A good mix sounds right and is technically well-done, while a great mix makes the music come alive emotionally. Achieving this takes technical skill, an artistic vision, and a deep understanding of the music.
Mixing
These guidelines and tips are important for ensuring your music session has all the right files and getting the best results during the mix. Since there's a limited time before ear fatigue sets in and other factors come into play. By following this checklist, you can avoid wasting valuable time on organizational tasks and make the most of the window for mixing your song.
Getting files ready for mixing and sending them.
If you are sending a Pro Tools or Ableton Session
1. Name all tracks/channels.
2. Consolidate regions as necessary and remove all unused files from the session.
3. Delete any unused tracks left over from your template or tracking.
4. When tuning vocals, include the original, untuned vocal and the printed version. Create an alternate playlist for the original and add "Original" or a similar tag to the name to indicate that it is the untuned version.
5. Once your session is ready, use "Save copy in" to create a copy of the session. Make sure to check the option to include all audio files.
"Collect All and Save" for Ableton. This will ensure that all referenced audio files are included when you send the session. Include the song BPM in the name of the song.
1. Make sure that all files are named correctly.
For example, change “Name of Song_Snare” to “Snare”
2. Make sure that mono tracks are exported in mono. Some programs will by default output everything to a stereo track which can add a great deal of time to the mix unnecessarily.
3. Print tracks with and without processing. This is important for vocals with tuning, amp simulations, reverb, effects and any other destructive processing. Include the processed version in the main stems folder and create a separate “unprocessed” folder to send along with it. Make sure that the names match with the exception of “tuned”, “untuned”, “dry” etc.
4. Include the BPM in the name of the song.
If you are sending Stems