The Secrets of Mixing - from John Vestman.
Vestman's "Secrets of Mixing" page is more a collection of tips than a mixing tutorial. He starts with advice to get yourself properly set up for mixing (like "organize your files," "allow extra time," and the ever-important "check reference CDs while mixing,") then moves onto compression and overall level:
Always record in the highest sampling rate possible in your DAW (allowing for realistic hard drive space - most projects don't go over 96k). Be sure that your stereo mix does not ever go into clipping (digital overs) when it is set at Unity Gain -0- Once you know you're not making any digital overs, remove your master fader - your mix will sound better!
Previously: The Big Page of Mix Tutorials
Tags: mixing, reference cd
4 comments
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February 28th, 2007 at 9:20 am
Josh Woodward
I disagree on the 96k+ business. I'd challenge any producer to try to A/B them in a blind test. 24 bit does make a noticible difference, but 96k is only useful if you're going to be doing pitch manipulation…
I do like the idea of separation mastering, though. It gives the mastering engineer more of a mixing role, but I've never been able to understand why everyone looks at mastering as a separate process. Applying anything but compression to the master bus is usually less effective than treating the problem at its source - in the multitrack mixing environment.
February 28th, 2007 at 11:49 am
Darren Landrum
It's funny, because I was about to ask whether separation mastering really is worthwhile. Well, I have one answer. ;-) Not that I have anything even close to the mastering stage (I'm still building a little studio), but it's always nice to learn all I can about every aspect of the process.
February 28th, 2007 at 8:07 pm
des
Actually Josh, I totally agree with you. I was surprised when I re-read that quote I grabbed, 'cause I could have sworn he said "use the highest bit rate" (which is a no-brainer.) I've done the blind tests, and I can't tell a meaningful difference between 44.1K and anything higher.
And ya, Darren, separation mastering is something to consider if you're still unsure of your mixing skills. I think I have some other related links here. I'll dig them up and post them.
February 28th, 2007 at 9:43 pm
Darren Landrum
Cool, thanks for the reply. I've heard stories about sending "stems" to mastering engineers, usually from old analog-head engineers, and usually told with much vitriol. I spend too much time at ProSoundWeb, methinks. ;-)