I have an idea for mixing help

[spacefox]

Have you ever tried to teach someone to tune a guitar?

No, but someone tried to teach me - so I know what you mean.



@ Dr. Feelgood:

I believe the best solution for you is to post some of your mixes (use the music cafe). People are more likely to point you in the right direction if you give them something concrete to work with.

[tee boy]

Heres a few tips for you:

- Always cut out unwanted shite. For example, I always cut everything under 100-150Hz from most of my instrumental parts (except for the bass instruments). This can make a massive difference since it prevents unnecessary mix clutter.

- Dont try to add things with EQ that arent there to start with. If your hi hat has no hi, then change it or add another on top. If you kick has no bottom, stick a low synth kick below it (usually around 40-50Hz).

- Try to identify nasty resonances in the parts. Synth basses for example can have these and they need to be notched out for the bottom end to sounds right. Another example would be the horrible freqs between 280 - 300Hz in kick drums. If you kick is more boxy and needs more boom, then try atteuating around here.

- Dont think all engineers mix the same. There is no right way or wrong way, just do what sounds best for you.

- If you use much reverb, try EQing and compressing it to prevent it shiting up your mix. For example, side chaining drum verbs to the kick can work well and help the kick punch through clutter free.

- Dont be affraid to use as many tracks as necessary. Quite often pro tracks sounds so good because of the arrangement as much as the mix. Use of acoustic guitars, backing vocals, percussion, synths etc as padding can be essential.

Sorry, I cant post you any files (dont have a site at present). But try some of these things out in your mixes and they should make a difference. And rembmer, always listen to loads of good reference material first. And REALLY listen, get headphones and try to pick the mix apart in your head. Isolate the various freq ranges aswell as the back, mid and fore ground.

[MrM]

i think that could be a very helpful starting point getting to learn mixing.

what do you think?

I've not read all replies, so I'll just answer the quoted question:

Some weeks ago I decided to share a multitrack version of a short instrumental.
You, and others, are welcome to download the original wave files, mix it and share the settings.

The wave files are here:
http://www.archive.org/audio/audio-deta ... in-feb2005
The original thread is here:
http://community.sonikmatter.com/forums ... 22017&st=0

My page, with an example, is here:
http://members.home.nl/mistermouse/natmin/index.htm