Mixing is one of the most difficult things to get right in music production and
one of the most important. Every producer and engineer will approach a mix
differently and like many elements of music production, there are no right or
wrong ways to go. It’s your music and only you know how it should really
sound. A unique mixing and production style can go a long way towards
creating your own personal style or sound.
Download your FREE copy of Basic Mixing Method
By Shannon Coulter
©2007-2009 Laughing Geisha Press
Grab your FREE guide here! MusicLicensingGuide
FREE MIXING AND MASTERING LOGS
Yes you heard it right. We are giving away the same mixing and mastering logs that we use in the studio. Print them out, change them up…make it work for your recordings. These logs have become very useful for us.
We attach these logs to a clipboard while we are mixing (using the mixing log), writing down notes as we go. When we are ready to mix down, we then start the mastering process (using the master log). You will notice the master log is not as big. It shouldn’t be. Mastering is used for raise volume levels and make the song shiny.
When completed; we staple the logs, song lyrics and credits all together and file them.
Download our Mixing Log (PDF)
Download out Mastering Log (PDF)
THE BEST KEPT SECRET…
In this post I bring to you a most useful tool that you can use for all your recordings. It’s recording the recording. I know, you are reading this and wondering what I possibly might be talking about. What I mean by this is, recording a memo… verbally. You all ready have a mic at hand because you are mixing or mastering your songs, right? Take it a step further.
I have to tell you I often find it hard to write down a sound! A lot of times when I begin writing a song, I might hum the tune or scat the vocals. How in the world do I put that on paper? What if I am away from the studio, no guitar or drum kit in site. Dang…how do I get that tune in my head and into the studio when I am ready. It’s simple, record it! Take a verbal memo. Heck, most cell phones have recorders on it. Use it! Don’t let that song get away!
When you get back to the studio, just export that memo to your hard drive and you are ready to go.
Here some ideas:
These are just some thought, the options are endless.
Save yourself some time in the studio!!
TIPS AND TRICKS
MIXING
This is one of the easiest mixing tricks ever but we seem to forget it. The next time you get into the studio and you are mixing, try closing your eyes. Don’t look at the levels. Listen to the song from begining to end. Now take notes, which instruments sounded to loud? Which were to low? Did the vocals pop out in or do they sit in the mix. It may seem strange to take notes but it does help.
Next, listen the song again with your eyes closed after you have made the changes. What did you change? Did it fix it? Now follow up with your notes with the answers to the fix. Now you have a sheet that is your own FAQ facts sheet that you can apply to your other songs. No, not every song will be the same but you can use this as a starting point. It’s also a great way to learn and get a better mix!
