Mixing 101 - Mix Session from Hell
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1:47 Introduction
Kenny welcomes you and introduces you to the video tutorials. You'll run through all the tracks and procedures for how you're going to go about mixing the song and what specific methods you'll be using in the tutorial. All tracks in the song are also briefly reviewed, followed by the song being played as a before and after.
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11:04 Track Management
In this video, we break the tracks down into sections and Re-order them, add Color and give them useful names that can be spotted in a much quicker way.
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16:22 Rough Mix with Markers & Tempo
Kenny now shows the benefit of making a quick rough mix to get an idea of what will be needed in the final mixing process. He also adds Markers for each song section and finds the correct song tempo.
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11:18 Clean-Up, Clip Gain & Split Mono
Going further into the pre-mixing process, watch Kenny clean up tracks where music isn't playing, add gain to tracks with low levels, and split stereo and mono tracks into their most useful form.
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14:18 Master Buss FX
In this video, Kenny sets up a master buss track and adds FX and plug-ins that are most useful in this application.
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16:28 Basic Vocal Sound
As we dig in and start the actual mixing process, we start by getting a basic vocal sound that can be built around, in the rest of the mixing flow, as we always consider this most important aspect of the final mix.
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18:14 Guitar Amp Sims
Many of the tracks are just a DI or direct injection signal straight from the guitar, so together you'll sculpt the best guitar tones for this specific track.
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14:17 Basic Drum Sound - Ride Mic
As we move on to the drums, see how to quickly get an overall drum sound without getting lost into every specific instrument in the kit.
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6:49 The Drum Overheads
In this video we begin getting the overall drum sound from our overhead mics. The goal is to make this the sound or centerpiece of your kit and build around it. EQ, compression, reverb are also applied.
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7:37 The Room Mics
In this tutorial you'll dig in to the room mics on the kit and see how big and distant we can actually make the drums sound. In addition, we add EQ and compression to re-shape the drum mics.
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16:03 Kick Drum
As we begin to zero in on the close mics on the kit, we notice how much presence and thump can be applied by adding samples to the kick drum. Not only do we add Samples to enhance the sound but we also find quick ways to make those triggers sample accurate.
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9:40 Snare Drum Pt. 1
In this video we address the Snare drum and see how much crack we can create from it by using EQ and compression.
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10:26 Snare Drum Pt. 2
In this video, Kenny continues with the snare mix and adds a sample to create some extra character in the snare.
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8:19 Drum Reverb
Next we focus on getting the right room treatment for the drums by adding Reverb and making just the right preset for this song.
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9:38 The Toms
In this tutorial we go through and adjust the tom track using EQ and compression.
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4:57 The Ride Cymbal
In this video, Kenny focuses in on the ride cymbal to make sure it too cuts thru the track.
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9:46 Drum Buss EQ & Parallel Compression
In this video we go thru and add a parallel compression buss and then add EQ and compression effects to really create an aggressive drum sound.
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17:29 The Bass Sound
Next we dig into the bass sound. See how to use multiple sub-mixes, VCAs and effects to create that modern Bass Sound.
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11:59 The Guitars Pt. 1
Moving on to the guitars, we now start to blend these into the mix finding the perfect place for them regarding panning and a bit more edgy EQ.
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16:29 The Guitars Pt. 2
Kenny continues working on the guitars utilizing different plug-ins and techniques to get that polishes pro sound.
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6:45 Acoustic Guitars
In this video, Kenny checks out the acoustic guitars in the song which come in a bit later, but do play an important part in creating dynamics in the overall arrangement.
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7:51 Lead Vocals & Clip Gain
Next we come back to the vocals and start to fine tune the level of each phrase in each lyric. This makes things easier down the line, but also makes each word sit at the right volume along with getting the right amount of compression.
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5:03 Lead Vocals / EQ & Compression
As we start to dig in deeper to the vocals, we can now add some final EQ and compression to really make the vocal pop out in the mix.
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10:13 Lead Vocals & De-Essing
As a final step, we can now De-Ess the vocal so that those high frequencies don't jump out in an un-natural way. Also see how to create a tighter more polished vocal treatment.
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3:55 Bridge Vocal FX
Next we check out the bridge vocal which has some similarities to the lead vocal but also needs to be treated in its own special way.
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4:44 Background Vox
In this video, Kenny works on the background vocals and how to find a unique supporting place for them while adding EQ, compression, reverb and delays.
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14:44 Dividing Tracks & Panning
In this tutorial, we go back to separating tracks into useful groups and sub-groups, and finding spatial left and right panning for each section. Automation and dynamics are also used.
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11:13 Automation Pt. 1
As a Final step to tying the whole Mix together, Kenny breaks out automation and really digs in and rides every instrument that needs finessing on a section by section basis.
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7:46 Automation Pt. 2
Kenny finalizes all his automation choices and dials in just the right moves to add movement and excitement to the mix.
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3:41 Final Mix
In this last tutorial, we play the whole song from beginning to end, highlighting the changes in each section. Enjoy!
Product Overview
Platinum producer / engineer Kenny Gioia now reveals a day in the life of a mix engineer, mixing a song from beginning to end, and how to handle all the common problems you'll encounter on your way to that perfect mix. You even get the session files so you can mix along in your DAW and see and hear the results in real-time!
Kenny covers it all, from an intro to the song you'll be mixing together, setting up to mix, cleaning tracks, rough mixes, buss effects, getting the perfect vocal sound, crafting killing guitars, drums, bass and so much more. There's also dedicated videos on dividing tracks, panning and automation, that will make your mixes stand out from the rest.
See the individual tutorial descriptions below for more info. If you're ready to see how to make pro mixes of your songs and productions, watch "Mixing 101 - Mix Session from Hell" now!
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Reviews
Submitted 4 months ago
Great!
It's well named, The Mix Session From Hell, as it was pretty hellish. But as always, Kenny guides you through it all and by the end sounds fantastic. It's a bit tricky, but I stuck with it, and along the way learned so so much. Thanks!
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 6 months ago
Very good. Learning a lot
It has helped me to understand mixing in a new way. But Kenny could talk more slowly because as not native English language talker it is bit hard for me to follow very fast talking.
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 1 year ago
very good
very good.
I am a: Student, Producer, Pro Tools
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 1 year ago
I want some more
Kenny you're the best. I love your explanations, your way of thinking a mix and all the little tip & tricks you share. Thanks a lot and hope to see soon something new; I hope something about production next time. Roberto
I am a: Semi-Pro, Musician, Producer, Audio Engineer, Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Reason
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 1 year ago
Pro Tools Signal Flow Explained®
I’m very grateful for what Kenny Gioia has taught me. He has demystified Signal flow in Pro Tools and helped me understand with great depth how to route signals not jus in Pro Tools but I can apply the knowledge/ concepts learned when working from other Daws ???? Having come from Adobe Audition where I never utilized Busses,Sends, real time effects etc; Pro Tools was very daunting to me! But with studying Kenny Gioia’s video tutorials that has changed. It’s now joy working in Pro Tools. Thank you Kenny!
I am a: Hobbyist, Professional, Producer, Beat Maker, Audio Engineer, Sound Designer, Mastering Facility, Sound for Film/TV, Pro Tools
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 2 years ago
Kenny rules
I've watched three of Kenny's mixing tutorials now, and yet he's still so amazingly easy to listen to, and I still learn so much
I am a: Semi-Pro, Musician, Producer, Audio Engineer, Sound Designer, Mastering Facility, Sound for Film/TV, Pro Tools
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 2 years ago
Great!
Typical Kenny Gioia: Efficient explanations, clear, understandable, no bla bla! Thank you for this great tutorial!
I am a: Hobbyist, Musician, Ableton Live, Reaper
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 3 years ago
Great session!
Thoroughly enjord the breakdown of the parts and why each change was made.
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 3 years ago
Amazing mixing tutorial!
Another excellent mixing tutorial by Kenny Giogia.
I am a: Student, Musician, Reaper
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 3 years ago
Absolutely fantastic!
This tutorial is very in-depth, easy and pleasant to follow. Generally, all of Gioia's tutorials are very good, but this one has everything: tips on phase, panning, EQ-ing, compression, vocals, delay, reverb so that the 5 hours of this course will pass quite quickly and pleasantly while learning a lot.
I am a: Hobbyist, Producer, Ableton Live
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Reviews
Submitted 4 months ago
Great!
It's well named, The Mix Session From Hell, as it was pretty hellish. But as always, Kenny guides you through it all and by the end sounds fantastic. It's a bit tricky, but I stuck with it, and along the way learned so so much. Thanks!
Submitted 6 months ago
Very good. Learning a lot
It has helped me to understand mixing in a new way. But Kenny could talk more slowly because as not native English language talker it is bit hard for me to follow very fast talking.
Submitted 1 year ago
very good
very good.
I am a: Student, Producer, Pro Tools
Submitted 1 year ago
I want some more
Kenny you're the best. I love your explanations, your way of thinking a mix and all the little tip & tricks you share. Thanks a lot and hope to see soon something new; I hope something about production next time. Roberto
I am a: Semi-Pro, Musician, Producer, Audio Engineer, Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Reason
Submitted 1 year ago
Pro Tools Signal Flow Explained®
I’m very grateful for what Kenny Gioia has taught me. He has demystified Signal flow in Pro Tools and helped me understand with great depth how to route signals not jus in Pro Tools but I can apply the knowledge/ concepts learned when working from other Daws ???? Having come from Adobe Audition where I never utilized Busses,Sends, real time effects etc; Pro Tools was very daunting to me! But with studying Kenny Gioia’s video tutorials that has changed. It’s now joy working in Pro Tools. Thank you Kenny!
I am a: Hobbyist, Professional, Producer, Beat Maker, Audio Engineer, Sound Designer, Mastering Facility, Sound for Film/TV, Pro Tools
Submitted 2 years ago
Kenny rules
I've watched three of Kenny's mixing tutorials now, and yet he's still so amazingly easy to listen to, and I still learn so much
I am a: Semi-Pro, Musician, Producer, Audio Engineer, Sound Designer, Mastering Facility, Sound for Film/TV, Pro Tools
Submitted 2 years ago
Great!
Typical Kenny Gioia: Efficient explanations, clear, understandable, no bla bla! Thank you for this great tutorial!
I am a: Hobbyist, Musician, Ableton Live, Reaper
Submitted 3 years ago
Great session!
Thoroughly enjord the breakdown of the parts and why each change was made.
Submitted 3 years ago
Amazing mixing tutorial!
Another excellent mixing tutorial by Kenny Giogia.
I am a: Student, Musician, Reaper
Submitted 3 years ago
Absolutely fantastic!
This tutorial is very in-depth, easy and pleasant to follow. Generally, all of Gioia's tutorials are very good, but this one has everything: tips on phase, panning, EQ-ing, compression, vocals, delay, reverb so that the 5 hours of this course will pass quite quickly and pleasantly while learning a lot.
I am a: Hobbyist, Producer, Ableton Live
1. When did you start dabbling in music?
I've played an instrument since I was 10. Drums and Trumpet. I'm 40 now. I can play a little bit of any instrument. Master of none. Rock bands most of my life.
2. What training have you had?
I was taught trumpet classically from grade school up until I graduated high school. I went to Five Towns College for engineering and learned that you can't just learn this stuff from school. I did graduate though.
3. When did you get into recording?
I've been recording since I was 15. Two cassette players wired to a Radio Shack mixer. Eventually I got an 8 track reel to reel by Fostex. I've used just about every DAW and I started using them before they even recorded audio. Vision and Performer were just MIDI sequencers at the time. Before they became Studio Vision and Digital Performer. I got studio jobs because I knew computer MIDI and most studios didn't. I eventually moved up to Sound Tools which was two track. Then Pro Tools made a Audio Media III card which let you have 4 inputs. Gradually I moved up from there with Pro Tools D24, Pro Tools Mix to HD.
4. People you have worked with/for?
Marcy Playground
Mandy Moore
LFO
Willa Ford
Lee Ann Womack
Paulina Rubio
Hall & Oates
Bayside
Head Automatica
Cute is What We Aim For
FTSK
and many more...
5. Why are you so good at training people?
Hmmm. My Mom always said "Self Praise Stinks". I think it's because I have no ability to talk like a professional announcer, or plan out my teachings. So I teach as if you were sitting next to me. Pretty much off the cuff. I think that engages people more. We're so used to hearing everything done so properly and planned out with unnecessary explanations and proper wording that the brain will actually ignore most of it. Your brain tunes it out like you're back at your desk at school. But if the teacher grabbed you aside and just explained it to you, I believe you'd get more out of it. That is what I try to do.
Products by Kenny
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tutorial videoCompressors Explained
Kenny Gioia is back, this time giving you the history and application of all the famous Compressors ever made, as well as their modern day plug-in equivalents! Now you’ll know exactly what Compressor to pick for your tracks and how to use them. This series is long overdue!
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tutorial videoDelay Explained
The Delay effect is one of the oldest effects to be used on recordings, and there are many different types and ways to apply it. Multi-Platinum mixer / producer extraordinaire Kenny Gioia returns with a must have series for anyone recording, mixing, engineering or producing music. See how delay can be used to make tracks bigger, wider and just cooler! Learn the important fundamentals and advanced techniques of delay, and you'll find yourself using delay smarter and more creatively.
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tutorial videoEventide UltraChannel Explained
Multi-Platinum Engineer / Mixer Kenny Gioia brings you the definitive series on Eventide's amazing UltraChannel Strip plug-in. Follow along with Kenny as he breaks down all the Features and Functions while showing you What the Plug-In Can Do on Different Sources. He also reveals all the Effects, so you'll know just what to do with them on Your Songs and Productions.
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tutorial videoFirst Song with REAPER
Platinum producer / engineer Kenny Gioia takes you step by step on how to make your first song in Cockos REAPER. From nothing to something awesome, Kenny gets you going with REAPER easily and quickly. You also get the Reaper session and audio files that Kenny uses, so you can follow along.
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tutorial videoLoop Based Production Explained
Studio guru Kenny Gioia delivers a loop based production video tutorial series! If you're new to producing with loops, Kenny will show you how to produce a full track from scratch using only loops and basic DAW plug-ins. The loops used in the videos are also included so you can follow along with your DAW. This series is perfect for those who are just starting out producing beats and tracks.
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