How do you approach your mix?

blayz2002 · 8th September 2005

Seeing as we got some real pro's here..and I'm trying to get in that space can you throw some light on your approach to a mix.

I know most will start with the drums,

Me ....As my snares tend to be the most dynamic element in my mixes I get that leveled first. Then the kik. now depending on the track I might at this point bring in the vox and get a basic level. (I like to do vox's befor hats sometimes, if I feel the hats should lead or support the rap flow)..

Next would be bass, lead or stabs get get the energy going, which ever sound is the driver aftter the drums. Once the tracks got some bounce/flavour or a good feel..I'll one by one bring in all the support sounds.

I usually loop the Verses and then the Chorus and check them for levels and how they are flowing into each other and then probably adjust something.

Once all the sounds are in, I then listen for the direction...what needs cutting/boosting, needs processing or would be enhanced by an effect. (does anyone add effects/processing befor getting the track balanced?)

After that, depending on the track..I'm looking to get that killer sound/feel...i.e what's gonna make this track really jump out the speakers..I'll try and find sweet spots in frequencys, compression and so on till you can really feel the track.

I then may leave it till the next day befor I commit to 2 track strereo...Ps...my mixing is all done in the box, I then bounce to 2 track. I keep nothing on my 2 bus.

Methlab · 9th September 2005

I do about the same except I always start with my kick, then go to snare. Once the tracks are all in, I start cutting lows out of everything up to about 80hz to free up space for the bass and kick.

then its just a matter of EQing which is different for every beat.

only other thing I do different is put a Rencomp on the 2bus many times (not always).

CBatts · 9th September 2005

You can also try running your mix thru a GML 8200 EQ.Then print directly to 1/2"
or 1" analog tape at 30ips.You won't be sorry !

Carlton Batts stike

8th September 2005	#1
blayz2002 Lives for gear Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: London UK Posts: 884 Thread Starter	How do you approach your mix? Seeing as we got some real pro's here..and I'm trying to get in that space can you throw some light on your approach to a mix. I know most will start with the drums, Me ....As my snares tend to be the most dynamic element in my mixes I get that leveled first. Then the kik. now depending on the track I might at this point bring in the vox and get a basic level. (I like to do vox's befor hats sometimes, if I feel the hats should lead or support the rap flow).. Next would be bass, lead or stabs get get the energy going, which ever sound is the driver aftter the drums. Once the tracks got some bounce/flavour or a good feel..I'll one by one bring in all the support sounds. I usually loop the Verses and then the Chorus and check them for levels and how they are flowing into each other and then probably adjust something. Once all the sounds are in, I then listen for the direction...what needs cutting/boosting, needs processing or would be enhanced by an effect. (does anyone add effects/processing befor getting the track balanced?) After that, depending on the track..I'm looking to get that killer sound/feel...i.e what's gonna make this track really jump out the speakers..I'll try and find sweet spots in frequencys, compression and so on till you can really feel the track. I then may leave it till the next day befor I commit to 2 track strereo...Ps...my mixing is all done in the box, I then bounce to 2 track. I keep nothing on my 2 bus. __________________ "This is what I love about mixing though ...it's never the same twice"!

9th September 2005	#3
CBatts Gear interested Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: California Posts: 4	Secrets to Phatness You can also try running your mix thru a GML 8200 EQ.Then print directly to 1/2" or 1" analog tape at 30ips.You won't be sorry ! Carlton Batts stike

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9th September 2005	#2
Methlab Lives for gear Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Orlando Posts: 3,642	I do about the same except I always start with my kick, then go to snare. Once the tracks are all in, I start cutting lows out of everything up to about 80hz to free up space for the bass and kick. then its just a matter of EQing which is different for every beat. only other thing I do different is put a Rencomp on the 2bus many times (not always).