix) ;) Children of Pripyat (the one I did right before the remix) took me closer to 4 months to get to where I was happy with it.
If I was recording from external sources, I think I'd spend more time adjusting the mic setup and positioning while shooting for a particular sound/feel before hitting the record button. You want to make sure that what's going IN is right. Else, what you get OUT may not exactly be what you want.
I haven't had much experience micing anything other than my own vocals, or the occasional flute idea. Definitely want to get a chance to play around in that area someday.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Apr 27, 2009 04:22 pm Well, the role's of Producer and Engineer/Mixer are very different. But it is becoming more common place for the role's to be combined these days.
One thing is to know when and when not to open your mouth. An artist can be very touchy about his work. So if your doing both jobs, you really need to be conscious of every little detail.
Dematrixhttp://www.reverbnation.com/2ndgMember
Since: Nov 27, 2007
Apr 27, 2009 09:36 pm im not sure one can be taught how to be a good producer.
it comes down to creativity and i guess ya really gotta build a name for yourself to get work.
but ya gotta start somewhere.
mixing though, for me (and im only just "scraping" the begginer level),
i would say, forget all the crazy effects units, compressors and what not in your software at first.
learn the basics. get a good mix first using, mic placements, different amp settings, drum managment, panning, and what eq's make up the instruments you are recording.
if you dont know how to place instruments in the mix, when you add effects it'll make things much much worse.
Apr 28, 2009 01:47 pm Quote:
Well, the role's of Producer and Engineer/Mixer are very different.
Heh... Depending on the genre now. In HH & rap, anyone putting beats together from pre-recorded loops calls themselves a "Producer" (evidently it's more impressive to the chicks than "sequencing") - And in some cases, "mixing" is called "mastering" (which wastes a lot of time here when "producers" send me "mastering projects" and they think I'll be mixing their projects).
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Apr 28, 2009 09:58 pm Ya, I guess I have to admit I've seen it all get turned to a mish mash of its former self.
Oh well, life goes on.
cooloFrisco's Most UnderratedMember
Since: Jan 28, 2003
Apr 30, 2009 01:07 am Most important for someone to know when mixing?
I have several things I think about when mixing, in general...
Main instrument is out front.
No hard panning.
Every instrument has it's own place in the mix.
Check mix in several speakers.
Leave mix and come back with fresh ears after a couple hours.
The mix should fit the song. In other words, not all songs should be mixed according to the same formula.
GeoffSM7b the Chuck Noris of Mic'sContributor
Since: Jun 20, 2002
Apr 30, 2009 02:12 pm I would say :
Know or have an idea about what you're going for before you start ie, make shure you and the artist(s) are on the same page and that you both share the same goal (with in reason).
Konw you equipment (software, and hardware) learn to know what you can and can not do.
listen don't just look, too often these days people will record with there eyes instead of there ears ( hit play and turn off you computer monitor for a pass or two and see if that gives you a different perspective, take notes)
take a break. tracking, mixing ect can take it toll on you and after a while you end up messing up the mix .
be relaxed and try to have fun.
