Mixing seems to mean different things to different people. We asked Grammy wining mixer, and founder of the Mix Consultancy Dom Morley, to unpack the subject of mixing and explain the anatomy of a mix.
Whether it’s for a different perspective on the mix, or for foldback on the studio floor the humble headphone is a mighty studio staple. With choices ever evolving, here we round up our current favourite cans in 2024 for any occasion…
Everyone likes familiarity, but sometimes engineers find themselves on unfamiliar ground in a new DAW. Whether you’re working on location or have decided it’s time for a change, here we talk about the things that really matter to get the job done.
Whether it’s for managing recording disasters or supercharging existing sounds, replacing or layering up drum sounds is yet another DAW technique that keeps on giving. Here we round up reasons to fly in new sounds and some ways to do it.
In this article Steve DeMott shares some advice he gives to almost every mix he consults on. Do you recognise any of these from your mixes?
Now in its second decade, Harrison’s Mixbus sets out to bring the American console manufacturer’s sound and workflow into the box. Here we give an overview of Mixbus 10 and its new features, get some user opinion, and some background from the people behind it.
Loudspeaker correction for studio monitoring is nothing new, but affordable hardware to bend speakers’ sounds into shape certainly is. ARC Studio promises the ‘magic box’ experience but does it deliver? We take a listen.
In this article Julian highlights a video in which Bob Clearmountain shared his methods and approach when remixing recordings of The Band from 1968. The simple approach belies the cutting edge technology used to separate the material on the multitrack.
LiquidSonics make a number of audio plugin reverbs for realistic rooms. We take a look at using their modern take on classic reverb hardware for drums, and why two of its controls especially could make it a secret weapon for drum ambiences to inspire.
Although most DAWs have their own way of bypassing chains of audio plugins for decision-making, none do what is really needed for meaningful choices: loudness and delay-compensated monitoring. We check out one tool that can do it all…
Blackmagic Design has announced DaVinci Resolve 19 with over 100 new features, including some impressive tools for audio in the Fairlight section. We have the details.
In this article, with help from some of the Expert contributors, Julian discusses the desire for the analogue experience when mixing in software and some of the preferred ways of getting the analogue experience in software.
Many engineers will have been faced with snare drum recordings that are far from ideal. Whether it’s a self-recorded session from the artist, or a time-poor studio recording, here Luke shows some fast go-to methods to revive snare drums’ sounds, using what’s already there.
Whether you’re basking in the first signs of spring, or looking forward to darker nights in front of the fire, March brought a number of happenings to mark the changing of the seasons. With a number of software gems as well as a call to protect mixes’ quality, here are our favourites…
Roomy drum sounds are a great way to place kit sounds back a little, but pushing close mics up in the mix to get a balance can spoil the effect. Luckily there’s a way to infuse them with room character. See and hear one way to do it for yourself in this video.
Some engineers swear by throwing as much information at recorded audio as possible. Others are happy to trust the science at lower rates to bottle everything that can be heard. UK audio guru Dan Worrall has recently shared his own thoughts in his video The Perennial Sample Rate Dilemma.
What are the most common pitfalls facing self producing artists? What can be done to avoid them? And if you are that mix engineer taking on a self produced project, what can you do when faced with some of these most common pitfalls?
Known for their legendary studio hardware, some of SSL’s best known creations might live outside the box, but the announcement of MODULE8 promises to bolster the company’s expanding line of virtual devices with a brand new multi effects audio plugin. We put it to the Experts to get their verdict.
With two well-regarded intelligent fixers already under their belt, oeksound have now turned their attention to something different with distinctly artistic leanings. Here we put Bloom to the Experts for them to deliver their verdicts...
As sounds go, apart from the voice, the snare drum is one of those things that can help tell you whether you’re listening to Sinatra or James Brown. Its recorded presence has changed enormously through different eras. Here we take a look at the sounds behind the music.
Knowing when or when not to reach for the compressor is just as important as knowing how to dial in the best settings. Here in our guide we explore some of the common pitfalls engineers must navigate to get the best out of their gear.
Following up on our recent round-up of primo Dolby Atmos-enabled effects for music and media production, we take a look at some of the less overtly ‘exciting’ software utilities that are essential for getting the immersive job done.
With corrective therapies already under their belt, oeksound have now turned their expertise towards more creative tonal shaping. So what does Bloom do and how does it sound? See and hear it for yourself as we take our first look.
A recent client request to complete the mix on the console which had been used for tracking made Steve DeMott realise that while he was giving up many useful things his DAW enabled him to do he found he gained at least as much as much as he lost.
Guitar amp simulators are one marvel in the DAW that some cannot live without. Some guitar heavy productions will always need to move some air, but others rely on virtual amplification. Here we round up some of our favourite ways to turn the realism up to 11…
SSL’s UC1 hardware was created to control the company’s audio plugin channels strips. Answering many users’ requests, now hands-on control awaits any third party VST3 audio plugin. We get up-close to see how 360 Link can supercharge the UC1 in more ways than one.
Engineers are being bombarded with information along the lines of “STOP DOING THIS”… Whether you’re a new engineer or just fancy a fresh perspective, here we flip that to talk about some positive techniques to get the mix most of the way there.
With all ears on the song’s vocal, using compression can be used to control levels, but also to shape voices creatively. Here we show you different ways to use two stages of processing to get the sound.
With 2024 in full swing, many engineers will be looking out their window (hopefully) to see the joys of spring or autumn. Back inside, what new things landed at the blog to improve the view? Read on to find out as we round up our February favourites…
This detailed video created by friend of the blog Alex Solano shows his template structure which features a method for creating a workaround using folder tracks and routing to allow a conventional stereo-style bus processing workflow. Alex’s template also offers a straightforward method for incorporating hardware processing and easy monitoring of re-renders and references.
Ensuring that dialogue is clear and audible is one of the most fundamental aspects of any film or TV mix and one thing to consider in achieving this is the interaction of the dialogue with reverb. In this useful article and video, Paul Maunder demonstrates how to use ducking to improve the clarity of reverberated dialogue.
Why would you need Andrew Scheps’ Bounce Factory if you work in post? There are multiple possible answers to this, Paul Maunder considers some of them.
We first asked this question in 2016, then again in 2018 and now in 2021. In this article, we compare the results from the three polls and see how the profile of Pro Tools users has changed over the last five years.
Want to learn how to mix music in Dolby Atmos? In this free expert tutorial, Matt Lange walks you through, in detail, how he mixes a track in Dolby Atmos. He has made the Pro Tools Session available for you to download for free. Don’t worry if you don’t have Pro Tools Ultimate or the Dolby Atmos Production Suite because there is a free 30-day trial bundle available as well.
In this article, we will help you establish a checklist of what you will need and what you will be getting from the picture editor. And yes, new lingo will be introduced with the likes of OMF, AAF, BITC (TCBi), and much more.
This series of articles is written for the aspiring mix-to-pix mixer coming from the music mixing background (P.A. or CD). Tips and tricks will be given to help you get a hold with the ins-and-outs of audio post-production workflows. The tools are roughly the same, but their use has a slightly different interpretation than in the “music world”. In this second installment, we continue taking one of your most elaborate music mixing sessions and turning it into a film mixing session, looking at what files you will need to deliver, dipped or undipped stems, LtRt or LoRo and a detailed look at the dialogue section of the template.
This series of articles is written for the aspiring mix-to-pix mixer coming from the music mixing background. During these articles, tips and tricks will be given to help you get a hold with the ins-and-outs of audio post-production workflows. In this article, you will be taking one of your most elaborate music mixing sessions and turning it into a film mixing session.
I’m sure most of us found half speed playback before we knew it was a Pro Tools feature. For many it’s just one of those things in Pro Tools you only get reminded of by accident but it can be really useful. Julian explains.
In the first of a series of articles aimed at music mixers who are learning about post production we examine what EQ can and just as importantly cannot do.
Using guitar pedals with your DAW is a great way to add some different textures to your mix. There are a few reasons for this, sometimes it is a down to the sound but often it is more down to being able to physically interact with the pedal- to essentially ‘play the pedal’. Plus, it can be a lot of fun. James Richmond looks at how to incorporate pedals into Pro Tools and shares his favourite pedals for use in mixes.
What happens to parameter automation when you Alt+drag a plug-in or a send to a different track? What about if you have Automation Follows Edit switched off while doing this?
In a world exclusive, Post Production Expert Alan Sallabank, who has been beta testing the new Avid S1 control surface, together with the new Avid Control app, now available on iOS, Android and Amazon Fire, from prototype to production pilot, shares his experiences and observations in this very special review.
In this article we explore four different ways you can use to process the dynamics of your lead vocals. Each of these approaches can be used individually on a lead vocal track, you could also blend several of these together to produce great sounding vocals in your next mix.
With the release of Pro Tools 2019.6, as well as fixing a number of bugs including an issue Avid uncovered where interruptions in internet connectivity can cause Pro Tools First, Pro Tools, and Pro Tools Ultimate to delete local (offline) Projects, Avid has now made their analog saturation HEAT supported for use with Pro Tools Standard users as well as Pro Tools Ultimate users. But what is HEAT and how can you use it? We have answers…
In this extended free video tutorial we show you how to mix live multitrack drums in Pro Tools using four of FabFilter’s finest plug-ins, Pro-Q3, Pro-C2, Pro-G & Saturn. Watch to learn how to mix kick drums, snares, hi hats, toms and overhead mics in the context of a busy drum mix and to learn how to use bleed to your advantage in certain situations.
In this free video extract from pureMix Jacquire King demonstrates the effect and importance of polarity between bass instruments in a mix. In this tutorial series on pureMix Jacquire mixes James Bay’s “Let It Go”.
In this free video extract from pureMix Chris Lord Alge shares his approach to organising Pro Tools sessions prior to beginning a mix. See how he organises his sessions purely visually, saving his ears for the mix.
Predelay - an overlooked parameter available in nearly every reverb. From our friends at pureMix Fab Dupont looks at predelay, What it is, why it was created and why you would use it.
New from our friends at pureMix Fab Dupont demonstrates all the ways an SSL bus compressor can improve your 2 bus. Watch and hear as Fab uses different settings to create different sounds using different attack and release times in conjunction with the mix control and the side chain filter to rein in the dynamics, accentuate transients or introduce density to the mix.
New from our friends at pureMix Fab Dupont mixes jazz. For this particular mix, Fab chose to mix this outside of the box, on his Neve 54 series console, using his favourite outboard gear to craft the tracks and create a cohesive and style appropriate mix.
In this free video tutorial series (part 3 of 3), brought to you with the support of Waves, we show you how to process a mixbus using a range of Waves plug-ins. When delivering first mixes to clients I often reach for mixbus processing to help enhance my initial creative mix ideas to help the artist/client gain an understanding of where the mix is going. This broad brush approach is quick, easy and affective.
In this free video tutorial series (part 2 of 3), brought to you with the support of Waves, we show you how to process a mixbus using a range of Waves plug-ins. When delivering first mixes to clients I often reach for mixbus processing to help enhance my initial creative mix ideas to help the artist/client gain an understanding of where the mix is going. This broad brush approach is quick, easy and affective.
In this pureMix.net exclusive, CLA comes off of his SSL 4K and works in the box. Those who study his work, know that Chris Lord-Alge is a champion of the famous SSL 4K console. He has mixed thousands of songs in the analog domain and amassed a literal wall of Grammys in his studio, Mix LA. See a preview of his approach in this free video extract.
In this free video tutorial series, brought to you with the support of Waves, we show you how to process a mixbus using a range of Waves plug-ins. When delivering first mixes to clients I often reach for mixbus processing to help enhance my initial creative mix ideas to help the artist/client gain an understanding of where the mix is going. This broad brush approach is quick, easy and affective.
In the final video in this series of 4 we show you how you can use a selection of Waves Artist series plug-ins quickly and effectively on backing vocals and lead vocal tracks.
In the 3rd video in a series of 4 we show you how to quickly find the perfect electric guitar tone using Waves GTR, how to add stereo interest using Waves PS22 and how to add subtle slap echoes using Kramer Tape.
In the second video in a series of 4 we show you how you can quickly add depth and realism to DI bass guitar tracks using Waves GTR.
In the first of a series of 4 videos we show you how to address some typical issues that can occur in multi-track drum mixing using Waves plug-ins in Pro Tools.
Avid has been a little quiet on releasing the next version of Pro Tools. We have been looking at the Pro Tools Ideascale and chatting amongst the Pro Tools Expert team about what features we would like to see in the next release of Pro Tools. What features are you looking for?
Back in June 2016, we asked you to tell us what kind of Pro Tools user you are and it was clear there were more professionals working at home. Two years later we asked you the same question and we can now compare the results of the poll we took in 2016 and the poll we took in 2018.
When recording and mixing vocals, the more consistent the performance, the better the song. But a great vocal track or vocal stack doesn't always start that way. For example, background vocals, (aka BGVs) can be especially challenging because of the number of tracks in the mix which can often multiply your problems. This free tutorial will outline five workflows you can use to refine your background vocals and make them all-star contributors to a great mix.
In this exclusive Production Expert Video Review we take a look at Zynaptiq's new mixing and mastering processing plug-in INTENSITY and decide if it's any good.
T-Racks 5 is the latest version of IK Multimedia's popular plug-in suite. It features a wealth of great sounding EQs, dynamics and effects. The latest version of T-Racks 5 debuted a new standalone mastering application along with four new modules. We take a look at Master Match, which automatically matches the sound of the songs you are mastering with up to three source tracks used as reference tracks, it's very good.
The new Softube MM-1 plug-in is based on the Weiss DS1-MK3, a very popular digital dynamics unit that can be found in many mastering studios across the world
The MM-1 plug-in is a "slimmed down" version of the original DS1-MK3 hardware that Softube claims features exactly the same algorithms from within the original hardware.
In this review, Production Expert takes a look at some of the new features and improvements in Pro-L 2. In this video, we test some of the new limited styles, the new 1:1 output feature and more. We use Pro-L 2 to apply limiting to the master track of a song using the new LUFS loudness meters.
In this Pro Tools Expert review video, we take a look at Ozone 8 by iZotope, claimed to be the smartest version of Ozone yet. We test a handful of new features including the new Master Assitant which isn't too dissimilar to the Track Assistant we first saw in iZotope Neutron 1.
In this video for Pro Tools Expert, Technical Editor James Ivey takes a look at the new Virtual Tube Collection (VTC) by Slate Digital. Steven at the team at Slate have collected together some of the finest valve (Tube) gear and worked there magic to create 3 very subtle but very useful additions to the Slate Virtual Mix Rack (VMR) family.
Pro Tools Expert team member Peter Barter takes a look at v2 of the Oxford Limiter from Sonnox. After running through the GUI and some of its new features you can also hear some examples of how loud this updated classic and very musical sounding plug-in can take your tracks.
Focus claims to perform best in mastering applications providing users with a mastering industry psychoacoustics secrets weapon. Sadly, the marketing that surrounds Focus does not go into much detail about the secret weapon.
Russ takes a look and listen to the new Abbey Road Vinyl plugin from Waves.
Designed with Abbey Road Studios, this plugin faithfully captures every stage of the vinyl production and playback process: You can choose between the sound of a pure acetate (lacquer) cut or the print master vinyl pressing from the factory, play the records on two distinct turntable types with a choice of three classic cartridges and even add the EMI TG12410 mastering console on the path into the vinyl lathe.
In this video review Pro Tools Expert team member Dan Cooper takes a look at a very clever metering plug-in called LEVELS by Mastering The Mix.
In this video review Pro Tools Expert team member Dan Cooper takes a look at The Wall, a new brick wall limiter plug-in by Boz Digital Labs.
This brilliant FREE plugin from Nugen Audio is designed to help you compare two different plug-in or two completely different process chains.
In this video review Dan takes a look at the new Drawmer S73 Intelligent Mastering Processor plug-in by Softube.
Hear how it performs on a small selection of tracks and to find out why Dan has awarded it with a Pro Tools Expert Editors Choice Award.
In this review Dan takes a look at MIYO by H2 Design. MIYO is a portable mastering grade external USB headphone amp. Watch the video to learn what it's all about and to find out what Dan thinks.
To find out more please visit:
https://gomiyo.com/
In this video Dan reviews and tests IK Multimedia's new Stealth Limiter from their T Rack CS collection. Hear for yourself how it performs as Dan tests its abilities in increasing the level on 4 different songs.
Russ from ProTools Expert takes a look and listen to the new Eiosis AIR EQ from Fabrice Gabriel. He gives a full show and tell of the features and some of the things he likes about it. Is it just another EQ plug-in or is there something special about this EQ? Find out by watching this extended review.
Russ takes a look at the new Massenburg DesignWorks® MDWEQ5 Parametric Equalizer Plug In For The UAD Platform.
Described as "A unique, ultra-powerful EQ, the Massenburg DesignWorks MDWEQ5 plug-in for UAD-2 and Apollo interfaces provides crystal clear processing at the highest resolutions. The MDWEQ5 plug-in is accurate, precise, and ear-tuned by the man who invented the term, “parametric EQ,” George Massenburg."
See it in action and find out what Russ thinks of it.
In this show and tell video Mike takes a tour around the brand new Visualizer 2 from Nugen Audio. Watch and see what he finds and how it could help you visualize your audio.
iZotope claim "iZotope's audio mastering software, Ozone 6, makes it easier than ever to master your audio simply and efficiently in one elegant standalone application." In this video review Russ takes a look at the iZotope Ozone 6 Mastering Plug-in. He takes a look at the new features in Ozone 6 Advanced and also gives his thoughts on those features.
Russ takes a look at the latest addition in the Avid Pro Series range of plug-ins for Pro Tools. The new Avid Pro Series Multiband Dynamics. It has a couple of tricks up its sleeve, watch the video to find out what they are and see what Russ thinks.
Neil takes an extended look at MeterPlugs and Ian Shepherd's Perception plugin. A tool for level matching and A/B monitoring content during the Mastering process of audio.
Mike takes you on a tour of the new MasterCheck plug-in from Nugen Audio to help you deliver content in this new loudness normalised world including on line services like iTunes Radio and Spotify. Watch and find out what the hidden feature is and why he has warded MasterCheck Editors Choice.
Russ takes a look at new UAD Dangerous Bax Eq, aimed at those who want to use precise EQ to add that something extra special either in mix, mastering or even on individual tracks. This video looks at the extra Mid/Side option which is offered with the plug-in and is used on a final mix to add punch, definition and space.
Mike takes a tour around the Zplane PPMulator XL plug-in Pro Tools and finds it a versatile cost effective metering plug-in with options for both loudness and his beloved BBC PPM as well as a number of other options.
Russ takes a look at thew new U-He Satin tape emulation plug-in that offers tape emulation and much more - well worth checking out.
Russ takes a look and listen to the new McDSP AE400 Eq and gives his impression. Thanks to Nathan Osbourne and 'Everything But The Bass' for the cool track.
The DrMS Spatial Processor fall into the category of There Is Nothing Else Like It and its developer Mathew Lane has developed the whole idea of MS processing to another level. In this Show & Tell Review Mike takes a tour of this unique plug-in and finds out what it can do.
Russ takes a look at the DSP Quattro 4 software. Click this link to get it for $39.99 instead of $99.99. https://deals.cultofmac.com/sales/easily-edit-your-audio-with-dsp-quattro-4?rid=23080
Russ takes a look at the new RTAS version of the Sonimus Satson Console Emulation plug-in.
In this video Mike offers a show and tell review of the new metering & visualisation plug-in from iZotope. Look out for his Groove 3 Insight Explained video tutorial series.