Professional Quality Mixing

The mixing stage follows the recording process. This is the stage where effects such as reverb, delays, compression, EQ and etc... are added in order to create a more appealing stereo image. When the mix is complete the project's multiple tracks and effects are combined into a 2 track stereo file - typically a .wav file.

Pro Tools

• If you have a certain sound that you are after don't be afraid to communicate that with the engineer, the studio even recommends that you bring in the CD quality version of the audio you like for reference.

• Make reference CDs to audition in your car or another device during the mix. If you have headphones you like, bring them and plug into the studio's system.

• Mixing is the perfect time for making alternative versions of the audio. Examples would be the instrumental, acapella, instrumental with backgrounds versions of the audio. Just let the engineer know what you need.

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Common Mixing Terms

• Mixing - the blending of multiple tracks into a stereo image.

• Channel - typically a mono input into a mixing console which the audio track travels through and is manipulated from

• Tracks - individual audio files such as kick, snare, vocals, etc...

• Fader - a slider that generally controls the overall volume of the channel's audio

• Panning - allows for positioning of the signal between the left and right channels or stereo image

• Equalizers - a processor that manipulates the frequency range

• Compressors - a processor that manipulates the dynamic range

• Gates - a processor that is triggered by the audio signal of a track, when the audio is below a set threshold than the gate closes the channel so no audio passes through the channel. Used for removing excessive noise from the mix.

• Reverbs - the creation of multiple echos, typically so numerous the listener can't discern one echo from the next. The engineer can control the tail or how long the echos repeat before fading. The engineer is also able to control the delay of time between the dry audio and when the effected signal is heard.

• Delays - when mixed with dry audio the time of the audio is delayed enough to create a discrete echo. Even minor delays change the overall perception of a sound or create/expand a stereo image

• Bounce - that's the name Pro Tools gave the process of converting the mix into a 2 track stereo file, typically a studio will be creating a .wav file.

Emerald City Recording has been offering mixing services to record labels, independent artist and musicians since 1998. Past studio projects have ranged from virtually every genre of music including rock, alternative, pop, R&B, hip hop, punk, hard rock, metal, bluegrass, folk, country, Christian / gospel and etc... A professional environment, experienced recording service, and broad selection of microphones and outboard equipment have made it the preferred recording home for Tampa Bay musicians, composers, producers, record labels and independent artists. 

 

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