Établir de nouvelles stratégies de Mixage en session de Pré-Mixage

Summary

Audio engineer Jean-Marie shares a valuable methodology for tackling a challenging piano pre-mixing task to prepare tracks for final mixing. With four mono piano tracks - two close-miked and two ambient room mikes - the goal is creating interest and movement. By isolating tracks and applying strategic EQ cuts, harmonic exciters, stereo widening, and special effects like Chorus, Jean-Marie deliberately crafts an 'unnatural' sound by extending the piano's frequency range and making it sweep the stereo field. Though an extreme example for minimal instrumentation, it illustrates an experimental, creative approach to pre-mixing any audio by asking key questions to develop a vision and strategy for mix preparation.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video discusses strategies for pre-mixing, such as experimenting with different effects to enhance sounds
• 👂 Received 4 mono piano tracks - 2 close miked and 2 room miked
• 🎹 The tempo of the piano tracks is very slow
• 🎛️ Frequencies are unbalanced - lows on the left, highs on the right
• 😕 This uneven frequency distribution is bothersome
• 🔨 Did some experimenting to recenter the low frequencies and open up the high frequencies
• 🛠️ Added effects like compression and EQ to shape the piano sound
• ⤴️ Boosted the highs to give an expanding, opening effect
• ❔ Tried some unorthodox things to make the solo piano more interesting
• 💡 The goal is to be creative in finding solutions rather than sticking to conventions

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the video?

The main topic is mixing strategies, specifically pre-mixing strategies before the final mixdown.

What is the example used to demonstrate pre-mixing strategies?

The example used is working with 4 piano tracks - 2 close miked and 2 room miked.

What is the goal when pre-mixing the piano tracks?

The goals are to recenter the low frequencies, open up the high frequencies, and add movement from center to sides to give the piano more life.

What tools and techniques are used on the close piano tracks?

Tools used are: high-pass filter, SSL 9000 console emulation, low frequency saturator, and dynamic tube compressor to shape the low-end.

What tools and techniques are used on the room piano tracks?

Tools used are: Fairchild 670 to add harmonics, stereo widener to open up the sides, Dimension D chorus for movement, EQ for high-end and low-end shaping.

Why is pre-mixing an important step?

Pre-mixing allows experimentation to find solutions and set strategies before final mixdown. It brings creativity when facing challenging situations.

When else besides pre-mix can you experiment with sounds?

Pre-production before recording is another phase where you can experiment with sounds to find the right tone.

What is the end goal of pre-mixing?

The end goal is to set a strategy and direction for the final mix that enhances clarity, emotion, and impact.

What is suggested for getting feedback on pre-mix ideas?

Bouncing the pre-mix and getting input from others is suggested to see if creative ideas are working.

How can pre-mixing boost creativity?

By trying unconventional, improbable things and taking risks, the pre-mix process can boost creativity.