When mixing a full track, the best idea however how small or big the project is to always have a plan on how to mix the track, whether that be from choosing, which D.A.W, for example weighing up the pros and cons of using Logic Pro X in comparison to using Pro-Tools. Another way to simplfy a mixing project as suggested is ‘break down it into its elements’ (Benediktsson).
When I break down the elements into their sections I usually colour code them, as evidenced above, what this provides is a way to keep it all organised so there is no chance of myself missing anything whilst I am mixing that certain track.
As in Paul White’s book ‘Recording and Production Techniques’ (2002), he suggests that if you are working with computer based systems such as Pro-Tools, Cubase or Logic, it would be best to consult your manual for it because the way the DAWS create their subgroups can vary between each of the DAWS.
Another suggestion that is a good idea to do before starting to mix the audio is to play through the recorded tracks, soloing each individual track to make sure there aren’t any clicks, pops, buzzes or overload distortion (White, 2006).
A reflection upon the idea that there is a specific reason, why mixing engineers are very important to a mix within the production process is because mixing as noted by Aidan Cunningham, a mixing engineer is that mixing is an essential stage of music production, and is arguably the most important step in ensuring that song’s statement reaches the listener’s ears (Cunnigham, A 2018).
The particular reason to why I personally Mix music is for several reasons: I enjoy mixing for theraputic reasons, for commercial reasons and for personal reasons. Reflecting on the mix process is always constant and reflecting on the parts what makes a mix a mix.
References
- Benediktsson, Bjorgvin (N.D.) ‘The 4 things to keep in mind when starting your mix’ [online] Available at: https://www.audio-issues.com/music-mixing/the-4-things-to-keep-in-mind-when-starting-your-mix/
- White, Paul. (October 2006) ‘Mixing Essentials’ [online] Available at: https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/mixing-essentials
- White, Paul (2002) ‘Mixing‘ Recording and Production Techniques, London: Sanctuary Publishing, Page 106
- Cunningham, A (3rd April 2018) ‘It’s All in the Mix/The Importance of Mixing For Music’ [online] Available at: https://www.imro.ie/industry-news/its-all-in-the-mix-the-importance-of-mixing-for-music/
Figures
Figure 1: The figure shows sections of elements broken down instrument by instrument. Author: Pettit, James (21st October 2019)
James Pettit: Research and Enquiry 