Mixing/Mastering/Effects?

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musicsdarkangel

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Ok, SJoku and SOnusman's brilliance has totally screwed me over. For the good part of course, cause I don't know whats goin on in the first place. Well, anyway, I was just wonderin if you 2 are out there, along with anyone else.....
Whats the difference between mixing, and mastering?? What effects should I use on an Average mix to make it better? I've heard reverb is an essential. Well, any others?? Uhm, I just want to learn to use Cubase Well and maybe clean up my mixes, and make them almost cd quality. What stuff should I do to make it better quality, clean up vocals, and that stuff? See, i'm a guy, 15, illinois, who's just obsessed OBSESSED with music. Bands, Violin, Piano, Drums, Guitar, vocals, I can pick up instruments and play em. I'm not saying i'm good, or its a talent, but I enjoy it more then anything in the world. So if you guys can help me with learning to record on my own, please tell, I can really do good with it, I just need to learn to record. Thanx guys =) and if you ignore me, i understand. Peace. i'm also musicsdarkangel@yahoo.com
 
Mixing is the process of taking several recorded sounds (drum, bass, guitar, vocals, etc) and adjusting the sounds to blend together (drums and bass guitar blended together with lead guitar slightly louder, vocals louder still, etc.). Mixing also establishes the stereo placement (bass guitar, kick , snare and lead vocal in the middle, guitar panned left, keyboards panned right, etc). Effects such as reverb and equalization are used to enhance certain sounds or to effect the location of the sound (close vs. far away) which is different than pure loud or quiet.

Ultimately the goal of mixing is to prepare a 2 track (stereo) "mix" which can be recorded to a CD or casstte, etc.

Mastering, takes the 2 track mix and enhances it in many ways to give the "professional sound" you hear on recordings of your favorite (or least favorite bands).

If you're only 15, you have plenty of time to learn and perfect your musical and recording skills. Read everything you can, try to work with other musicians and learn from them. I've been playing/recording for over 30 years - and I'm still learning something new every day.
 
Damn angel........ to much to answer to!

I would really suggest you start with a good book, like for instance SAMS Modern Recording Techniques
 
got one``

i got Craig Anderton's book. Hey thanx guys =). But err, 2 tracks only?! how?
 
When he says 2 track he means a stereo mix, L - One track, R - second track.

The Mastering engineer takes the Finished stereo mix and listens to it, he may decide that he doesnt need to do anything to it, or he might eq it or compress it a little etc. Whatever he does will usually be subtle.

Mastering started in the days of Vinyl records where if there was, for example, too much bass on a recording the turntable needle would actually jump out of the groove constantly and the record would be unplayable. It was the job of the mastering Engineer to know the limitations of the turntable and cutting lathes and to "Fix" recordings so that they could work within the limitations of the available technology.

With digital the job has changed slightly, it is now basically to ensure that the recording compares to the other CDs out there in terms of loudness and overall sound balance etc.

This is just a quick and simplified version of the story.
 
I use n-track

well, I used n-track first of all, but soon i'll be using protools. Well, anyway, I wanted to know, what should I record in Mono, what in stereo? So far in n-track, I record it all in Studio and end up with 5 tracks doubled up. Is there a way for me to reduce that, or would it help?? Hey are there any cheap headphones (or non cheap) that I can get that will tell me the truth about what i'm recording?? I'm on a budget, so I can't get expensive speakers. If there are any nice headphones for me to get that will tell me wether the bass is to soft etc. I would be happy to get them. Thanks. (any programs online to help with anything like this would help also). Peace.
 
amp?

would a Crate gx101 120 watt amp work for a good monitoring system? Cause that's the amp that I have.
 
musicsdarkangel,

All of the above comments are great advice. At your age it would be great for you to learn some engineering principles from others in a face-to-face way. I suggest that you go to some local studios and apply for a job as an assistant or volunteer as an intern for a few months. Or just ask them for permission for you to hang out for a couple hours a day. There, you can actually see how people who (may) know what they're doing do things. You can ask questions and get immediate answers. The hands-on experience that you will gain from that experience will be able to get you started much faster that anything you will read online or in any book.

Rev E
 
Which is, Rev E. more than good advise. Most studios won't mind helping people out that way, and its stll the best way there is to learn.
I have never turned down anyone who came in when I was working, showing real serious interest.
 
Mixing on headphones is not the best way to go, but if it's a choice between headphones and a Crate guitar amp then go with the phones.
You can get the Sony MDR 7506 for about $80, the sound is pretty good, they are good for the price and relatively easy to find.

Sjoko2, what are your favourite phones?
 
For studio use? Definately the Audio Technica M or D40fs.
And I agree, forget about the crate for monitoring, best to save up some cash, do 20 paperrounds, work at McDonalds, whatever, and save up some cash for a pair of self powered monitors.
 
rev e, goku, everyon

rev e, goku, everyone helpling, thank you guys so much. Great advice for a real moron like me =). Cool I never thought about studio helping or watching. How do I find studios, look em up? how? Alright thanks peeps.
 
Are you sure? We could give you some more suggestions.......

Happy easter!
 
!

you to goku!! aw crap, its easter? heh. Well yea theres always room for more suggestions! how about, a phonebook? =).
 
Also hang out and as questions at guitar Satan! Don't listen to the brand names though, listen to the actual contents of what they are talking about. Plus hang out here, read, read read read read! Then when you are confused, come here ask questions. The search function is great especially when purchasing new gear.

You also have alot going for you already. I had a 4 track when I was 15, and no where near anything as powerful as you're talking about. Pro tools!!!!! I'm a semi pro(there's not enough work here to record people full time) and I am just getting a pro tools le rig for home use.

It sounds to me like you are on the right track to doing it! It's good to see!
 
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