Lesson 14 Synopsis - Signal Processing Midterm and Mix-down Lab

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Mix-Down lab:


After spending several lessons focusing on the basic operation of equipment and plug-ins in the recording process, it is now time to work on the mix-down. You’ll have ample time in many of your class sessions to strengthen your skills by practicing with the in-studio tools for controlling and blending the mix. You will also be able to practice some of this work on your own time as you continue honing your skills.


Mixing is an art form, and therefore subjective—which means you will find different engineers having varying (and often strong) opinions about how to approach it. That being said, our program covers some general guidelines, and your mentor will coach you on specific processes for the particular song you will be mixing.


One very important thing to mention on this topic is that it is much easier to create a good mix when all the tracks on the multi-track are captured in the best condition possible. Don’t fall into the snare of procrastination by cutting corners during the recording phase, telling yourself, “We’ll fix it in the mix.” Do the best job you can during the recording of the tracks, and you’ll have to do much less “repairing” during the mix—thereby allowing you to be much more creative with the mix itself.

There are several ways you can set up a mix. You can:

1. Begin with setting the levels and pans for the rhythm tracks, then setting the other tracks in relation to them.
2. Begin with setting the levels and pans for the lead and supporting tracks, then setting the rhythm tracks in relation to them.
3. Begin by putting all the tracks up at once, and reducing the number of tracks required in the final mix.

Supplemental Videos for Lesson 14

Lesson 14A

Lesson 14B

Studio Tip 14A

Studio Tip 14B

 

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