Mixing Rock

Chapter 1 : Introduction

• 10:14

  Introduction

  An introduction to the mixing tutorial. Also includes preparing files for a mixer, or what to request from your producers or tracking engineers using differing DAWs. Tempos and tempo changes are also addressed along with setting up main outputs and busses for creating a quick rough mix. All tracks in the song are also briefly reviewed followed by the song being played in its entirety.

Chapter 2 : Organize the Session

• 2:41

  Markers

  In this tutorial we begin to organize the session 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.

• 27:53

  Track Naming

  Continuing with organizing the session, we go thru track by track and re-name each track for clarity and based on what the track is actually playing.

• 3:03

  Color Coding

  In addition to renaming tracks, most modern DAWs allow us to Color Code the tracks. In this tutorial, we go through track by track and Color Code tracks based on their instrument and how easily it is to spot them in a complicated session.

• 22:47

  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 a DAW.

• 6:47

  Re-Ordering Tracks

  Finally we put the tracks in the most logical order to speed up the amount of time it takes to find a specific track and make further adjustments. We also Lock our audio so that it can't be accidentally shifted during the mixing process.

Chapter 3 : Groups, Busses and FX

• 4:35

  VCA Groups / Busses

  In this video we set up groups and busses to combine similar tracks to allow us to control things as sub groups and masters. Such as volume rides or muting and soloing specific groups to speed up the mixing process.

• 9:49

  FX Returns

  In this tutorial we set up FX Returns for things like Reverb and Delay to use DSP more efficiently and to make it easier to use sends for FX when sharing the same presets. Vocal Reverb using Redline Reverb by 112dB, Drum Reverb using Waves IR-1 and creating Ping Pong Delays are all discussed.

• 9:35

  Mix Bus Compression

  In this video we go thru 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 : Technical Issues

• 14:11

  Timing Fixes

  At this point we address some other non-mixing related issues that still affect the overall sound of our mix. Using Elastic Audio (in Pro Tools) we adjust the timing of our drum tracks and percussion.

• 7:30

  Tuning Fixes

  We also address some tuning issues in our song. Using Auto-Tune, we adjust the tuning of our lead vocal using Graphic Mode for pitch correction in real-time.

Chapter 5 : Basic Vocal / Drum Mix

• 12:30

  Basic Vocal Sound

  In this video we begin to actually mix the song. We start 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 us to build the rest of the song around the vocal, rather than the other way around. EQ, compression thanks to Softube's FET compressor, reverb and delay are all applied.

• 12:56

  Basic Drum Mix

  Next we start 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.

• 9:04

  Overheads & Hi-Hat

  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 our kit and build around it. EQ, compression (Massey's CT-4) and reverb are applied.

• 10:13

  Room Mics

  In this tutorial we dig in to the room micas on the kit and see how big and distant we can actually make the drums sound. In addition to EQ and compression, we use the Sonnex Oxford Transient Designer to re-shape the drum mics.

• 12:46

  The 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.

• 13:18

  The Snare Drum

  In this video we address the Snare drum and see how much crack we can create from it by using EQ, compression and Sonnex's Transient Designer. We also add a few samples to bring out some extra character in the snare.

• 5:38

  The Tom Sound

  In this tutorial we go through and adjust the tom track using EQ and compression.

• 10:40

  Parallel Compression

  One of the tricks to creating a great drum track is to use parallel compression. It's also called 'NY Compression', which is when you buss the drums to 2 different stereo busses and compress one of them quite heavily and mix it in to taste. We make use of the Big Blue Compressor plugin by 112dB to create this powerful effect.

• 9:32

  Snare / Tamb Overdub

  In this video we work on the snare overdub track along with the tambourine parts.

Chapter 6 : Bass and Keys

• 19:01

  Bass Guitar

  Working with bass guitar tracks can be especially tricky. In this video we divide the bass into 4 tracks to create different sounds to be blended together in the mix. Using the SansAmp plug-in and the Bass Amp Room plug-in by Softube gives us a few extra possibilities to create a well balanced low end to the song.

• 13:59

  Wurlitzer & Organ

  In this video we adjust the Wurlitzer and the organ to cut through the track.

Chapter 7 : Guitars

• 8:36

  Main Guitar

  In this tutorial we adjust the main guitar to find a place in the panning field and cut through what is soon to be a dense mix. We make use of the Tube Tech EQ plug-in by Softube to give this guitar some much needed grit.

• 6:29

  High Guitar

  In this video we adjust the high guitar to find a place in the panning field and cut through. Adding reverb and delay to make it even more ethereal. We also make use of the Tube Tech EQ plug-in by Softube to give this guitar some much needed grit.

• 9:22

  Chorus Guitar

  In this video we adjust the chorus guitar to find it's space in the mix.

• 8:48

  Heavy Guitars

  The heavy guitars are meant to add just a little extra weight in the song, and we show how to achieve this without clouding up our sonic space.

• 9:54

  Tremolo Guitars

  At this point we adjust our verse pretty guitar to have a tremolo effect to create more interest in the verse. Sound Toys Tremolo plug-in is featured.

• 7:26

  Riff & Octave Guitars

  Next we adjust the riff and octave guitars to find their place around the vocal in the more open verses.

• 10:57

  Pick & Chicka Guitars

  Finishing up our guitars are the pick and "chick" guitars. Compression and EQ are used to allow these to cut through without getting in the way.

Chapter 8 : Piano and Mutes

• 7:43

  The Piano

  In this video we adjust the piano to give it more top end without making it sound unnatural. The Toneluxe Tilt by Softube does an excellent job of creating a different type of EQ plug-in. Massey's CT4 compressor plug-in is also used to contain the sound.

• 6:05

  Mute Sections

  Part of any good mix is taking out things that are just getting in the way or are just not that important. We go through and mute some of these non-essential parts to free up some sonic space.

Chapter 9 : Final Vocal Mix

• 17:23

  The Lead Vocal

  At this point we're ready to really nail the lead vocal sound. We finalize 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.

• 8:37

  Vocal Harmonies

  By using EQ, compression and reverb we find a nice place for our vocal harmonies to sit. De-Essing is also applied.

• 7:06

  Octave Vocals

  By using EQ, compression and reverb we find a nice place for our octave harmonies to sit. De-Essing is also applied.

• 17:40

  Background Vocals

  In this video we use a trick to bring out the top end or breathiness in the vocals. By using parallel processing we create a super bright compressed version of our background vocals and mix them in with original to create a wall of prettiness that envelops our mix.

Chapter 10 : Automation and Final Mix

• 23:41

  Automation

  In this video we discuss how automation can create motion, dynamics and interest in an otherwise flat mix. By working section by section, rather than track by track, we can really focus in and make each part of the song special.

• 6:26

  The Final Mix

  In this last video we discuss when a mix is finally completed, when to use loudness plug-ins on our reference mixes and finally play the finished mix from beginning to end.