What’s up everybody? Instrumentool here back with another post. Today we’ll cover the steps I take from start to finish when I mix. Receive Files
As soon as I receive client files I'll create a session and copy the original files to its folder. I'll name the folder "[CLIENT FILES] Artist Name - Song Name" The reason I do this is just to be on the safe side if I ever need them later in the future I'll have access to the original session. We'll never know in what capacity we may need to use them. Mix Prep Next up is setting up the session. This is a crucial step and will help speed up the mix process. First I'll name/rename all the files so I know what is what. Every now and again I'll get files with obscure names or something generic. (Audio 2, Track 28, Vocal 1, etc.) I have to make sure to listen to every track to distinguish the files over anything else. Organizing the tracks is next. I have a template so this is pretty straight forward. I'll drag and drop each file to its corresponding track in the session. Having a basic template helps so I can spend more time mixing than prepping. Next is importing any references my clients may have sent or requested. This may be a rough mix of their own song or another released song with the sound they're going for. I'll drag that in and pay close attention to levels, effects, etc. The last step is gain staging. I cannot stress this step enough! Getting this right will result in a clean mix more often than not. What I'm trying to accomplish here is basic levels of each track. The key here is not to clip the master buss which causes distortion. Now we can move on to the static mix but I usually take a break first or start fresh the next day. Static/Rough Mix The goal at this step is to get a feel for the song. What I want to accomplish here is set some strict rules. Only using volume faders and panning is allowed, nothing else. I'll spend as much time as needed until I feel the song is well balanced before I start adding plugins and automation. Mix 1.0 This is what y'all have been waiting for right?! At this stage I'm going all in at this point with everything in my arsenal. What I like to do is use the basics (EQ and compression) first on the tracks that need it. After, effects are added along with automation. Depending on how well the static mix is, this step will mostly be creative. Now I'll export the mix then send it to the client. In the meantime before I hear back from them, I'll be taking a listen to the mix and making notes on what I feel needs to improve and edit, etc. Revision 1 As soon as I get my client's feedback, I'm popping my session open and "Saving As” Song Name - Mix 1.1. The main reason for this is having a documented history of client mixes. If a client likes everything in Mix 1.1, but prefers the reverb from Mix 1.0 I'll be able to go in and import or copy those settings to the current mix. I never send revisions at night or after a long mixing session. I want to limit revisions, so if time permits I take at least an hour off before sending any revisions, especially if they've taken a while to do. Revision 2 Same as the first revision, just with more detail. Usually everything is accomplished at this stage. If anything is needed, it's usually minor requests. (Volume up a dB, clean up EQ) Mix Completed I've received notice that the mix is great, now what? Here's what I do: Export any necessary song versions (performance, instrumental, etc.) Print processed stems Zip the whole session folder Send all necessary files to client Alright that's my process. Talk to y'all soon!
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instrumentoolI have a passion for teaching and writing. Some of my many thoughts are here. Archives
November 2020
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