I am an amateur songwriter. I use Cubase, Dorico, Sibelius ezKeys, BIAB, Groove Agent, Halion, etc to generate accompaniment tracks and scores for the lyrics I write.
I usually start with lyrics, then add the instruments tracks using vst instruments and loops, but occasionally I'll need to record real instruments through my Yamaha AG06 ai.
And I always use real vocalists, although I am kinda excited to see where the virtual singers phenomenon leads.
Anyway...
I am a newb when it comes to mixing my tracks. I've tried reading books on the subject, like:
Audio Expert by Ethen Winer
Mixing Audio by Roey Izhaki
Mixing Secrets by Mike Senior
But those books always seem to assume that:
a) You are using real instruments recorded into your tracks.
b) That the reader has the aural capability the authors apparently have.
So many things these books tell you to listen to, some I can clearly hear, but some, when before and after FX have been applied, I honestly can't hear any difference.
But my main mixing problem, related to the way I create my songs, is this:
FX can be added to
the vst instuments (or to the instruments being recorded into the ai) in a specific order, if there is more than 1.
applied as an insert or a send onto the track in a specific order, if there is more than 1.
applied as an insert or a send onto busses in a specific order, if there is more than 1.
applied to the output
applied at the mastering stage.
Another major issue I have at the mixing stage is with compression. I can easily understand it's function when it is used to control overloud clipping or overquiet buried audio signals.
But having played around with compressors, its obvious that they are also capable of very creative uses on tracks that really do not need audio signal control.
They can make instruments sound clearer, brighter, more intense, etc. This is the usage that these mixing books don't really ever delve into.
These are some aspects of mixing that I am asking for help with. I've never before tried to actually articulate my difficulties like I am doing here. I assume others have these issues.
Creative compression.
Customary sequence of fx
Customary stage at which fx should be applied.
I usually start with lyrics, then add the instruments tracks using vst instruments and loops, but occasionally I'll need to record real instruments through my Yamaha AG06 ai.
And I always use real vocalists, although I am kinda excited to see where the virtual singers phenomenon leads.
Anyway...
I am a newb when it comes to mixing my tracks. I've tried reading books on the subject, like:
Audio Expert by Ethen Winer
Mixing Audio by Roey Izhaki
Mixing Secrets by Mike Senior
But those books always seem to assume that:
a) You are using real instruments recorded into your tracks.
b) That the reader has the aural capability the authors apparently have.
So many things these books tell you to listen to, some I can clearly hear, but some, when before and after FX have been applied, I honestly can't hear any difference.
But my main mixing problem, related to the way I create my songs, is this:
FX can be added to
the vst instuments (or to the instruments being recorded into the ai) in a specific order, if there is more than 1.
applied as an insert or a send onto the track in a specific order, if there is more than 1.
applied as an insert or a send onto busses in a specific order, if there is more than 1.
applied to the output
applied at the mastering stage.
Another major issue I have at the mixing stage is with compression. I can easily understand it's function when it is used to control overloud clipping or overquiet buried audio signals.
But having played around with compressors, its obvious that they are also capable of very creative uses on tracks that really do not need audio signal control.
They can make instruments sound clearer, brighter, more intense, etc. This is the usage that these mixing books don't really ever delve into.
These are some aspects of mixing that I am asking for help with. I've never before tried to actually articulate my difficulties like I am doing here. I assume others have these issues.
Creative compression.
Customary sequence of fx
Customary stage at which fx should be applied.