The Magic Mix Glue Every Pro Engineer Swears By!

Summary

The video breaks down producer Greg Wells' approach to vocal mixing, focusing on his use of compression, effects, and delays to create polished, professional mixes. It examines his signature 1176 compressor settings and serial compression techniques to achieve consistent, energetic vocal sounds. It also looks at how top engineers like Wells use effects like reverb and delay to 'glue' mixes together, making them felt rather than overtly heard. Finally, it demonstrates Wells' method of using both mono and stereo delays in unison to center and add depth to lead vocals.

Takeaways

• 😀 Greg Wells uses compression and specific 1176 settings to achieve an upfront, energetic vocal sound
• 👂 He uses serial compression with two compressors - one to tame transients, another to emphasize sustain
• ⚙️ On the 1176 he sets attack to 1 and release to 7 for consistent settings across songs
• 🔈 He learned from other engineers to use effects subtly, so they're felt rather than overtly heard
• 💧 He processes effects like reverb with EQ and compression rather than just applying them raw
• 🔊 A ping pong delay provides a 3D stereo effect, a centered mono delay adds depth
• 🎚 He rolls off the high and low frequencies on delays so they sit well in the mix
• 👍 Combining processed stereo and mono delays gives the vocal glue without obvious effects
• 🎧 Sage Audio's mixing membership provides feedback to quickly improve mixing skills
• 💰 It offers a 70% discount to only $15 per month for mastered songs and mixing courses

Q & A

What is Greg Wells known for in terms of his vocal mixing approach?

Greg Wells is known for his aggressive, punchy vocal sound that helps the vocals cut through the mix. He achieves this in part through his specific use of compression, especially 1176 compressors.

What are the key settings Greg Wells uses on the 1176 compressor?

Greg Wells sets the attack to the slowest setting (1) and the release to the fastest setting (7) on the 1176 compressor.

What is the benefit of using serial compression on vocals?

Using compressors in series allows you to shape the vocal in stages - for example taming the transient with one compressor, then bringing out sustain with the second. This can help achieve a more consistent, polished vocal sound.

How does Greg Wells implement vocal effects differently from a beginner?

Rather than applying vocal effects directly, Greg Wells processes the reverb and delays themselves using EQ and compression. This helps them sit more naturally in the mix.

What frequency ranges would you cut when processing reverb on vocals?

When processing reverb on vocals, common areas to cut would be low end rumble, muddy mids around 600Hz, and highs around 12kHz to leave space for the original vocal.

What is the benefit of using both a stereo and mono delay on vocals?

The ping-pong stereo delay creates a nice wide effect, while the centered mono delay helps add depth and keeps the vocal present in the middle of the mix.

Why roll off the high and low end on vocal delays?

Rolling off the frequency extremes on delays helps them sit subtler in the mix and not clash with elements like the lead vocal occupying those ranges.

What platform does the author recommend for improving mixing skills?

The author recommends Sage Audio's Mixing the Master membership, which provides multi-track sessions, courses, and feedback to help engineers improve their mixes.

What are some benefits of the Sage Audio membership mentioned?

Benefits include 10 free mastered songs per month, unlimited mixing feedback, courses on mixing and mastering, multi-track sessions for practice, and access to a community of engineers.

What discount is currently offered on the Sage Audio membership?

Currently there is a 70% lifetime discount offered, bringing the monthly membership cost down to $15.