The best recordings are for nothing if the mix doesnt present those tracks in the best possible way – and this book is all about how to make mixes that pull the listener in. Its not just about the technology, but the art of mixing as well. Written in a clear, practical, non-intimidating style, topics include:
• Feel vs. perfection
• The importance of the arrangement for mixing
• Tailoring material for your audience
• Monitoring and acoustics
• Software mixer architecture
• Unique aspects of mixing with digital audio
• How to use plug-ins
• Integrating external hardware with computers, the "12-step program" to create great mixes
• Panning techniques
• Equalization
• Dynamics processing
• Time-based effects
• Placing effects in the right order
• How to use automation
• Hardware control surfaces
• Mixing with virtual instruments
• Adding expressiveness in the mix
• Using ReWire, beyond conventional mixing techniques
• Mixing and MIDI, and much more
Far from being a laundry list of mixing techniques, How to Create Compelling Mixes places equal emphasis on the art of mixing. With copious illustrations and featuring the judicious use of sidebars to give details on selected topics for those who want to know "why" as well as "how," How to Create Compelling Mixes is essential reading about how to get the most out of this crucial processor for mixing and mastering.
Craig Anderton is an internationally recognized authority on music and technology. He has played on, produced, or mastered over 20 major label recordings, did session work in New York in the 1970s on guitar and keyboards, played Carnegie Hall, and more recently, mastered well over a hundred tracks for various artists. His onstage career spans from the 60s to current, EDM-oriented solo performances. As an author, he co-founded Electronic Musician magazine, and has written over 35 books on musical electronics and over a thousand articles. He has also lectured on technology and the arts in 10 countries, 38 U.S. states, and three languages.
Acknowledgments
Introduction. About This Book
Considerations of Modern Mixing
Tips and References
Chapter 1. Mixing Philosophies
Are You a Musician, Producer, or Engineer?
Right Brain vs. Left Brain
The Importance of “Feel”
The Importance of the Arrangement
What’s Your Intended Result?
Key Takeaways
Chapter 2. Technical Basics
Hearing and Frequency Response
Monitoring and Acoustics
Test Your Mix on Multiple Playback Systems
Key Takeaways
Chapter 3. Basics of Mixing with Computers
Mixer Architecture
Unique Aspects of Mixing with Digital Audio
Key Takeaways
Chapter 4. How to Use Plug-Ins
Plug-In Technologies
Plug-In Formats
Stereo vs. Mono Plug-Ins
Effects Plug-Ins Are Always “Re-Amping”
The Four Places to Insert Effects
Using Virtual Instrument Plug-Ins
Using Hardware Effects when Mixing
Key Takeaways
Chapter 5. Mixing and MIDI
Mixing’s Most Important MIDI Data
Virtual Instruments and CPU Issues
Enhancing MIDI Drum Parts in the Mix
Enhancing Synth Parts in the Mix
Humanizing Sequences
How Timing Shifts Produce “Feel”
Tempo Track Timing Tweaks
Proofing MIDI Sequences
Key Takeaways
Chapter 6. Preparing for the Mix
Before You Mix
Mental Preparation, Organization, and Setup
Review the Tracks
Render Soft Synths as Audio Tracks
Set Up a Relative Level Balance Among the Tracks
Key Takeaways
Chapter 10. Creating a Stereo Soundstage
Panning Basics
Panning Tips
Binaural Panning
The Audio Architect: Building Your Acoustical Space
About Reverb
Create Virtual Room Mics with Delay
Plan Ahead with Reverb and Panning
Key Takeaways
Chapter 11. Using Mix Automation
What You Can Automate
Automation Basics
Automation Methods
Automating Plug-Ins
Using Hardware Control Surfaces
Automation Applications
Plug-In Automation Applications
Virtual Instrument Automation Applications
Key Takeaways
Chapter 12. Review and Export
Mastering While Mixing—Pros and Cons
Export Your Mixed File
Check Your Mix Over Different Systems
Key Takeaways
Appendix. Mixing with Noise
Why Mixing Can Be Challenging
The Backstory Behind Using Noise
Mixing with Noise
Summary
