Pro Mixing

[kage65]

To mix like a pro, do I need to buy something like a controller that has faders on it, or can I mix well within the software using just my mouse?
Do the pros mix while the song is playing? Thanks.
Edit: I should have been more specific, I mean mixing for stereo - meaning panning certain things around from left to right, as well as in and out. Not really talking about adjusting bass and tremble.

 

[Re-tox_stl]

All you need to mix like a pro is a good set of monitors and a well trained ear. You dont need control surface, even though they do make things a hell of alot easier.

 

[philbagg]

To mix like a pro, do I need to buy something like a controller that has faders on it, or can I mix well within the software using just my mouse?
Do the pros mix while the song is playing? Thanks.
Edit: I should have been more specific, I mean mixing for stereo - meaning panning certain things around from left to right, as well as in and out. Not really talking about adjusting bass and tremble.

How do you get to Carnegie Hall?

"Bass and Tremble" - loving the sound of that

Yes you mix while the song is playing, you have to hear what you're doing.

You can mix within the software.

Read this:
http://tweakheadz.com/guide.htm

 

[gecko zzed]

Do the pros mix while the song is playing?

You probably have in mind the image of someone sitting behind a huge desk moving faders up and down to mix. Yep . . . that is still done. But just as commonly the "pros" will mix in-the-box, using envelopes and automation. So you don't need any specific hardware or technique to get a good mix. As someone said, it is all about knowing what to do with what you've got

Not really talking about adjusting bass and tremble.

"tremble" = win!

 

[Armistice]

You just need EZMix...

 

[suprstar]

Yeah, learn about automation. Mix with the mouse, it's easy - you can record your fader movements, changes in your fx, etc. all in real time. Then you can view the automation and edit it if it's not perfect.. I never used a control surface, but I'm proficient enough with automation now that I can't imagine it'd make me that much faster.

 

[Bristol Posse]

Yeah I never used a control surface, but I'm proficient enough with automation now that I can't imagine it'd make me that much faster.

I thought that too, until I got one (well actually 2, 2x BCF chained together). 16 channels of faders pan pots and mutes and transport controls are making a huge difference. Not just in terms of time but the ability to change levels and pans in relation to other changes at the same time vs 1 channel at a time with a mouse is a very big difference to me

but as always YMMV

 

[moresound]

I thought that too, until I got one (well actually 2, 2x BCF chained together). 16 channels of faders pan pots and mutes and transport controls are making a huge difference. Not just in terms of time but the ability to change levels and pans in relation to other changes at the same time vs 1 channel at a time with a mouse is a very big difference to me

but as always YMMV

You beat me to it Bristol almost my exact thoughts on this matter. There is just something about putting your hands on all the faders (and the EQ section for that matter) and adjusting 3 or 4 items at once gives you the control that you just can't get in the box.

But this comes from a guy who has been analog for the past 40+ years.
New tricks do come easy to this old dog, but until in the box mixing can do what a big old analog console or a small control surface can provide.....---Give me faders or give me death.

 

[kage65]

Well shoot. I want one then.

 

[moresound]

Well what are you looking for then?

 

[kcearl]

You just need EZMix...

it might be...its not that bad a plug in

To mix like a pro, do I need to buy something like a controller that has faders on it, or can I mix well within the software using just my mouse?
Do the pros mix while the song is playing? Thanks.
Edit: I should have been more specific, I mean mixing for stereo - meaning panning certain things around from left to right, as well as in and out. Not really talking about adjusting bass and tremble.

Ive got faders on two control surfaces and well as rotary knobs and I nearly always end up just using the mouse.....by the time you assign controls to each I cant be arsed...


some DAWs are better at midi learn than others (ACT in sonar springs to mind) and some surfaces are obviously better than others as well but in truth if you're in a small space and/or limited budget the mouse is fine

 

[moresound]

it might be...its not that bad a plug in




Ive got faders on two control surfaces and well as rotary knobs and I nearly always end up just using the mouse.....by the time you assign controls to each I cant be arsed...


some DAWs are better at midi learn than others (ACT in sonar springs to mind) and some surfaces are obviously better than others as well but in truth if you're in a small space and/or limited budget the mouse is fine

I can't remember KC did you get EZ MIX or not?

 

[kcearl]

I can't remember KC did you get EZ MIX or not?

yup I did...last week


Its name is a bit of a exaggeration...in truth its just small effects chains organised through presets with very restricted controls...works surprisingly well Id say, with my limited experience, which is prolly who its aimed at

 

[moresound]

OK. coolieo, maybe I'll get it to try myself.
Do you think that there is a place for it in more of a pro setting rather than just home recording?

 

[kcearl]

OK. coolieo, maybe I'll get it to try myself.
Do you think that there is a place for it in more of a pro setting rather than just home recording?

i doubt it..

though i wouldnt know what a pro setting is mate...all ill say is if it makes what Im listening to sound better Ill use it...whether its got a shite name or not

oh yeah and its cheap

 

[moresound]

OK. Still might get it for when cover bands come in for a fast demo. Could save time, if it's at least good enough for that.

 

[keiyam]

Try Ableton Live it's the easiest sequencer to learn and has many things automated. It's like a game but at the same time professional too!