Mixing in Reaper
Introduction
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Tutorial 1
Introduction
8:37Kenny runs through all the tracks and procedures for how you're going to go about mixing the song and what specific methods he'll be using in the tutorial. All tracks in the song are also briefly reviewed followed by the song being played in its entirety.
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Tutorial 2
The Rough Mix
20:54In this video, Kenny shows the benefit of making a quick rough mix to get an idea of what will be needed in the mixing process. Kenny also re-orders the tracks to maximize efficiency.
Organize the Session
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Tutorial 3
Markers
4:13In this tutorial Kenny begins to organize the project for the purpose of mixing more efficiently. Using Markers to label the sections of the song makes locating much easier. Adding colors to Markers is also addressed.
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Tutorial 4
Track Re-Naming
3:45Continuing with organizing the session, Kenny goes through track by track and re-names each track for clarity and based on what the track is actually playing.
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Tutorial 5
Color Coding
4:24In addition to renaming tracks, Reaper allows you to Color Code the tracks. In this tutorial, Kenny goes through track by track and Color Code tracks based on their instrument and how easily it is to spot them in a complicated session.
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Tutorial 6
Track Clean Up
5:43Cleaning up the tracks is an important part of mixing. Getting rid of extraneous and unwanted noise can really speed up the mixing process by allowing you to focus on just what the mix will be and avoid distractions in the later listening phase. Keeping regions to their correct size, will also speed up the visual part of mixing in Reaper.
Groups, Busses and FX
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Tutorial 7
Folders
13:24In this video Kenny sets up Folders to combine similar tracks to allow us to control things as sub groups and masters. Such as volume rides or muting and soloing or adding FX to specific groups to speed up the mixing process.
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Tutorial 8
Master Buss FX
10:24Watch as Kenny goes through adding compressors and other effects to the mix buss to give it an overall polished sound and to make the mix sound more cohesive. Also addressed is pre-master buss metering to avoid overloading and unwanted distortion.
Basic Vocal / Drum Mix
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Tutorial 9
Basic Vocal Sound
15:47In this video Kenny begins to actually mix the song. He starts the mixing process by adjusting the lead vocal, getting a basic vocal sound. It's not the final sound, but it's really close and it allows him to build the rest of the song around the vocal, rather than the other way around. EQ, compression, reverb and delay are all applied.
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Tutorial 10
Basic Drum Mix
14:21Next Kenny starts to get a good drum balance to get a feel for what each track needs to do and what effects should be applied to create that effect.
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Tutorial 11
The Overheads
7:41Watch as Kenny begins getting the overall drum sound from our overhead mics. The goal is to make this the sound or centerpiece of our kit and build around it. EQ, compression (Massey's CT-4) and Impulse Response reverb are applied.
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Tutorial 12
The Room Mics
6:17Kenny now digs into the room mics on the kit and shows how big and distant you can actually make the drums sound. In addition Kenny adds EQ and compression to re-shape the drum mics.
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Tutorial 13
The Kick Drum
16:22As you begin to zero in on the close mics on the kit, notice how much presence and thump can be applied by adding Samples to the kick drum. Not only do you add Samples to enhance the sound but we also find quick ways to make those triggers sample accurate.
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Tutorial 14
The Snare Drum
14:03In this video, watch as Kenny addresses the Snare drum and see how much crack can be created from it by using EQ, and compression. We also add a sample to bring out some extra character in the snare.
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Tutorial 15
The Tom Sound
8:48Next, Kenny goes through and adjust the tom track using EQ and compression.
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Tutorial 16
Electronic Drums & Filter
7:18In this video Kenny goes through and adjust the tom tracks using panning, EQ and compression.
Bass and Keys
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Tutorial 17
The Bass Guitar
10:05Working with bass guitar tracks can be especially tricky. In this video Kenny divides the bass into 3 tracks to create different sounds to be blended together in the mix. Using a distortion plug-in and the Bass Amp Room plug-in by Softube gives a few extra possibilities to create a well balanced low end to the song.
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Tutorial 18
Bass Synths
6:51In this video watch as Kenny adjust the Bass Synths to be more aggressive and to cut through the track.
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Tutorial 19
Synths
9:14Next, Kenny adjust the other synths that make this song really sparkle.
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Tutorial 20
Piano & Massive Chords
8:53In this video Kenny adjust the Piano and the Massive Chords synths that will lead this track.
Guitars
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Tutorial 21
Main Guitars
14:38Kenny now adjust the main guitars to find a place in the panning field and cut through what is soon to be a dense mix. He makes use of compression and EQ to give this guitar some much needed grit. We also blend the real amp tracks with plugins to get the best of both worlds.
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Tutorial 22
Chorus Guitars
7:38Watch as Kenny adjust the high guitars in the choruses to find a place in the panning field and cut through. You will also begin to tweak the arrangement so that all the parts have an interesting entrance.
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Tutorial 23
The Harmony Guitars
9:11In this video Kenny adjust the Harmony guitars to find their space in the mix. These tracks also contain the guitar solo which will be featured in the song along with panning FX.
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Tutorial 24
Bridge Guitars
4:49Kenny now works on the Bridge Guitars to give them their own unique sound Massey’s Tape Saturation plugin is featured.
Final Vocal Mix
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Tutorial 25
Verse Vocal
7:25Next we’re ready to finalize the lead local sound. Although we opt for a more lo-fi approach in the verses. Using distortion and EQ and automating extra FX.
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Tutorial 26
The Hook Vocals
5:00In this video Kenny addresses the 'hook' vocals to really blend with the group vocals and really drive the song.
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Tutorial 27
The Chorus Vocal
7:01At this point we're ready to really nail the lead vocal sound. Kenny finalizes it using some EQ notching, more compression and still more top end EQ. We also dig in using a manual approach to De-essing that involves volume riding gain riding for a more natural effect using the pre-FX envelope. Custom Actions are used for the process.
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Tutorial 28
The Distortion Vocal
6:31Next Kenny attacks the distortion FX vocal by filtering it even further and adding manual panning FX using the Take Envelopes.
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Tutorial 29
The Background Vocals
9:35By using EQ, compression and reverb we find a nice place for our vocal harmonies to sit. We also split the chorus harmonies from the pre-chorus ones to really tweak each one based on their parts.
Automation and Final Mix
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Tutorial 30
Automating the Toms
6:08In this video we start by adding the cymbal overdubs to really make them sound exciting. Kenny then moves on to automating the Toms to just be louder when they’re being played. Custom Actions are used for the process.
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Tutorial 31
The Final Mix
9:05In this last video, we re-visit the Master Buss FX and talk about using an EQ to find broad issues with the mix, when to use loudness plug-ins on our reference mixes and finally play the finished mix.
Multi-Platinum Engineer and Producer Kenny Gioia is back with an in-depth series on mixing in Reaper! This collection allows you watch a pro as he takes a multi-tracked production and mixes it from the ground up, from beginning to end. If you use Reaper and want to see how a professional mixer crafts a mix, this series is a must see.
Kenny starts off the series with an overview of all the tracks used in the song. Next, after doing a quick rough mix of the song to get an idea of what will be needed, Kenny organizes the project with the use of markers, color coding and the renaming of tracks. After the organization, Kenny gets down to business on all the vocals, drums, bass, synths, keys & rest of the tracks and goes through each one meticulously, getting the best possible sound with the use of EQs, compressors and more.
If you use Reaper for your productions and want to see how a veteran producer / engineer sculpts his mix from beginning to end, this is the product for you. Unleash the power of Reaper on your mix... Get "Mixing in Reaper" today.
Reviews
Submitted 2 days ago
Respect
I have a lot of respect for Kenny Gioia due to the tremendous amount of free YouTube tutorials he has put out about Reaper - Reaper Mania. We cant all afford the luxury of buying tutorials, that being said, my subscription to Groove3 came courtesy of iZotope. and apart from their own software instruction of RX6, I was able to watch this set by Kenny. I wasn't disappointed, as these videos show the same attention to detail as his YouTube ones. His choice of music was cool and I didn't find myself reluctant to return because I hated the music. The arrangement was interesting enough for Kenny to show us how he approached the mix, which I thought was brilliantly minimalist, yet sophisticated enough to enhance. I don't think this is a beginners course because there are steps missing, so probably aimed at intermediate users. one thing is for certain, Reaper owe Kenny Gioia some serious kudos for showing us the real power of the program. Reaper is fast becoming a contender for the Pro-Tools crown.
I am a: Student, Producer, Audio Engineer, Cakewalk Sonar, Reaper
Submitted 5 months ago
Clear and Precise Tutorial
Very well made tutorial for Reaper. Just brilliant. Well done Kenny.
I am a: Hobbyist, Reaper
Submitted 6 months ago
Kenny Gioia as usual!
Very helpful, interesting, very understandable!
I am a: Hobbyist, Musician, Ableton Live, Reaper
Submitted 8 months ago
Super helpful.
Kenny Gioia - I like his way of teaching.
I am a: Hobbyist, Musician, Producer
Submitted 9 months ago
Fantastic, as usual
Another Fantastic tutorial by Kenny. Looking over the shoulder of a master and following along while running Reaper at the same time is a great way to learn. I find that having two monitors is almost a must while doing this. My only, ah, complaint, is that it's for Reaper 4 and recorded in 4:3 aspect ratio. I'm not dinging the tutorial in any way for this but it would be nice to get a Reaper 5 edition in 720p or 1080p.
I am a: Hobbyist, Semi-Pro, Audio Engineer, Sound Designer, Reaper
Submitted 9 months ago
Great, As Usual
Kenny never makes a bad tutorial.
Submitted 1 year ago
Very Helpful!
Great mixing tips and workflow, plus Reaper training.
Submitted 1 year ago
Very Helpful very informative
Very very detailed a lot of step by step information
Submitted 2 years ago
Watching over the shoulder of a master at work!
Kenny's an excellent teacher who demonstrates not only his complete mastery of reaper, but breaks it down so lucidly that you can make it yours and know you're with him every step of the way. I find myself pausing the video and repeating the functions he's demonstrating quite a bit, because he covers a lot of complex material quickly and otherwise you might miss a step.
I am a: Musician, Hobbyist
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 videoMixing 101 - Mix Session from Hell
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!
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