In fact, there's some * RULES * to follow, but without a 10 000 $ - 100 000 $ studio
monitors, we can't really say anything to help that much, I mean to be able to produced materials like * PROFESSIONNAL *.But here's some guidelines that I'm pretty
sure you would like to know.
First of all, record your sessions the best way you can, like a 24 bits and 48 khz or 32 bits and 196 khz ( professional studio ) recording session ( if you can't, then do it at 16 bits 44.1 khz ).
Second, when recording, track each instruments also around -6 db, don't push it to distortion ( if your soundcard got a * mixer software or something like that, check if the level exceed 0 db, so use your ears and your eyes,be sure not to * Clip *, because after, it's too late ).
Third, when it's time to mixdown, apply all the effects and things like that on every
track you want some, all the effects you want in the song gotta be there,but remember
not to exceed - 6db ( on your master fader and try to keep this master fader at 0 db ) for this mixdown, people call it headroom, really helpful for the * mastering * time.
So do the best mixdown you can by keeping the level of your master fader around
- 6 db and export this session as a stereo intervealed tracks
( most people do it that way ) or as a multiple mono tracks ( 2 mono tracks ),
and export this mixdown the best way you can ( 24 bits 48 khz .... )
Fourth,open a new session with the mixdown you made ( the stereo or the mono mixdown, try it both way and see and hear the difference )
You now have 2 tracks at - 6 db with faders at 0 db
On this mix use a little of this in that order ( usually on a bus ):
First, use a little bit of EQ,
Second, use a compressor but don't compress to much ( ratio 2:5 )
Third, you can EQ again to had a smooth sound but be carefull.
Fourth, use a limiter to be sure nothing exceed 0 db on the master fader.
Fifth, try differents ways of using these * master tools * and hear what it sounds like.
Finally,export this mixdown again the best way you can.When it's time to burn it to a cd,then convert the songs at 16 bits and 44.1 khz.
With these guidelines,I think this is a good start to understand what kind of
* mixing techniques * engineer used, but like I said, I don't own a 100 000 $
recording studio.Also, read some articles about acoustic treatments because
maybe the room you're mixing in is a BIG problem,maybe your monitor speaker don't
handle from 50-20000 khz, where you should placed your speaker in the room....
So that's it, and I think a lot of people have their on way of doing things,
I guess people will post a lot in here, but I was giving it a start, so here is it...
