Mixing a track

[Scrap!]

Hi,

I've just a couple of probably basic mixing questions that some of you might be be able to help me with.

Ive been using Cubase SX to record with however I always feel theres a problem with the levels.

For example, if im recording a track that starts with just vocals and piano but then kicks in with drums, bass etc, i always find that it all becomes too loud when then other music kicks in.

After listening to other professional recordings it sounds like when the drums etc kick in, the piano would be pulled back into the mix. and then when the drums etc stop, the piano be pushed up again.

Is this something that should be done manually or would a compressor normally do this?

I know its not very well explained, but hopefully you'll get wot i mean?

 

[Massive Master]

90% of everything would be done manually IME.

In the good 'ol days, you'd have cue sheets and a half dozen guys crowded around a console with banks of faders and/or outboard at their control.

That said - The more experienced the band and the more experienced the engineer, the less that needed to be done during the mix. The musicians should take care of their own dynamics for the most part. But some don't.

 

[Elton Bear]

You can just automate the volume levels in Cubase to have different 'mixes' at different points in the song.

 

[gecko zzed]

one of the techniques i use . . .

. . . is to put the most dramatic part (like, where most instruments are playing) of the song in a loop. While this is looping, I adjust levels of the tracks so that I get a good balanced sound at this point.

When I'm happy with the mix at this part of the song, I go back to the start, play it through, and see how it sounds without adjusting anything.

There's a possibility that having done this, levels at the quieter parts of the song will be ok. However, if not, you can use track automation or volume envelopes to reduce things before and after your well-mixed 'dramatic' part.

My broad experience suggests, though, that well tracked material (i.e. material that is recorded with the dynamic variations appropriate to different parts of the song) will not need much (if any) messing around with.

 

[Scrap!]

Thanks for your posts everyone, some really helpful stuff.

I think i was gettin a bit mixed up with a technique that dance records might use with compression on the beat so that when the beat plays everything else is pulled back so that the beat is dominant and powerfull?? is this right??

If anyone knows anything about this technique or how its done i would love to know more about it.

 

[SouthSIDE Glen]

I think i was gettin a bit mixed up with a technique that dance records might use with compression on the beat so that when the beat plays everything else is pulled back so that the beat is dominant and powerfull?? is this right??

If anyone knows anything about this technique or how its done i would love to know more about it.

Do some searches here - and look up in general - the term "sidechain" or "sidechaining". There is plenty of info out there on that technique. Also check out the term "ducking" for related information.

But personally I'd recommend getting more practice in on actually getting good mix levels first before you start looking into the more advanced gear techniques like that. You gotta walk before you can run.

G.

 

[Scrap!]

Do some searches here - and look up in general - the term "sidechain" or "sidechaining". There is plenty of info out there on that technique. Also check out the term "ducking" for related information.

But personally I'd recommend getting more practice in on actually getting good mix levels first before you start looking into the more advanced gear techniques like that. You gotta walk before you can run.

G.

Thanks SouthSide Glen,

That's exactly what i was looking for.

I was looking at your website too, some very good information on there.

Thanks alot guys!

Rob