Why Mix Professionally?

Clean up the Mud

Over dozens of recorded tracks, a lot of unwanted frequencies can build up causing instruments to become lost and the mix to become muddy. The first step is to know where each instrument lives and where unnecessary noise can be attenuated, freeing up space for the rest of the mix and letting each instrument breath. To do this EQ must be applied in a surgical and professional manner.

Control the Dynamics

Elements in a track can often get buried, losing crucial details audible when a track is isolated. It is important to apply compression in a manner that brings out these details in the track whilst maintaining a natural sound. Decisions must also be made to the overall dynamics of a song, as a song can only be Mastered as loud as the Mix allows without causing unwanted digital distortion.

Create Space

Attention must be payed to the space each instrument occupies in a mix. This includes the physical space (i.e Reverb, Delays and Panning), and the sonic space (i.e Frequency range and overall E.Q). It is very easy to get an unnatural sounding physical space or one which introduces mud back into the mix so this process is more complicated than simply adding reverb!

Add Effects

Effects can be used tastefully and without introducing unwanted artefacts. This not only includes time based effects like reverb and delay, but modulation effects like chorus and phasing (which can be used to create space also). Other more specialised effects can be used, like Melodyne and Vocalign to create perfect backing vocals, MaxxBass to bring the sub-bass frequencies into areas audible on smaller speakers, and many more tricks of the trade that will make your song stand out!

Glue the Track

Finally, the track as a whole must be made to feel like one single sonic piece rather than many tracks brought together. This includes things like multi-band compression, Automation, and overall EQ. This is usally very subtle but can make a huge difference once the track is mastered!

What to Expect

Before

After

The mixing Process

Step 1: Send the Tracks

Each track should be the full length of the song and labeled correctly (01 - Kick, 02 - Snare ect.) and should be as high quality as possible (preferably 88.2khz 24 bit). Tracks can be sent via E-Mail using We Transfer and DropBox or via USB

Step 2: Analysis

The Tracks will be given a short inspection to get a feel for the song and determine where there are any flaws or where there is potential for creativity.

Step 3: Direction

We will then discuss the direction of each song, any influences you want to sound like, any ideas for effects in particular parts, and generally discussing what is and isn't possible with the recordings.

Step 4: First Mix

The Songs will then be mixed following any directions given, using modern techniques to achieve a polished professional sound.

Step 5: Revisions

You will then be sent the completed mix to listen to. Any changes you want made will be discussed and the song will be adjusted accordingly.