What's your reference CD/Song when you mix?

[moresound]

I've actually got it pretty easy. The band I do sound for does only Beatles songs. So, my reference is pretty easy. And I know this is sacreligious to some, but some of the mixes really suck. My favorite sounding mixes have always been Steely Dan. So, I try to combine the best of both when possible. The clarity and detail of a Dan mix, with the impact and originality of a Beatles mix.

When I mix other bands, I just try for a clear, balanced sound.

Beatles
Steely Dan
Earth Wind & Fire
something mixed by Alan Parsons sometimes Pink Floyd or ...Project
Flim & BB's
The Blessing "Prince of the Deep Water"
Bernie Leadon Michael Georgiades Band " Natural Progressions"
Chris Whitley "Living with the Law"
Daniel Lanois "Acadie"
are some of the recordings I use to tune up my ears for mixing.

Gosh I was wondering when Steely Dan was finally going to come up.

It wasn't that long ago if someone had asked that question ...... 9 out of 10 people would say just Steely Dan.

 

[maximusbs]

I can feel the hate even before I write it, but I have to say that I use Daughtry's 'No Surprise.' I like how everything is in your face, but it all has it's own clear space . I also like pull up a Shania Twain (Mutt's the man) tune, John Mellencamp "hurts so good" , and Van Halen - 'Finish What ya Started'. But, in the end, it's all about what my ears like and what I'm able to do within my talent, knowledge, and equipment limitations.

 

[chrisharris]

Allison Krauss, Ryan Adams, Ray Lamontagne, AC/DC, and John Mayer. Doesn't get much gayer than that.

 

[kcearl]

I dont use one..


I do listen to final mixes on an mp3 player and thats where I listen to majority of my music


Ive dissected a few tracks for reference but thats it

 

[heatmiser]

I am unfamiliar with this concept. Do folks A/B their own mixes vs. some commercial product?

I mix my music on the same stereo that I've been listening to music on generally for the last 15 years or so, so I think I kind of have a frame of reference there, but I've never actually compared specific mixes per se.

 

[Jon Chorba]

It depends on the song, but since I usually work with hard rock, I go with either "Sweet Child O Mine" or "Alive" by Pearl Jam

 

[chrisharris]

I am unfamiliar with this concept. Do folks A/B their own mixes vs. some commercial product?

Yeah...Pretty standard advice to newbies, and I still do it, although probably less than I should because I'm pretty used to my setup now. Just pick a commercial mix that (a) you love; and (b) has some similarities to what you're mixing. Be sure to listen to the 2 mixes AT THE SAME VOLUME. I find it really helps me dial in the low end.

 

[heatmiser]

Ok, I should probably try it I guess. I'm thinking I will not like what I find though.

 

[arcadeko]

I have tried it and I still can't mix worth a shit.

It just makes me think the commercial tracks sound like crap - I guess I need to adjust my monitors or something

 

[Greg_L]

I am unfamiliar with this concept. Do folks A/B their own mixes vs. some commercial product?

I mix my music on the same stereo that I've been listening to music on generally for the last 15 years or so, so I think I kind of have a frame of reference there, but I've never actually compared specific mixes per se.

Same here. I just mix until I like how it sounds. I don't care how it compares to some pro release.

 

[bobboyer]

Since I'm chasing the same sort of music for an archiving project, Kathy Mattea's Coal is what I reference. I'm nowhere close.

 

[RAMI]

I'm usually either watching pron or hockey while I mix. So, if I can get my music to have a pron/hockey vibe, I know I'm on the right track.

 

[arcadeko]

I'm usually either watching pron or hockey while I mix. So, if I can get my music to have a pron/hockey vibe, I know I'm on the right track.

I totally get that when I am listening to your stuff!

 

[grimtraveller]

I'm usually either watching pron or hockey while I mix. So, if I can get my music to have a pron/hockey vibe, I know I'm on the right track.

I was just about to ask you what pron was.......then it dropped into my lap !





Deliberate pun {ha ha, pun !} there.

 

[IK Obi]

Santana's Maria, Maria is what I shoot for.