Bringing it "Forward"

[getuhgrip]

When we talk about bringing a buried lead guitar or vocal track forward in the mix, I understand that means to give it greater prominence or presence.

But what is physicaly being done to accomplish this? Is it simply a matter of raising the tracks level or centering it in terms of balance?

 

[Track Rat]

In my experience, on a vocal, compression can go a long way towards bringing it forward. By leveling it, you can bring its overall volume up. Same for guitar to a degree. Crunchy guitar is already somewhat compressed so more compression isn't as effective. A boost some where between 2k-8k (you have to sweep and listen for what sounds best to you) can help. Just my humble opinion. YMMV.

 

[Shailat]

In my experience, on a vocal, compression can go a long way towards bringing it forward. By leveling it, you can bring its overall volume up. Same for guitar to a degree. Crunchy guitar is already somewhat compressed so more compression isn't as effective. A boost some where between 2k-8k (you have to sweep and listen for what sounds best to you) can help. Just my humble opinion. YMMV.

Most of that is in the right direction.

Leveling is not only a volume issue but a focus one.
If you compress even without gain, you bring the track to a state of focus were the brain can now hear it better with out it wavering in and out.

Of course volume is another major part

Then there is making space for it to be heard by EQ and correct reverb placement as reverb type and the setting of the predelay. The more reverb the more space it takes. That can be a good thing if there IS space for it to take. If there isnt this can be a bad thing.

Eq can carve you some space.

Fattening the track like slapback and compression or other fattening effects can help as well.

 

[getuhgrip]

A boost some where between 2k-8k (you have to sweep and listen for what sounds best to you)

Over my head. Whatta ya mean? Boost and sweep aren't part of my usable vocabulary yet!
I understand boosting the signal, but in terms of what?



And Shailat, what do you mean by "making space"? That the mix isn't so busy that some parts lose definition?

 

[Shailat]

You boost the dB (exaggeratted) on the EQ. You then sweep through the various freq's searching for the problematic freq.
You'll know you hit it as soon as it showes its ugly head.
Then you proceed to boost/cut at that freq.


All sounds take up room in the stereo spectrum.
Some are space grabbers like a bass or kick drum and some are small like a high percussion instrument.
The more they fight for space and cover each other up at the same time, the more problems you will have bringing them out

Reverb is actully reflections bouncing off the wall so lets say your vocals are swamped in reverb as you have choosen a hall type and you are very generous with the amount you use.......Now you have your rythm guitar filling up the spectrum covering other instruments and possibly them both covering your lead guitar as they are now sitting on top of it in some parts. You solo your guitar lead track and cant understand why it sounds so big and fat by itself but in the mix its covered up and sounds wimpy so you raise the volume. That might work but in a busy mix/arrangment all you have done is make the lead stick out like a thorn and possibly made the vocals sound all small and wimpy....

A well done arrangment and mix will make space for all the parts and let them live and breath together. If like in a Ballad there is more space, then ! you can use more reverb on the vocals (as done in 90% of ballads) becuase there in now space for it.
etc...etc....