Mixing Question
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Posted on Jun 20, 2005 12:17 am
Drako
Member Since: Sep 15, 2004
Apologies in advance for the simplicity/stupidity of this. But what can I say.....I'm learning!
I've just discovered that you can not only add effects to each individual track, but you can also add effects to the ENTIRE MIX (i.e. the main output channel).
I'm curious, what type of effects (if any) should I try on the entire mix? I've tried compression but it just lowers the volume? Should I EQ this channel? I'm confused. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
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Jun 20, 2005 12:35 am Definitely compression! although it may appear to lower the volume, it is actually making the sound more 'dense' by compressing the peaks of the file and raising the lower volume components. Once you have compressed the song, try playing with the threshhold and make up gain to get the levels right.
What about reverb! by applying a good reverb, you can make the instruments sound like theyve been recrded in the same room, by making a false environmant for the sound.
Also EQ! want to raise the bass in the whole song? no problem, just dial it up.
Also once you've mastered the art of compression ad EQ, you could begin to add exiters, stereo imaging and so forth to enhance the mix even further.
I bet somebody else will suggest something else as well
Cheers
C_S
Jun 20, 2005 01:06 am well my friend...dont be scared, but im afraid to say it...
you have stumbled onto something, that for all intensive purposes is called MASTERING...
what you will do with the FX on this "entire mix" or the output channel...is for all intensive purposes...in its roughest form...called MASTERING
so if you want to know what FX to add to this channel...look up MASTERING on google...or on here...youll find a vast amount of material
*although some might argue this is not mastering, for you...and me...and some other people in these parts all of who will not be sending our material to a PRO MASTERING facility,...this is basically mastering...however if you plan on having your material mastered by someone else...or have another program specifically used for mastering purposes, i dont advise using anything on this channel AT ALL, and either let the PRO take care of business or leave it untouched and do a better job in the DEDICATED mastering app you may have...i think most will agree with my sentiments on this...*
Jun 20, 2005 01:09 am forgot to mention...dont feel pregnant if you cant get a complete handle on this...there are people out there who SPECIALIZE in this art and are called MASTERING ENGINEERS...but if this is something you are interested in doing...i suggest picking up a program called HAR-BAL...you could find that by clicking the STUDIO EQUIPMENT button on the menu up there ^ somewhere...
DrakoMember
Since: Sep 15, 2004
Jun 20, 2005 09:02 am Awesome information! I will definitely play around with adding some light compression/reverb/EQ to the main output channel. WontdieinPA, my next question was going to be how this was different from Mastering. I will look it up and see what I can find out. Thanks again!
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Jun 20, 2005 09:11 am kind of a pre-master really, but this version of premastering is being done in the mixing stage, and can be done, but I wouldn't. I'd focus only on the mix, placement, levels, etc of the tracks, not any mastering type issues.
After I'm happy with my mix, then I'd mix down to a stereo file, bring this file into my audio app on it's own, and start applying mastering techniques to this file.
Also, I use compression on individual tracks in the mixdown stage, then later, on the stereo mixdown file, I only use light compression to tighten everything after it's mixed down.
Also II, i've read in a few places, that a few passes of light compression is often better than one pass of heavy compression.
of course ymmv, test theories, trust your ears, etc.
Jun 20, 2005 10:02 am maybe a premaster, if he were gonna master it...but if he doesnt plan on doing that, for all intensive purposes it would be a master...wouldnt you think?
Jun 20, 2005 10:03 am but like PJK said...most of the time...at the mixing stage of the game...you shouldnt even bother with this channel and just the individual tracks together to mix well...
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Jun 20, 2005 11:10 am I suppose, yes, it would be a type of mastering, though I would think that 'polished mixing' may be a better term. I guess it's arguing semantics at this point. The same objective is attained.
I think for the sake of the end result, that the two steps should be done seperately. Though of course this is not mandatory, but probably wise.
Jun 20, 2005 11:13 am yeah, i do know that mastering engineers definately do not want you putting anything on the main mix bus output.....that's their job, but it's not uncommon to put a compressor/limiter on it to keep levels up while showing a mix to someone.
Jun 20, 2005 11:23 am PJK, WYD we are all right on...ha...this little game in semantics has just given the newbie a wealth of information...i love it...
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Jun 20, 2005 11:26 am isn't this place great =)
DrakoMember
Since: Sep 15, 2004
Jun 20, 2005 11:59 am I love this site. I'd be lost without it. Thanks to all.
