Question about a vocal session with backing tracks, mastering

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rockstarstudios

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I have a question for you guys.... Im currently working on a project with a singer, and he brought his own mariachi backing tracks. He bough one of those kareoke/backing tracks that you can find in the record stores, so the tracks are already well mixed and the cd is already mastered. We are going to record his voice over the tracks.
My question is,
1.- Should I mix the vocal track with the backing tracks to a hot level and skip the mastering
2.- Should I mix the tracks normaly, leaving head room and then do mastering of the final product ( remember that the music is already mastered)

any tips or advice is apreciated
thanks
 
By the end of the recording and mixing process, the goal will be to have all the tracks to have the same perceived loudness and continuity through out. It might be easiest to do that as a separate mastering session rather than trying to get all the mixes in the same ball park as you go.
 
Totally agree with Waltz here, you're much more likely to get a consistent sounding final product if you have a separate mastering session.
 
I've had to do this a few times and generally ended up mixing as normal then doing a "short form" mastering session at then end. Because the backing tracks were already pre mixed (and somewhat compressed) I tried not to do too much more, just tweak overall levels a bit.

Bob
 
As mentioned the backing track could vary in production style and it would be
best for the overall project to get an ear over them.

cheers
 
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