Contents
Acknowledgments xi
Introduction xiii
Symbols and formats used xvii
Part I Concepts and Practices 1
1 Music and mixing 3
Music – An extremely short introduction 3
The perfect mix 7
2 Some axioms and other gems 12
Louder perceived better 12
Percussives weigh less 14
Importance 15
Natural vs. artificial 16
3 Learning to mix 18
What makes a great mixing engineer? 18
Methods of learning 22
Mixing analysis 24
Reference tracks 25
4 The process of mixing 28
Mixing and the production chain 28
The mix as a composite 32
Where to start? 33
Deadlocks 39
Milestones 40
Finalizing and stabilizing the mix 41
5 Related issues 44
How long does it take? 44
Breaks 45
Using solos 45
Mono listening 46
Bouncing 48
Housekeeping 53
Mix edits 53
Mastering 55
6 Mixing domains and objectives 58
Mixing objectives 58
Frequency domain 60
vvi Contents
Level domain 64
Stereo domain 67
Depth 71
Part II Tools 75
7 Monitoring 77
How did we get here? 77
Choosing monitors 81
The room factor 84
Positioning monitors 88
8 Meters 93
Amplitude vs. level 93
Mechanical and bar meters 94
Peak meters 95
Average meters 95
Phase meters 98
9 Mixing consoles 99
Buses 100
Processors vs. effects 100
Basic signal flow 102
The importance of signal flow diagrams 108
Groups 117
In-line consoles 124
The monitor section 128
Solos 131
Correct gain structure 135
The digital console 137
10 Software mixers 140
Tracks and Mixer Strips 141
Routing 146
The internal architecture 149
11 Phase 163
What is phase? 163
Problems 165
Tricks 168
12 Faders 177
Types 177
Scales 179
Working with faders 181
13 Panning 184
How stereo works? 184
Pan controls 186
Types of tracks 194Contents vii
Panning techniques 198
Beyond pan pots 203
14 Equalizers 205
Applications 206
The frequency spectrum 209
Types and controls 214
In practice 232
Equalizing various instruments 249
15 Introduction to dynamic range processors 262
Dynamic range 262
Dynamics 264
Dynamic range processors in a nutshell 265
16 Compressors 270
The course of history 271
The sound of compressors 273
Principle of operation and core controls 274
Additional controls 287
Controls in practice 295
Applications 312
Tricks 322
More on compressors 327
17 Limiters 335
18 Gates 338
Controls 339
Applications 351
In practice 355
Tricks 358
19 Expanders 365
Controls 366
In practice 368
Upward expanders 371
20 Duckers 374
Operation and controls 374
Applications 377
21 Delays 380
Delay basics 380
Types 384
In practice 389
Applications 393
22 Other modulation tools 397
Vibrato 397
ADT 398viii Contents
Chorus 399
Flanging 401
Phasing 402
Tremolo 404
23 Reverbs 405
What is reverb? 405
Applications 405
Types 410
Reverb programs 418
Reverb properties and parameters 421
Reverbs and stereo 434
Other reverb types 437
Reverbs in practice 443
24 Distortion 451
Background 451
Distortion basics 451
Ways to generate distortion 454
Amp simulators 457
25 Drum triggering 460
Methods of drum triggering 461
26 Other tools 465
MS 465
Pitch shifters and harmonizers 470
Exciters and enhancers 471
Transient designers 473
27 Automation 475
Automation engines 476
The automation process 476
Automation alternatives 479
Control surfaces 480
Part III Sample Mixes 483
28 Hero (Rock) 485
Drums 486
Bass 491
Rhythm guitar 492
Distorted guitars 493
Lead guitar 495
Vocals 495
29 It’s temps Pt. II (Hip Hop/Urban/Grime) 499
Beat 499
Bass 502
Other tracks 503
Vocals 507Contents ix
30 Donna Pomini (Techno) 513
Ambiance reverb 513
Beat 514
Sound FX 519
Bass 520
Vocal 521
Other elements 521
31 The Hustle (DnB) 526
Ambiance reverb 527
Drums 527
Motif elements 532
Pads 535
Horns and brass 536
Risers 537
Strings 539
Appendix A Notes to frequencies chart 540
Appendix B Delay time chart 541
Index 551