Mixing & Mastering with Digital Minds
Mixing Lesson 1
Mixing & Mastering are both complex processes that take time to learn and to master completely (pardon the pun). Although having analog equipment does help to create a warmer and thicker sound. Us bedroom producers can go about making professional quality tracks whilst still in our pyjamas.
Lesson one is focusing on essential minor adjustments to the files, prior to starting mixing, and also subtractive EQ.
Step 1 – Organisation
Organise and colour code all of your files. Some examples of groups could be Drums/Vocals/Bass/Leads etc. Then sort out the bussing. This is the process of routing say all of the drum parts to one bus channel found in your mixer window. This will then be used for general balancing/a glue effect using a Compressor and somewhere to route the parallel compression too (all will be explained later down the line).
Step 2 – Pops & Clicks
For most electronic music, this step will not apply. However if you have recorded vocals or other parts then you will need to check for pops, clicks, and noise. Deal with them accordingly. Use tools such as waves X noise or Izotopes RX. You can also use the gain and scissors tool within your current DAW however this may only remove the clicks and pops when there isn't much going on. Once you have done this then you can go onto the last step in setting up your mix.
Step 3 – Levelling Files
It is important to try and feed a Compressor a steady volume. To do this, Automate the gain knob and turn up or down parts that sound louder or quieter. For example in a vocal take some words may be a tad louder. Doing this manually and feeding a Compressor a level signal can lead to a better mix. "You don't always have to do this."
Subtractive EQ
Subtractive EQ is one of the most important steps in creating a clean mix. Removing muddy, harsh, and unwanted frequencies creates space for the other instruments. Leading to a balanced professional mix.
There are no rules with music and likewise with mixing. However with subtractive EQ there are a couple of tips and tricks. For example removing around 300Hz in a Kick Drum can lead to more emphasis on the bass end and on the top end. In some EQs such as Logic's Channel EQ and Fab Filters Pro Q2 (my go too EQ) you can create sharp peaks allowing you to sweep through and search for harsh unwanted frequencies. Removing these will help to shape the sound.
One tip that you should use on all channels is a low-pass filter. Move it up to where you can hear it making a tiny difference. Then take it back a tad. This way it creates space for the bass and kick to groove allowing the track to come alive.
Use subtractive EQ before additive. Especially when solving mixing issues. For example both the bass and kick aren't working together. Instead of boosting the top end of the kick to drive it through. Try removing an area in the kick where the bass is prominent. Or the opposite (removing 100Hz from the bass to allow the punch of the kick to come through).
This is just a taster of things to come. There will be more in depth posts coming soon if this post does well.
Drop me a message on Instagram if you have any questions. I will write the answers in a question and answer format in coming posts
See you soon,
Digital Minds
Mixing & Mastering Engineer
Releases – Universal/Astralwerks
About the Creator
James Cherry
Electronic music producer with a passion for the industry I work in.
Releases - Universal/Astralwerks
Mixing Engineer
Mastering Engineer
Producer/Remixer
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