{"id":295,"date":"2016-08-13T16:33:00","date_gmt":"2016-08-13T16:33:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/box5722.temp.domains\/~audioor1\/4-things-you-should-not-do-when-mixing\/"},"modified":"2016-08-13T16:33:00","modified_gmt":"2016-08-13T16:33:00","slug":"4-things-you-should-not-do-when-mixing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/audioordeal.co.uk\/4-things-you-should-not-do-when-mixing\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Things You Should NOT Do When Mixing"},"content":{"rendered":"
There are so many posts online on what to do when mixing, covering tips and tricks to try. There are fewer posts on what to avoid during the process of a mix. This guide will cover a few of the things I have done in the past which have turned out to be detrimental to either the mix or the workflow. By avoiding these, you will find it easier to get somewhere in a much shorter space of time. Soloing Each Track<\/b> A mix is a number of tracks, working well (or not so much) together. When you are adding effects to a track, you are adding them to improve it’s role in the mix, to make it fit better. By soloing a track, you are removing the objective comparison to which you want to control your effects against.<\/p>\n It would be like adding an instagram filter to a photo which shows only the red parts.<\/p>\n By all means check the sound isn’t getting ruined by an effect with solo, but really don’t try mixing with the solo toggle button getting more action than charlie sheen.<\/p>\n There is the period before mixing, of composition and arrangement, where you want to fix as many issues with the track as an individual as possible. Use solo here instead. That way you know that you are going into the mixing process already happy with the track, it will mix nicely and you can go through much quicker.<\/p>\n Mixing for the Sake of Mixing<\/b> Especially if you are recording with good performers and musicians, they may know the good mic technique needed to stop a recording or more likely, live mix from sounding too rough.<\/p>\n I suggest you toggle the FX on\/off button throughout to make sure you are truly adding something to the mix. If it sounds better without the FX then you know you can leave it.<\/p>\n Going Straight Into the Mixing Stage<\/b> Two reasons necessitate this:<\/p>\n Ignoring Automation<\/b>
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<\/b>One feature in every DAW that I know of, is the ability to solo a track. This is great for when you are analysing it by itself for things to fix. For that, the solo button is essential. The issue is when it is used during the mixing process.<\/p>\n
<\/b>Guess what, some things work from the start. Rough round the edges can work. Dry signals can be fine. Don’t feel like you have to add a compressor<\/a> or EQ to something, it may just be a perfect take. Perhaps that dynamic vocal is what the rest of the track needs, especially if you jump to compress everything.<\/p>\n
<\/b>I have never enjoyed this one, you have your bursts of caffeine induced creativity, you want to keep going. Ask yourself however if it’s best to give your ears a break.<\/p>\n\n
<\/b>Automation is a gift, I really believe that. Let’s look at vocals, there will often be a significant increase in volume during the chorus. If we want a fairly level volume throughout, we could slap on a compressor.<\/p>\n