The Process of Mixing a Song

In this mixing tutorial I would like to share how I usually approach a mix from start to finish.

Firstly, if it’s not already been done, I record all midi files to audio files. If using Cubase from Steinberg I always record in 32 bit 48KHz. In Avid’s Pro Tools, I record in 24 bit/48KHz. Why not 44.1 or 88.2 KHz? I find that 48 KHz gives a smoother top end than 44.1. Going all the way to 88.2 doesn’t make sense to me since I am mostly dealing with samples and synths sounds. If I were to record an orchester or acoustic jazz I would certaintly record in or 88.2 or maybe even 192 Khz. But for Pop/Dance/R&B I find that 48 KHz sounds great!

Some sounds I record going through my outboard gear. I have a couple of outboard tube EQ’s and Compressors that gives a nice warm sound to synths and drums. The rest I simply bounce directly making sure that the individual sounds sits right. I usually turn of the synt’s internal reverbs to have the option to decide the amount during mix. The modulation effects from the synths I usually keep in the recordings unless I intend to go for a different sound later.

Once everything is recorded I save my session called xxxxTracking and create a copy under a new name, usually xxxxMix. That way, if I want to go back and rerecord a sound with different settings I simply open the xxxxTracking session and rerecord the sound. I continue my mix in the new copy called xxxxMix. First I delete or turn off all the VST Instruments. No need to take up resources since I don’t use the midi instruments anymore. I need all the processing power for my VST plug-ins.

I always keep my drum and percussion tracks on the top in the arranger window and left in the mixing window. After the drum tracks I have the basses, guitars, percussive synths and pads. At the bottom and right in my mixing window I have all the vocals. On the very right of my mixing window I have my group tracks, effect returns and finally my output tracks.

I usually have group tracks for Drums, Percussive synths, Guitars, Pads, Lead vox and Backing vox. For effects I start with 4 reverbs and 3 delays already set up at the start of the session. On my master fader I have a low-cut filter set at 20 HZ, SSL buss compressor, Mastering EQ and finally a limiter. Later in the mix I might try other plug-ins on the master fader, like the SPL Vitalizer, tape simulator and so on.

Once everything is set up I start by muting everything but the drums. When I have a good drum blend I add the low end synths. After that the percussive synths and guitars and finally the pads and strings. Not until I have a good sounding instrumental going I will add the vocals, starting with the lead vocals. Finally when I have a really nice blend going of everything, I start sending the parts that needs space to the reverb and delay effects. Again I start with the drums and move right on my mixing board/windown down to the vocals.

Now that everything is starting to sound like I record, I begin to compare my mix against a couple of reference mixes I like that are in a similar style. I import them into my session but on separate outputs so that the reference tracks doesn’t go out though the master fader effects. I usually listen to the overall EQ as well as individual sounds. How does my kick compare to the reference kick? Is the vocal loud enough, too much delay and so on. Finally once I feel my mix is finished I leave the mix for the night so i can listen again in the morning with “fresh” ears.

What you will notice about my work flow is that I use a lot of presets and pre-made starting sessions to speed up the mixing process. You can read more about my time saving procedures in my article about time management. In an upcoming mixing tutorial I will direct in details the individual elements in the mixing work flow.

Have fun mixing.
Johnny Jam

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