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What is mixing?

Metadata

title
What is mixing?
description
In this pod, I discuss the differences between production and mixing—giving more insight into the process of making pro-sounding records.
status
complete
date
2021-12-20
kind
solo
guestSlugs
listenUrl
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lovemusicmore/episodes/What-is-mixing-e1bj0ga
appleUrl
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-is-mixing/id1567355195?i=1000545510801
spotifyUrl
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6A1lErJuYF2Tca58Y212s1
topicsDiscussed
  • Mixing
  • Singing and vocals
  • Spatial audio
  • Role of frequencies
  • Importance of lead vocals
  • Managing low-end frequencies
hostNote
Mixing is where individual tracks stop being ideas and start being a record. In this intro episode, I use the **balloon analogy**, every element you add changes what every other element sounds like: to explain why you can't treat anything in isolation. From there: why the lead vocal is the anchor point in most pop production, how the low end is the thing that'll come back to bite you if you defer it, and what compression actually does to dynamics versus what most people assume. Short and foundational.
selectedMoments
  • label
    Introduction to Mixing Concept
    startSec
    0
    note
    I introduce the concept of mixing and its significance in music production.
  • label
    Focus on Lead Vocal
    startSec
    51
    note
    I discuss the importance of the lead vocal in pop music mixing.
  • label
    Mixing as an Art
    startSec
    91
    note
    Comparing mixing to painting and photography, emphasizing focus and depth.
  • label
    Balloon Analogy for Mixing
    startSec
    137
    note
    Explains how adding instruments affects the overall mix with a balloon analogy.
  • label
    Impact of Frequencies in Mixing
    startSec
    181
    note
    Details how different frequencies interact when mixing instruments.
  • label
    Compressors in Mixing
    startSec
    273
    note
    Discusses the role of compressors in audio and their effect on the mix.
  • label
    Low-End Management
    startSec
    406
    note
    Stresses the importance of managing low-end frequencies in the mix.
  • label
    Creating Space in Mixing
    startSec
    727
    note
    Explains techniques to create spatial effects through mixing.
excerptQuotes
  • text
    Everything is relative to each other. So when we have a mix... just like I talked about before, it's like a balloon.
    startSec
    133
    reviewed
    true
  • text
    Every time you add another instrument into your mix, every other instrument sounds different.
    startSec
    185
    reviewed
    true
  • text
    ...we can create the effect of putting things around your head and even more so now that we have binaural and spatial audio.
    startSec
    363
    reviewed
    true
  • text
    ...the elephant in the room, the main other thing that I like to get done first... is the low end.
    startSec
    410
    reviewed
    true
  • text
    Using saturation liberally. I want to talk about that in the next pod.
    startSec
    946
    reviewed
    true
faq
  • question
    What is mixing in music production?
    answer
    Mixing is the process of combining multiple audio tracks together, balancing levels, panning, and applying effects to create a cohesive final product.
  • question
    How does frequency affect mixing?
    answer
    Frequencies interact with each other in ways that can either enhance or muddy a mix, with careful management needed to ensure clarity and impact.
  • question
    Why is the lead vocal important in a mix?
    answer
    The lead vocal is often the focal point of a song, and its clarity and presence are crucial for the overall impact of the music.
transcriptPublished
false
draft
false

Content

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