I want to start mixing music complete noob

[NeoHippy]

Well for remixing and techno the least thing you need is:

-Computer with enough power
-A DAW
-(if it should be fairly professional): A good interface/DAC for Monitoring
-Good monitors
-treated room

if you want to use a bass there are a couple of possibilities:

-either you need a bass+amp and a mic to record the amp.
+ an interface/ADC+ preamp to record it digitally in your DAW.

-or you could record the bass direct with a DI box and "digitaly amp" the signal
in your DAW.

hope this helped.

cheers

[ModernMixing]

- Computer
- interface. Hopefully a nice one with good pres and converters
- decent monitors, I wouldnt even stress about getting amazing monitors unless you want to be a great mix engineer
- definitely room treatment
- a DAW for sure
- some great great amp simulations
- and some great taste

Thats really it. I agree with a lot of the previous post too.

Good luck

[tommyminahan]

First off- you say you're a "complete noob".

Do you understand what a DAW is? do you know what an interface does?

These two posts above assume the best, but lets not jump to conclusions. Let us know what you are familiar with first- before we start throwing out advice!

[x_25]

Yes, the post above is asking the right question. Just how much of a noob are you? If you have no idea at all where to start some good books would be great. Something that explains the whole process. I will have to check my one book, but I think it goes through even the beginning steps of mixing. I will check when I get home tonight and report back.

[SFB]

check out the "getting started" thread over on Futureproducers.com

[Blackcat]

Originally Posted by tommyminahan

First off- you say you're a "complete noob".

Do you understand what a DAW is? do you know what an interface does?

These two posts above assume the best, but lets not jump to conclusions. Let us know what you are familiar with first- before we start throwing out advice!

All these replies are helping im a fast learner. I gather DAW is the software on the computer. I think its consists of various recordings sounds amps instruments and sound mixing abilities. Then if I wanted to connect a guitar it would be through a preamp. Im not sure what some of the other physical equipment is... Ive seen boxes with lots of dials and such and im not sure what treating a room means if I had to guess I would say sound proofing ?. If theres something I dont understand I usually look it up but if I cant find an answer that makes sense then I ask. So far this is really helping. Im getting a picture of what is involved and how it goes together. If were talking about a good setup for a beginner that wont break the bank but can be easily added too as a person progresses. What are a few names too look at ?

[NeoHippy]

Hi,

well if you want to record something into your DAW, you'll need a device that digitalizes your bass. You can either buy an interface. They have often pre-amps built in and digital and analog out/inputs. Or the more high end version would be to buy a single pre amp, which is connected to the input of a ADC (Analog-Digital-Converter). Those babies are often connected trough some kind of digital connection. (Aes-Ebu, Spdif, Adat...). So if you go for that, you'll need an digital interface which understands one of the mentioned digital formats. Often they are hooked up via PCi to your computer.

treating a room-->acoustic treating. alter your room with absorbers, diffusors and what not so the room is as "linear" as possible. Cause the monitors sound will be reflected from walls, floor/ceiling and objects in the room. Which causes a not wanted change in the sonic picture.(its pretty sophisticated to treat a room properly, if you want to get into that either read some books about it, hire a professional or take a deep look into the studio building/acoustics department here in GS)

A few names to look at?

well that really just depends on your budged but I'm going to throw some names at you:

Monitors low budged:

-HS series from yamaha
-KRK rokits
-Maudio monitors

medium:
-Genelec
-Dynaudio
-Adam

"high endish":
ATC
PMC
Klein&Hummel/Neumann
Geithain
harbeth
lipinski

Most mentioned manufacturers have a bigger range of speakers. So "my categorization" isnt completely correct. (adam&genelec for example has pretty high-endish speakers to, as well as dynaudio(just depends on the series/modell) , neumann has monitors I would put into the medium section and so on)

Interfaces/ADC/DAC:

low budged:
-Focusrite
-Maudio
-(Motu)

medium:
-Apogee
-RME
-(motu)

high endish:
-lynx
-Mytek
-Lavry
-Weiss
-SSL
-Burl

Microphones:
Shure
Audiotechnica
AKG
Neumann
Sennheiser
Rode
Blueberry
schoeps
electrovoice


Preamps:
API
Neve
SSL
Daking
chandler
A designs
Avalon

the listed brands are in no particular order.
And just to clear it up:

You can always buy something cheaper or more expensive. (My list is by FAR not complete)
hope I could help.

cheers

[Blackcat]

This is so cool thanks for all the help ! Im absorbing all this info like a fun sponge.
I didnt realize that between my dad and my girlfriend we have a lot of this equipment already kicking around I just didnt know what any of it was. For the monitors you mentioned are they a specific type for audio work or can I use a modern flat screen tv monitor ?

[Daniel Munro]

Originally Posted by Blackcat

For the monitors you mentioned are they a specific type for audio work or can I use a modern flat screen tv monitor ?

Monitors in this instance refers to speakers used for mixing music in a studio. Studio Monitors. Ultimately you'd like them to be as flat as possible across the bass, mid and high sound frequencies, while giving you a detailed and accurate representation of the sound you're mixing. This also entails treating your room with acoustic panels, bass traps and the like. Otherwise your room affects the sound and you don't get that desirable flat response. If you're on an extreme budget, mixing through headphones can be an option, you just have to be very aware of checking your mix's stereo field and balance on some decent speakers as you go.

[Blackcat]

Originally Posted by Daniel Munro

Monitors in this instance refers to speakers used for mixing music in a studio. Studio Monitors. Ultimately you'd like them to be as flat as possible across the bass, mid and high sound frequencies, while giving you a detailed and accurate representation of the sound you're mixing. This also entails treating your room with acoustic panels, bass traps and the like. Otherwise your room affects the sound and you don't get that desirable flat response. If you're on an extreme budget, mixing through headphones can be an option, you just have to be very aware of checking your mix's stereo field and balance on some decent speakers as you go.

Haha right on thanks! *beats head on wall* I cant believe I got that mixed up lol
I'm going to start with headphones and probably move to something like HS80's for monitors. The room I have is small about 10x10 i'm working on the how too's of treatment for this room.

[siddharth]

If you're looking at headphones, check out the Audio Technica ATH-M50! I just bought a pair and I think they're pretty fantastic.

And if you're looking at a cost effective interface, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 could be a great starting point.

[Blackcat]

Originally Posted by siddharth

If you're looking at headphones, check out the Audio Technica ATH-M50! I just bought a pair and I think they're pretty fantastic.

And if you're looking at a cost effective interface, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 could be a great starting point.

I am looking for both. That's perfect ill check those right now thanks !

[Daniel Munro]

I second the ATH M50s. Great cans for the price.