mixing: stereo? comp?

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tomleblanc

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Two newbie questions here.

1) When mixing my tracks (I'm using n-Track), I was wondering if it's better to split each track into a stereo track or not. Will this create better stereo imaging even though the two would be identical? I ask because I had a problem that prevented me from splitting my vocal track, but I DID split the guitar track. And on the final mix burned to CD the guitar sounds great, but the vocals sound a little buried in the mix, even though they didn't while I was listening to the final mix itself (on my computer speakers though).

2) What's the advantage of adding compression WHILE TRACKING? I've heard a number of people say they only add it while mixing, but sometimes compress while recording. Any particular situations where that's especially helpful/warranted?

Thanks! :)
 
I'm sure theres an option in n-track to record in stero as opposed to converting it to stereo.

As you can see, I don't know n-track very well.
 
tomleblanc said:
2) What's the advantage of adding compression WHILE TRACKING? I've heard a number of people say they only add it while mixing, but sometimes compress while recording. Any particular situations where that's especially helpful/warranted?
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If you are tracking something with such a wide variation in dynamics that your only choices are between not having a decent signal on the quiet parts and clipping the loud parts then indeed compression is a better choice. Otherwise do not track with compression.
 
FattMusiek said:
I'm sure theres an option in n-track to record in stero as opposed to converting it to stereo.

As you can see, I don't know n-track very well.
Click to expand...

I'm sure there is too, but I'm not using software for recording...I should've made that clear before. I'm recording on a Fostex MR-8, and then just transferring to my PC for mixing, etc.

Basically I was asking about stereo tracks if you've recorded mono. Is there any reason to convert to stereo, if you're not planning on making any changes in left vs. right signals???
 
tomleblanc said:
1) When mixing my tracks (I'm using n-Track), I was wondering if it's better to split each track into a stereo track or not. Will this create better stereo imaging even though the two would be identical?
Click to expand...
No, not at all, 2-channels of the same mono signal is not "stereo"...



I ask because I had a problem that prevented me from splitting my vocal track, but I DID split the guitar track. And on the final mix burned to CD the guitar sounds great, but the vocals sound a little buried in the mix, even though they didn't while I was listening to the final mix itself (on my computer speakers though).
Click to expand...
I guarantee that had nothing to do with the fact that you split a mono signal into 2 mono signals on a 2-channel track. The vocals being buried more likely means you didn't leave a "sonic hole" in the mix for the vocals to fit in.


2) What's the advantage of adding compression WHILE TRACKING?
Click to expand...
The only time you need to do this is when you need to tame a particularly dynamic signal, OR, if you're very experienced with the usage of a compressor and are going for a very specific sound. Otherwise, you're better off using compression as needed AFTER tracking.
 
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Just to amplify on Bruce's post, the only problem with tracking with compression, or any effect for that matter is if you decide that the the take was perfect but now you don't like the effect, yer screwed. It's easy to put it on but it's a sonofabitch to take it back off. Not to say if you have exactly what you want dialed in on a compressor/limiter it can be a very good thing to track with (I use a limiter when tracking drums on the snare mic). There are no rules, just things to concider when you're working.
 
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