Mix Review with Bob Horn & Erik Reichers - Episode 2
Industry pro engineers, mixers and producers Bob Horn and Erik Reichers return with their second episode of Mix Review! Watch as they take a recordist’s non-pro mix and import it side by side into their DAW, and show you in-detail, how they would approach the mix in real-time, from start to finish. Get priceless tips and see where the improvements can be made and how to make them, creating a true professional, radio ready mix.
Videos
• Introduction (14:03) - Bob and Erik introduce the song "Indiana" and review the original mix by Brandon Guyton. They discuss some of the challenges faced with the tracked material and their strategies and direction of where they took the mix.
• Vocal Intro (00:59) - Get a quick overview of the "Indiana" vocal track.
• Vocal Pt. 1 (15:32) - Bob and Erik give a brief explanation of the Pro Tools layout, followed by the breakdown of the vocal FX chain Brandon used.
• Vocal Pt. 2 (15:28) - Bob now takes the lead and discusses the Echo Bar mixed vocal and shares some of his insight into treating airy vocals.
• Electric Guitar Intro (01:40) - The issues regarding the guitars performance and panning scheme are now outlined and alternative fixes are shown.
• Electric Guitar Pt. 1 (06:23) - Erik explains the electric guitar FX Chain and reveals the problematic resonance inherent to the recording.
• Electric Guitar Pt. 2 (14:50) - Now you?ll learn how to target resonant frequencies with a notch filter and discover some panning options for guitar.
• Acoustic Guitar Intro (01:43) - The guys talk about mic'ing techniques and narrowing the acoustic guitar image to open up space in the mix.
• Acoustic Guitar Pt. 1 (07:27) - Brandon's acoustic guitar treatment is deconstructed and compared in his mix.
• Acoustic Guitar Pt. 2 (09:44) - Bob shows us how to keep the acoustic guitar percussive and create a lush reverb treatment.
• Accordion Intro (01:08) - Watch and see how the accordion is approached by treating it as a synth pad.
• Accordion Pt. 1 (04:41) - The mix is starting to come together and Brandon's FX chain on his Accordion is reviewed.
• Accordion Pt. 2 (03:36) - Bob demonstrates how to treat the reeds of the accordion and create a space for the long sustain in the mix.
• Bass Guitar Intro (01:59) - Bob and Erik now focus on the bass part, revealing the part played, and what approach to take.
• Bass Guitar Pt. 1 (09:55) - Brandon's bass is separated and evaluated, and we see how he created a amp simulation.
• Bass Guitar Pt. 2 (09:37) - Bob shows how he warms up the bass guitar sound, improving it and better fitting in the mix.
• Cymbals Intro (02:31) - Bob and Erik now explain the unique mixing challenges of the rivet / swish cymbal.
• Cymbals Pt. 1 (07:05) - Erik showcases some interesting mic choices that Brandon used for his cymbals.
• Cymbals Pt. 2 (07:00) - Erik shows us how to get a large sounding cymbal and tame the brash frequencies.
• Violins Intro (01:22) - The guys now talk about the violins and the importance of their dynamics in this song.
• Violins Pt. 1 (13:18) - Take a look at what was given in Brandon's session and examine at his panning choices.
• Violins Pt. 2 (14:32) - The violins get eq'd and placed in the mix while Erik explains those strategic choices.
• Master Bus Intro (03:27) - The importance of gain staging is discussed and what Brandon achieved with his master bus FX Chain.
• Master Bus Pt. 1 (06:50) - Watch and see how Brandon got such a good level in his mix.
• Master Bust Pt. 2 (15:27) - Bob & Erik go over their master groups and the "Mastering" mind set that they apply to their mix.
• Outro (04:22) - Wrapping it all up, Bob and Erik do a final play through of the song.