Mixing in Reaper
Chapter 1 : Introduction
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8:37 Introduction
Kenny 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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20:54 The Rough Mix
In 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.
Chapter 2 : Organize the Session
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4:13 Markers
In 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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3:45 Track Re-Naming
Continuing 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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4:24 Color Coding
In 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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5:43 Track Clean Up
Cleaning 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.
Chapter 3 : Groups, Busses and FX
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13:24 Folders
In 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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10:24 Master Buss FX
Watch 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.
Chapter 4 : Basic Vocal / Drum Mix
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15:47 Basic Vocal Sound
In 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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14:21 Basic Drum Mix
Next 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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7:41 The Overheads
Watch 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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6:17 The Room Mics
Kenny 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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16:22 The Kick Drum
As 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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14:03 The Snare Drum
In 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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8:48 The Tom Sound
Next, Kenny goes through and adjust the tom track using EQ and compression.
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7:18 Electronic Drums & Filter
In this video Kenny goes through and adjust the tom tracks using panning, EQ and compression.
Chapter 5 : Bass and Keys
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10:05 The Bass Guitar
Working 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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6:51 Bass Synths
In this video watch as Kenny adjust the Bass Synths to be more aggressive and to cut through the track.
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9:14 Synths
Next, Kenny adjust the other synths that make this song really sparkle.
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8:53 Piano & Massive Chords
In this video Kenny adjust the Piano and the Massive Chords synths that will lead this track.
Chapter 6 : Guitars
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14:38 Main Guitars
Kenny 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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7:38 Chorus Guitars
Watch 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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9:11 The Harmony Guitars
In 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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4:49 Bridge Guitars
Kenny now works on the Bridge Guitars to give them their own unique sound Massey’s Tape Saturation plugin is featured.
Chapter 7 : Final Vocal Mix
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7:25 Verse Vocal
Next 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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5:00 The Hook Vocals
In this video Kenny addresses the 'hook' vocals to really blend with the group vocals and really drive the song.
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7:01 The Chorus Vocal
At 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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6:31 The Distortion Vocal
Next Kenny attacks the distortion FX vocal by filtering it even further and adding manual panning FX using the Take Envelopes.
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9:35 The Background Vocals
By 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.
Chapter 8 : Automation and Final Mix
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6:08 Automating the Toms
In 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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9:05 The Final Mix
In 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.
Product Overview
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.
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Reviews
Submitted 3 months ago
Simple and straight to the point.
This is a helpful course for beginners and experienced as well. I have been using Reaper for years but going through this course revealed many useful tricks and ways that can be used inside it. It is also a very good course regarding the mixing topic in general.
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 7 months ago
Really well explained
Kenny Gioia explains things really well. He takes it at a slow pace which really helps the understanding and application of what he's doing. Really helps in getting the most out of Reaper although I would like it be updated to be based around the latest version of Reaper
I am a: Hobbyist, Musician, Cakewalk Sonar, Reaper
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 7 months ago
Amazing Course
All Kenny courses are amazing and this is no different. I learned so much watching this that I can't put into words. Thank you Kenny and than you groove3 for this amazing serie with a fair price.
I am a: Student, Hobbyist, Semi-Pro, Musician, Producer, Beat Maker, Audio Engineer, Sound Designer, Game Designer, Sound for Film/TV, FL Studio, Reaper
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 9 months ago
Great walk through.
Great walk through of the mixing process and how to use Reaper.
I am a: Hobbyist, Producer, Beat Maker, Audio Engineer, Sound Designer, Cubase, Studio One
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 9 months ago
Very Helpful
Excellent video! So many valuable things I've learned in this video series that I can incorporate into my sessions.I think Kenny is an incredible teacher, producer and engineer, it's an absolute pleasure learning from him.
I am a: Musician, Audio Engineer, Reaper
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 1 year ago
Fun to watch
Kenny's tutorials are fun to watch, he talks a mile a minute and covers a lot of info!
I am a: Hobbyist, Producer, Reaper
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 1 year 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
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 1 year ago
Clear and Precise Tutorial
Very well made tutorial for Reaper. Just brilliant. Well done Kenny.
I am a: Hobbyist, Reaper
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 2 years ago
Kenny Gioia as usual!
Very helpful, interesting, very understandable!
I am a: Hobbyist, Musician, Ableton Live, Reaper
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 2 years ago
Super helpful.
Kenny Gioia - I like his way of teaching.
I am a: Hobbyist, Musician, Producer
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Reviews
Submitted 3 months ago
Simple and straight to the point.
This is a helpful course for beginners and experienced as well. I have been using Reaper for years but going through this course revealed many useful tricks and ways that can be used inside it. It is also a very good course regarding the mixing topic in general.
Submitted 7 months ago
Really well explained
Kenny Gioia explains things really well. He takes it at a slow pace which really helps the understanding and application of what he's doing. Really helps in getting the most out of Reaper although I would like it be updated to be based around the latest version of Reaper
I am a: Hobbyist, Musician, Cakewalk Sonar, Reaper
Submitted 7 months ago
Amazing Course
All Kenny courses are amazing and this is no different. I learned so much watching this that I can't put into words. Thank you Kenny and than you groove3 for this amazing serie with a fair price.
I am a: Student, Hobbyist, Semi-Pro, Musician, Producer, Beat Maker, Audio Engineer, Sound Designer, Game Designer, Sound for Film/TV, FL Studio, Reaper
Submitted 9 months ago
Great walk through.
Great walk through of the mixing process and how to use Reaper.
I am a: Hobbyist, Producer, Beat Maker, Audio Engineer, Sound Designer, Cubase, Studio One
Submitted 9 months ago
Very Helpful
Excellent video! So many valuable things I've learned in this video series that I can incorporate into my sessions.I think Kenny is an incredible teacher, producer and engineer, it's an absolute pleasure learning from him.
I am a: Musician, Audio Engineer, Reaper
Submitted 1 year ago
Fun to watch
Kenny's tutorials are fun to watch, he talks a mile a minute and covers a lot of info!
I am a: Hobbyist, Producer, Reaper
Submitted 1 year 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 1 year ago
Clear and Precise Tutorial
Very well made tutorial for Reaper. Just brilliant. Well done Kenny.
I am a: Hobbyist, Reaper
Submitted 2 years ago
Kenny Gioia as usual!
Very helpful, interesting, very understandable!
I am a: Hobbyist, Musician, Ableton Live, Reaper
Submitted 2 years ago
Super helpful.
Kenny Gioia - I like his way of teaching.
I am a: Hobbyist, Musician, Producer
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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