When I visit websites that feature original music by independent musicians I usually hear good song ideas that are poorly mixed. I usually hear about 30 seconds and I’m off to the next song because I can’t stand the sound of the mix. Most of the time the vocals and the drums are buried. These to me are the most important part of the mix.
When I begin a to mix a song I like to start with the drums and the bass. Then I begin to layer in the other instruments through the stereo pan field. I tweak volumes and EQ until I can hear every thing in it’s own space throughout the stereo field. I like to bring in the vocals last. They need to lay right on top of the mix. A light compression and, or, limiter is used to level out the over all sound of the vocal. I use effects such as delay and reverb but I don’t like to use so much that you can hear the actual sound of the effects unit. I believe that when effects are used correctly on vocals the sound is very natural. Also, I try to wait until the end to add effects.
When the vocalist is singing the vocalist should be heard over all else. Drums and bass carry the tune. It is the vehicle that makes the song go. They should be clearly present at all times. Not over baring. Very present and clear. That doesn’t mean loud. Supporting instruments should be in the background. Clearly heard. Crystal clear.
I find that when I follow these principles I come out with a very clear mix, almost transparent. It takes quite a bit of practice. There is nothing wrong with starting over a few times. Sometimes you can work yourself into a corner that you can’t fix. Many times on a song I will scrap a mix and just begin again. You have to know what you are after when you begin a mix. I usually have a sound in mind and I am working toward that end.
When I first began to take mixing seriously I would play my favorite Cd through the system I was mixing through. Then I would try to get as close to that sound as I could. With each time you mix a song you get better and quicker. Quicker is not necessarily what you are working for but it helps. Before you know it you will be able to get to your sound, that sound you like, with ease.
I like on screen mixing with the computer because of the automation features. You can set pans and volumes to change at certain points in your song. This is very useful in creating your final mix. Before this ability was available I would have to memorize or write down places where I would have to increase or decrease volumes at certain points of the song. There were probably easier ways to do this but, I was just starting to learn.
Most digital mixing boards come with all of these capabilities now, including built in effects programs.
Using these principles will help you create a mix you can be proud of. If you are just starting to learn remember, drums and bass move the song and must be heard and, there is no point in having a vocalist if he or she can’t be heard. Get your vocals out front. In fact any instrument or vocalist that is being featured at the time should be out front.
Let me know if this help anyone out.
