Basic Mixing Questions

  • Thread starter Thread starter GreenSpectrum
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GreenSpectrum

New member
Hi,

I'm trying to get a handle on mixing and have some very basic questions, maybe even dumb seeming to you ( see all my "dumb" questions about midi in the midi area). To me, mixing only means adjusting levels, adding effects and things, and then mixing down ( expoorting). I dont really see much more to the process than this. What "mastering" is exactly, I don't know. I just do my recording, get the mix basically right, and then export. Thats it. So I guess my first question is:
1. Coud anyone explain exactly what "mastering" is? just the main points. I know there is something to do with "compression," or something, but I confess I don't really know what that is.

2. I assume there are different ways of mixing the sound somehow, to make it sound better or something. Like, say, are vocals mixed just like anything else, or am I even on the right track with this question?

3. What, indeed, is "compression" and how and why would I employ it?


The answers to these and any other stray info you can think of about mixing and mastering would be greatly appreciated.

thanks a lot,

GreenSpectrum
 
Hey dude...
First, read these articles:

http://www.bluebearsound.com/articles.htm

Then do a search, and check out the newbie forum.

(By the way nice new site design Bruce, but the placement of the nav bar in relation to the banner image along the top was all over the place in Firefox)
 
Mastering is bringing a set of mixes into their final state before replication. Most of the time, this means processing them in some way. There's more at my site (link in signature) if you've got some readin' time.

Bear's articles on mixing are just up your alley also...

Compression is a tool used for decreasing the dynamic range. It takes the louder and makes it quieter, allowing you to make quieter somewhat louder.
 
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