Mixer's role in the content of modern mixes

Renie · 12th August 2004

Dave

How far do you as a mixer influence the content of the track?

Do you get involved in the arrangements, the programming and the sound selection; adding, replacing samples?

Thanks

C.Lambrechts · 12th August 2004

I like to think that it's a very important role ... almost a 'make it or break it ' role in the process.

I find myself in situations ALL the time where I make decissions in the mixing stage that heavily influence the outcome of a track.

Can be anything from replacing sounds with samples to adding / modifying breaks with sound FX, or leaving stuff out .... thus directly or indirectly but definately influencing the arrangement.

It's how I like to work anyhow.

Dave Pensado · 13th August 2004

I ALWAYS "augment" the drums. Most producers don't have the facility to hear full spectrum, so I usually add sub to the kik, and maybe a sample with some knock (800-3k). Go right now and pinch the kik and snr from No Doubt's "Hella Good". They are great to add to other samples. I am known here for straightening out failed productions. So I am expected to do whatever it takes to "fix it". But about 1/2 the stuff I get is already pretty close. Every producer wants something different from me. Some want the demo, but slightly better, and some want me to replay everything. I don't think you can have a static approach, every song is different.

juniorhifikit · 13th August 2004

Dave, two questions:

1. Do you charge differently and get different points when you re-play/replace tons of tracks?

2. How much time do you give for these tasks? Knowing that you're very busy (and thanks for spending time with us), and that every situation is different; how long does it take for a re-build on a song?

OK 3 questions.

3. Do you do the rebuild at home in ProTools and then mix in the expensive room, or do the whole thing on the clock at the expensive room?

Damn! 4 questions:

4. Does the studio time come out of your budget, or do you just pass that along as a line item on your invoice to the label?

Sorry, and thanks.

juniorhifikit · 23rd August 2004

Just wanted to bump this near the top for when Dave comes back.

12th August 2004	#1
Renie Lives for gear Joined: Jun 2002 Location: London UK Posts: 1,777 Thread Starter	Mixer's role in the content of modern mixes Dave How far do you as a mixer influence the content of the track? Do you get involved in the arrangements, the programming and the sound selection; adding, replacing samples? Thanks

12th August 2004	#2
C.Lambrechts Lives for gear Joined: May 2002 Location: Ans (Liege) Belgium Posts: 3,286	I like to think that it's a very important role ... almost a 'make it or break it ' role in the process. I find myself in situations ALL the time where I make decissions in the mixing stage that heavily influence the outcome of a track. Can be anything from replacing sounds with samples to adding / modifying breaks with sound FX, or leaving stuff out .... thus directly or indirectly but definately influencing the arrangement. It's how I like to work anyhow. __________________ Chris Lambrechts

13th August 2004	#3
Dave Pensado Guest Moderator - September 08 Joined: Aug 2004 Location: los angeles Posts: 122	Yeah, Renie and CL I ALWAYS "augment" the drums. Most producers don't have the facility to hear full spectrum, so I usually add sub to the kik, and maybe a sample with some knock (800-3k). Go right now and pinch the kik and snr from No Doubt's "Hella Good". They are great to add to other samples. I am known here for straightening out failed productions. So I am expected to do whatever it takes to "fix it". But about 1/2 the stuff I get is already pretty close. Every producer wants something different from me. Some want the demo, but slightly better, and some want me to replay everything. I don't think you can have a static approach, every song is different.

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13th August 2004	#4
juniorhifikit Lives for gear Joined: Jun 2002 Location: Paris/SanFrancisco Posts: 1,274	Dave, two questions: 1. Do you charge differently and get different points when you re-play/replace tons of tracks? 2. How much time do you give for these tasks? Knowing that you're very busy (and thanks for spending time with us), and that every situation is different; how long does it take for a re-build on a song? OK 3 questions. 3. Do you do the rebuild at home in ProTools and then mix in the expensive room, or do the whole thing on the clock at the expensive room? Damn! 4 questions: 4. Does the studio time come out of your budget, or do you just pass that along as a line item on your invoice to the label? Sorry, and thanks.

23rd August 2004	#5
juniorhifikit Lives for gear Joined: Jun 2002 Location: Paris/SanFrancisco Posts: 1,274	Just wanted to bump this near the top for when Dave comes back.