Audio Pro

I’m a big analogue freak, but also a techno-geek, so each month I’ll be lending some nerdy advice on using outboard gear and ‘real’ consoles while integrating software and hardware set ups to the best effect with some interesting ideas.

You should know that for me, mixing is like cooking. Maybe
because my two loves in life are food and music, although I would like to stress I do not have a belly reminiscent of a second trimester pregnancy, or wear white socks under my sandals.

In terms of my concept, the different ingredients in your ‘audio dish’ are the instruments, but more importantly the tones and timbres of the sounds that make up your track are the herbs. You can have all the main ingredients, but it can taste bland unless you add the seasoning and maybe a little spice to really bring the dish to life. Also, the method of cooking up your audio treat can affect its texture and overall quality. These methods and spices are your effects, panning and automation. Over the coming months I will also give some advice on the importance of eq, including practical tips.

By using your panning to add a sense of space to your mix, you create a base that slots and molds the sounds into the stereo image. Although as a general rule basslines and lead vocals should be kept central, you can play around with the other instruments — don’t be afraid of using some sounds purely for panning effects or to add flavor to your left or right side soundscape. Autopan effects can be fun, but be warned — getting carried away can leave your listener feeling a little queasy.

The use of reverb is also very important in your mixing recipe,
think of it as the salt of the audio world; it makes any bland vocalist sound better.

Reverb enables you to blend instruments together and make them sound more life like. Although the ear can adjust to sounds quickly, you will find it infinitely more pleasant to listen to a sound with a little reverb as the ear perceives it as being more natural and is, therefore, easier to process. Do not over swamp a song with reverb though; especially if it is very polyphonic or at a fast tempo, as it can slur the beat structure or main hook.

If you experience difficulty fitting a vocal onto a previously recorded backing track, the use of reverb can really help slot it together, especially if your vocal is heavily compressed.

Just as Great Aunty Mabel had her own special recipe for bread
and butter pudding, you too should develop your own special recipe for mixing.

Get in your studio and play with your flavours, find the best order to unleash your creativity — but always have a clear goal in mind.

Save sounds that you create, your favourite effects and make notes on the best eq sound for your favourite kick sample or a vocalist you regularly work with.

This, in time, actually gives you a great structure and starting point for all your mixes, as well as your own ‘brand’ sound.
A brand image these days is very important and may be the defining element that actually gets you work, as opposed to being labeled as Bob ‘Audio Knob’ Smith, even though he has a long track record and beard to match.

Try looking at your sounds as flavours. Combining senses like
sound and taste can be really useful if you get the hang of it. If that sounds a little too leftfield, try imaging the sounds as colours on a canvass instead.