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Identifying a Poor Mix
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Spycht
Started Topics :
6
Posts :
194
Posted : Oct 22, 2007 05:47
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What are the most common mistakes in a beginners mix and how are they noticeable.
examples:
Phase between kick and bass - what does it look like in the waveform/what does it sound like?
Poor panning choices - why?
Frequency interference between parts - where it is most common/what it sounds like?
I realize this is a very open question and may either start a shit throwing contest or even get no response at all. So, examples may be necessary. If you have a project with a poor mix sitting around from when you started, and can now clearly distinguish your mistakes, sharing a clip and pointing things out through words or screenshots would be a massive help. |
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RenderingRebel
IsraTrance Junior Member
Started Topics :
23
Posts :
293
Posted : Oct 22, 2007 12:35
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Check the tutorial video from andi vax: mixing secrets
He made a topic on this forum
 SQL: http://www.myspace.com/sqlmusic
Coming up: Releases
Planned: make tracks |
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Tomos
IsraTrance Full Member
Started Topics :
84
Posts :
981
Posted : Oct 22, 2007 13:05
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Most common beginner mistakes I would say.
Using eq when it isn't necessary
Not realising when something is too loud
picking sounds that clash frequencies
I think panning is a matter of taste and a cheap fix for masking, or can be used as a simple effect (especicially if automated) but not much more.
This is all just my opinion though.. |
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PoM
IsraTrance Full Member
Started Topics :
162
Posts :
8087
Posted : Oct 22, 2007 13:12
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tracks not well balanced(freqencies and volume),equing and maybe synthesis knowledge |
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illusions
Erebus
Started Topics :
40
Posts :
626
Posted : Oct 22, 2007 13:45
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Quote:
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On 2007-10-22 13:05, Tomos wrote:
I think panning is a matter of taste and a cheap fix for masking
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I'd strongly disagree with that. Panning is essential in any good mix.
Check out the Andi-vax video, I think he does cover the importance of panning. |
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Suloo
IsraTrance Full Member
Started Topics :
87
Posts :
2822
Posted : Oct 22, 2007 14:21
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Yer...i agree with illusion..a very good panning can be 40% to 50% of the mix..but for example in logic there is only a balance poti not a real stereo pan...even if its called pan...its not..so thats one of the main aspects why i use cubase...ok you can get a stereo pan as plugin..
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Elad
Tsabeat/Sattel Battle
Started Topics :
158
Posts :
5306
Posted : Oct 22, 2007 14:44
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alot beginers mixing mistakes are
no hipass - in the mix the sounds clash with the kick and bass
no lowpass - too much high freqs , blending of all instruments , can cause harsh ear damage as well.
no compression where needed - then u get one sound to clip , or to be too low in volume to not clip.
compression where not needed - know where there is this awsome lead but its too much in the back and not dynamic as it should be? there u go..
lack of reverbs - miss the "space" feel , also can cause thiner mix
wrong volumes setup - having terribly low kick//bass , have one sound that is x2 louder then all the rest of the track etc.
www.sattelbattle.com
http://yoavweinberg.weebly.com/ |
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Glitch_CapeTown
IsraTrance Junior Member
Started Topics :
36
Posts :
952
Posted : Oct 22, 2007 14:47
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Colin OOOD
Moderator
Started Topics :
95
Posts :
5380
Posted : Oct 22, 2007 15:06
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Quote:
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On 2007-10-22 14:47, Glitch_CapeTown wrote:
flat dynamic range.....
Something that has been ultramaxmized the hell out of.
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I guess you mean "low" dynamic range? Anyway this is a post-production issue, not a mix issue.
The most common mix issues I've come across are the "no high/low pass" and frequency clashing between sounds, which lead to a muddy, confused and harsh mix, and badly-controlled low frequencies in the kick and bass which make the track boomy and indistinct. Something else I've seen a few times is non-central kickdrums and/or basslines...
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Contact for bookings/mastering - colin@oood.net |
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Glitch_CapeTown
IsraTrance Junior Member
Started Topics :
36
Posts :
952
Posted : Oct 22, 2007 17:07
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bandarlog
Bandarlog
Started Topics :
44
Posts :
809
Posted : Oct 22, 2007 23:44
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Spycht
Started Topics :
6
Posts :
194
Posted : Oct 23, 2007 20:07
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Thank you all for your responses.
I've watched the Andi Vax video and it was definitely helpful in the visual aspect, but I couldn't hear some of the changes he was making.. That's one of the main reasons I decided to make such a broad request. He starts with something that sounds alright then makes it sound great whereas beginners start with complete shite and attempt to make it sound alright.
I've always wondered about earbleeding or potentially dangerous frequencies and I forgot to mention this in the original post. Are there certain frequencies or ranges to avoid at all times? |
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bandarlog
Bandarlog
Started Topics :
44
Posts :
809
Posted : Oct 23, 2007 21:29
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Keep an eye on the 1500-2500hz area. but it all depends on your mix and how many sounds are pmronounced in that area. I know it's frustrating not to be able to pinpoint certain problems/frequencies/tips/do's-dont's because it all depends on your mix and thus all the sounds combined. It's a slow learning process I guess. Still haven't figured out a lot of stuff myself (as most of us mortals).
I'm probably aware of vital stuff that seems obvious to me but aren't for others and vice versa.
What made me realise A LOT of stuff was playing live/hearing my music being played thru big PA systems. That's a very good way to get to know your gear (monitors, accoustics) and your sound (how do I think it sounds vs. how does it actually sound.)
http://www.soundcloud.com/bandarlog
http://www.ektoplazm.com/free-music/bandarlog-memoirs-of-the-moment |
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splinter
Splinter / Kode Six
Started Topics :
61
Posts :
578
Posted : Oct 23, 2007 23:29
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Elad
Tsabeat/Sattel Battle
Started Topics :
158
Posts :
5306
Posted : Oct 24, 2007 04:45
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yes very true is that listen in many places and diffrent volumes is a good key to understand how your room sound reflect out there...
or better faster and more expensive is to buy great monitor and acoustics 
and yes u can make damage to ears easy , watch the high freqs , its shiny , but carefull , it realy can have irritating freqs that in very high volume can cause real physical damage
its not so hard to tell , if in high volume (60-70 db) if it is dangerous you can feel your ears ache and u have to turn down the volume , it cause specialy damage after listen to it some time. www.sattelbattle.com
http://yoavweinberg.weebly.com/ |
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