We can spend so much time when we are mixing trying to get the perfect reverb or delay and concentrating so much on the small things that we do not remember what really makes a mix. It is easy to over use plugins and get caught up in automation and effects. A good mix starts with a killer static mix. You should try to get the best mix possible using nothing but volumes and panning. If you can get a mix to sound good using nothing but panning and volume you’re off to a good start. Next you should add EQ to the equation and act like it is the only tool you have. This will force you to work hard for your mix and give you a foundation to build from.READ MORE
Loops are a great way to create depth and layers in a mix but how can you make them even better? There are a lot of different ways you can take stock loops and make them your own. One way to spice up loops is to cut them up, this way you can rearrange and remix the loop to match your song. Using the grid and shuffle mode in Pro Tools makes it easy to rearrange the beats and make your own rhythm. Another great trick is to use Lofi, Compression, or Distortion effects to make the loops hit harder and sound dirtier. Pro Tools has many different stock plugins that can be used to get the job done. A great way to add diversity and contrast is to mash loops together. In Pro Tools you can easily cut and slice up multiple loops and combine them together to make your own interesting creations.
This is an amazing video that demonstrates the patterns created when you play a frequency through a flat plate. They use rice to spread across the plate to create the patterns and a speaker below the plate to play the frequency.
The graphic displays on EQ plugins can be very tempting to rely on but don’t let them cloud your judgement, use your ears. I know we have all do it, let our eyes do the mixing, but don’t let a pretty user interface trick you. Next time you notice yourself relying on your eyes to mix, try using EQ’s that don’t have a graphic display or a fancy UI. Practicing listening while you are mixing will only improve your abilities as an audio engineer. Don’t let your eyes deceive you – really listen and let your ears do the mixing. READ MORE
Recording strings can be one of the most rewarding recording experiences you can have as an audio engineer. Strings are some of the most expressive and beautiful sounding instrument you can record. So how do you go about recording strings? There are many different guides to miking and processing strings online and a lot of these are great guides to get you started, but experimentation is key to finding what is going to sound the best. Stringed instruments are all very different and sound different depending on what kind of space they are in. So if you get a chance to record strings take the time to try different mic’s and experiment with different placements to find what sounds the best. READ MORE
Waves has been one of biggest producers of high quality audio plugins and has now joined forces with DiGiCo, the largest producer of live consoles, and Soundtracs to create their first audio interfaces and real time processors. They have released an entire line of high quality audio interfacing, processing, and networking products for the studio to the stage. The DiGiGrid interfaces uses the Waves SoundGrid to connect and rout to your DAW. The SoundGrid DSP also allows you to use extremely low latency Waves audio plugins while recording and monitoring. It uses Cat5 or Cat6 connections you are able to connect multiple I/O’s together to create your own configurations. The Waves DiGiGrid is the future of audio interfaces, external DSP processing, and networking in the studio.READ MORE
Justin Niebank is one of the most talented Audio Engineers in Nashville. He has work with artist such as; Bon Jovi, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, LeAnn Rimes, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, and Neil Diamond. Here is a great interview with him on Pensado’s Place.
Every single piece of gear, microphone and room we use will have its own effect on our audio signal. This means everything we record has been changed or equalized in a variety of different ways before it even gets to our ears. So how do we get the sound we want when all of these different processes affect our sound? The key is to not over do it. Instead of equalizing, try moving the microphone, or switching it out till you find the right sound. Instead of adding more equalization by boosting certain frequencies try subtracting, or cutting some frequencies. Here are a couple more useful tips that will help improve you skills.READ MORE
Making sure you have the perfect workspace at home is the first step to become more productive. This biggest thing you can do to improve your productivity is develop a workflow that works for you. Having your gear set up and ready to go can be a huge time saver in the long run. If you are a singer, have a microphone set up. If you are a guitarist, have your pedals, amps, and guitars hooked up ready to rock. Being able to sit down and immediately start working can make a huge difference in your attitude towards working at home. Being excited about your space at home is the first step to becoming more productive.READ MORE
Everyone wants to have top of the line gear and an acoustically treated studios but who has the money to pay for all that? There are so many good DIY (Do It Yourself), tutorials, projects, and guides online for bettering your studio. There are DIY projects for microphones, gear, soundproofing, and decor that if done the right way and with the right knowledge will yield amazing results. Not only does doing DIY projects save you money, it also gives you a great sense of accomplishment. So if you are looking to try DIY projects, do your research and don’t be afraid to ask questions. There are some amazing forums online for DIY’ers that are very helpful.READ MORE
