Approaching a New Mix: Strategies and Techniques for Perfect Audio Balance

Music production is an intricate process that involves a multitude of steps, from recording to mixing. This article explores one music producer's approach to mixing a new song mix, focusing on the specific techniques and strategies used to achieve a balanced and professional-sounding track.

Recording and Mixing Process Overview

When approaching a new mix, the first step is to ensure that the recording is as clean and balanced as possible. This involves meticulous attention to detail in the recording stage, particularly with the drums. Volume, equalization, compression, panning, and position are all critical factors that need to be adjusted to perfection. Depending on the number of drum tracks, additional processing may be necessary to achieve the desired result. For example, sometimes only two stereo tracks are available, and the producer must carefully work with the existing material to ensure a balanced mix.

Techniques for Achieving a Balanced Mix

Importing and Setting Up the Mix:

To begin the mixing process, the audio files are imported into a template that has pre-set routing to provide a starting point. This template helps streamline the process and ensures consistency. A primary meter and a 1176 type compressor are added to the master track to gauge the starting point. Each individual track is then soloed to assess the volume clipping, typically aiming for around -14dB. For specific tracks like kicks, snare, and vocals, the peak levels can be slightly higher but maintained around -10dB or so. The goal is to have balanced faders at 0dB and a compressor with 3dB of gain reduction, unity makeup gain, and no volume change when bypassed. A few dB of headroom should be maintained on the master bus to accommodate any peak levels.

Initial EQ and Compressing:

The initial EQ adjustments involve the removal of low frequencies for drums and bass using a high pass filter. This step can prevent a muddiness in the mix while ensuring the warmth of the sound is preserved. EQ adjustments are relatively minimal at this stage, with further processing reserved until there is a balanced and solid foundation for the mix. Additional samples or layers may be added to the mix to enhance the overall sound. The producer will then start automatic processes such as volume and gain automation to refine the dynamics of the mix. As the producer cleans and polishes the track, subtle changes in volume and gain are implemented to enhance interplay between different elements and draw attention to the most impactful parts of the track.

Vocal Processing:

Vocal processing is a crucial aspect of mixing a track. The vocal track is often duplicated, and the duplicate is heavily compressed to provide an energy boost. This compressed track is then mixed in with the main vocal track to enhance the overall energy of the song. Volume automation is used to ensure that the last part of every line has a subtle energy boost, making the vocal lean forward. Consonants are reinforced by adding the compressed track to the vocal mix, ensuring that they stand out while the vocals are not excessively compressed. The idea is to strategically use compression and automation to highlight the vocals and create a cohesive and engaging mix.

Conclusion

Reaching perfection in mix production is a long and meticulous process that requires a keen ear and a well-defined set of techniques. By following these steps and techniques, producers can achieve a balanced and professionally sounding mix that captures the essence of the song. The key is in the details, and attention to each individual track can make a significant difference in the overall sound quality.

Keywords

audio mixing, drums mixing, vocal processing