show us how you mix


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filmusic
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Joined: 01/09/2010
Points: 210

i enjoyed seeing alan mix, i look for pointers..new ideas, new concepts, rules to be broken...etc

i think it would be valuable for folks here to share a mix session ..or two, in a similar fashion to what alan has shared

i'll suggest a modest single camera approach, with stereo audio being recorded in the sweetspot, and maybe a youtube link

i'm travelling for a month - but certainly would be willing to contribute when i touch down

the mixing segments are the most valuable segments for myself...an insiders fly-on-the-wall view of a painter realizing and sharing his craft...this approach is a drastically needed element in today's world of the mixer...who sufferers from technological isolation in his education

unlike alan, who learned his craft from masters, most of use are making music ourselves, and mixing in our own little isolated rooms, where is the mentorship in that - it doesn't exist

i want it - in fact, i require it to move forward

i'd like to see/hear more of the craft of mixing...from alan...the community here...and beyond

thoughts?

Cheers
Filmusic

studio139
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Points: 220
Mentoring

I agree,
it would be ideal to mentored by a seasoned pro like Alan,
although the rise of digital audio has made music more democratic,
much of what was good about the old school is being lost.
One thing was readily apparent in the Mixing session was
the individual tracks all sounded great before mixing began.
That might seem like an obvious starting point, but it much
more difficult to achieve than one might think.
I can testify to the fact that about 70% of the sessions I have done,
are thwarted by the musicians themselves, by poor performances,
bad habits, ( not tuning, not rehearsing, etc.) and commitment to
a part or a sound that does work well with the rest of the material.
I am not saying I am a great engineer and the musicians are bad,
but I am saying the more professional the musician, the better
my performance as an engineer.
Mixing is a totally different set of skills.
A good mix starts with good source material.
Generally I simply try not to get in the way of the material, but
when the basic tracks are lacking the job becomes one of damage control.
If I were producing I would simply start over with new sessions,
but most bands don't want someone else producing their material,
not at the Project Studio level at least. They want you to make
them sound good, even if they weren't willing to invest the time
and effort in order to sound good during the tracking session.
So sharing approaches to mixing might be helpful, bearing in mind that
the end product is really only as good as the source material.
I am all for a free exchange of information.

luken
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Joined: 12/24/2009
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Mentoring

Well said studio139.

A great mix starts with great performances!!!! And there is something to be said to listening to the engineers thoughts if no producer is present. It doesn't necessarily mean the band or performer has to agree, but having another set of ears is not a bad thing.
It also helps if the band or performer/singer/songwriter knows a little about the recording process and has a general understanding about the software being used by the studio. It makes for a better working discussion between the performer(s) and engineer.

assr
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How a good mix starts

You all make very good and valid points. Interestingly, in a recent Sound On Sound review, the reviewer almost seemed to criticize this Section because Alan did not seem to be using EQ and compression in the way that everyone does.

The Mixing Section, he said "bears little relation to most amateur recordings I’ve heard, where more EQ and dynamics control may be required. Clearly, the lesson is that you should get things near perfect while tracking."

This is true, and there are Sections on tracking and overdubbing all the instruments so you can see how Alan approaches that.

Certainly seems logical to have as good material as you possibly can before you mix and not, just because you can - nowadays more than ever - fix stuff in the mix so seemingly easily.

As any cook will tell you, the best approach is to use the best ingredients you can find and be cautious with seasoning as you go along. Not only does this help create the best balance (which is really what mixing it all about) it's extremely hard to fix food you've oversalted!

Alan is looking at doing some Training Day sessions later in 2011 and mixing certainly seems to one of the prime areas people want help with. Interest and thoughts on this duly noted. Thanks.