Experienced Producer Dudes - Heres one to chew on

[nvisibl]

.. of course your feedback will assist me greatly also, and no doubt several others who may read this.

Ok, the example scenario is that i've written a standard Dance track so now want to mix it down/apply FX etc ../record it.

How would you guys normally approach each element here with regards to EQ, Panning, Compression, FX Type etc...


Track Number

1. Kick Drum
2. Hi Hats
3. Snare
4. Ride
5. Toms/ Bongos
6. crash

7. Sub Bass
8. Bass Arp
9. Strings
10. Piano
11. Synth Melody
12. Synth FX
13. Vocals

[Merlot]

what programs are you using? Software? Hardware? Need to know what you have at your disposal.

[jasedee]

Thats a massive question, in regards to EQ'ing and compressing each instrument, none of us could know, as we cant hear the individual sounds, and making sweeping general statements in regards to dynamics processing is probably a dangerous thing...

Compression: Ask yourself this. WHY are you compressing? Does the sound need compressing?

Dont automatically reach for the compressor cos you think its what everyone does

EQ: Try to use EQ subtractively. If something needs more top end, perhaps try to pull out some bottom end.

Just get a good balance first, and listen carefully. Make sure each iunstrument has it's own space.

Good luck!

[grs]

I try something different every time.

Generally eq every part if its lifeless, adding makes a sound more unnatural (but not always in a bad way), taking makes a sound have less power but it may fit better. When adding, add only what the sound already has, don't' eq up valleys or troughs. I think of the equaliser as the unequaliser because if everything were equal it would sound crap.

look for 2 sounds other than the vocal, give them the power and sit them above the mix. Any other sound should be hard to hear when you have the volume down. Every now and then pull down the faders and begin with those 2 sounds and vocal and then add everything one by one.

Compression on vocals of course and maybe your lead sounds, on anything else it kills the overall size of your track.

[Gopal]

solid advice from Jasedee as always.

I've found that the way you think about your mix will greatly effect its results.

Check out this link for a good perspective on mixing and effects

http://www.dnbscene.com/articles.php?mode=display&id=79

8)

[Tomer=Trance]

you should try "amazoning" for a good book about mixing.
this will give you some general idea on how to do what&when to do what. :)

[techno_7]

I know some stuff about panning. The trick is that all tracks should have their own unique panning position. I like to keep my bass instruments(such as kick and bass, obiously :wink: ) somewhat in the middle.

1. Kick Drum - Around the middle, maybe a very small bit right.
2. Hi Hats, snares ect. - Try to keep a balance in panning on drums so you get an equal level in both sides.
7. Sub Bass - Around the middle, possible a bit to the left.
8. Bass Arp - Also try to keep this somewhat in the middle.
9. Strings - Dont do anything drastic with the strings. A slight turn to on e of the sides, but not too much.
10. Piano - I like panning effects(such as right->left->left->right ect.) on the instruments that are in less presence.
11. Synth Melody, FX, Vocals - Use these where you want, just remember to keep a equal, but dynamic level in both sides.

Hope i helped :wink:

[Hollowcell]

Many people do things differently, but like most things, there seems to be few constants.

To say what has been said already again.....

Bass in the middle.
Be carefull with compression.
Subtract EQ rather than boost.

I'm sure you'll find a fair bit of stuff to read on the net, but just keep in mind that there are people in the music industry who are paid for mixing and mastering, so getting your music down is the most important thing - luckily it's the most fun part too. :D

[nvisibl]

I'm reading through the dance music manual by Rick Snoman.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0240519159/qid=1132086610/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-7545079-7947907?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

I find it quite good, getting better as I get more into the book.

Most of my experience is with writting creating, synthesizing etc... and not so much end production. I've just upgraded the studio in order that I am better equiped to be able to take things from begining to end now, or near enough. So i'm kinda troubleshooting things and planning my approach as I go along right now.

One of the main outstanding questions for me whioch I've already posted about in here is wether I should go the hardware or software production/mastering route. Thats still outstanding for now, especially as my soundcard is a noisey bugger - See Hiss/Hum thread.

Great to hear all your feedback and ideas, it really helps i'm absorbing it all.

Thanks a lot, and keep it coming if ya like :wink:

[~+?]

Good subject :P

Ask some more direct specific questions related to your queries, you may get just the answers you are looking for! Post your mix here so we can review it and make better comment and see what you are doing wrong or right!