EVERY TIP to make your Mixes Clean and Loud!

Summary

In this insightful audio mixing tutorial, Evan Jaffy from Custom Cut Studios addresses the common query of achieving loud and clear mixes. He emphasizes that clarity comes first, suggesting that a decluttered mix naturally allows for increased loudness. Jaffy explains the importance of arrangement, avoiding low-end frequency clashes, and using parallel compression to enhance loudness without sacrificing dynamics. He also highlights the significance of side chain highpass filters on the mix bus to prevent pumping and maintain a balanced dynamic range. The tutorial is a must for aspiring sound engineers seeking to understand the psychological aspects of mixing beyond mere sound examples.

Takeaways

• 🔊 Clarity over Loudness: Achieving a loud mix comes from decluttering and ensuring clarity, not just pushing levels higher.
• 🎶 Arrangement Matters: A well-arranged song with proper spacing and building prevents frequency clashes and allows for a louder mix.
• 🚫 Avoid Over-Boosting: Boosting low-end on every instrument can create a muddy mix that lacks the clarity needed for loudness.
• 🔧 Parallel Compression: This technique helps in making quieter elements of the mix louder without affecting the louder parts too much.
• 📊 Mid-Range Focus: The mid-range frequencies are crucial for achieving loudness; clarity in this range is key.
• 🛠 Side Chain Highpass Filter: Using this on the mix bus allows the compressor to work on the mid and high frequencies without reacting to the low-end.
• 🔄 Full Bandwidth Processing: A full bandwidth compressor on the mix bus is preferred, with the low-end removed from the detection circuit.
• ⚙️ Multimono Processing: Using multimono for parallel processing treats the left and right channels differently, which can be beneficial.
• 👂 Reference Mixes Wisely: Instead of matching volume, use reference mixes to compare the feeling and clarity of specific elements like vocals or snare.
• 🚫 Avoid Over-Processing: Over-processing, especially on the mix bus, can lead to pumping and a loss of dynamics, which detracts from the mix's loudness and clarity.

Q & A

What is the most commonly asked question about mixing audio?

The most commonly asked question is how to make mixes sound as loud and clear as professional mixes.

What is the analogy used to explain the concept of making a mix loud?

The analogy used is how the sky is blue on a clear day; similarly, a mix can be loud when it is decluttered and everything is clear.

Why is focusing on concepts more important than sound examples when learning to mix?

Focusing on concepts helps the understanding to reach deep within one's psyche, enabling better learning and application of mixing techniques compared to just focusing on sound examples.

What is the term used to describe the situation where boosting the low end on every instrument results in a mix that is not loud?

The term used is 'muddy mush' or 'gobby soup of low end,' which describes a mix that is too dense and cluttered in the low frequencies to be loud.

What is the role of arrangement in achieving a loud mix?

Arrangement plays a crucial role as a good arrangement ensures that elements in the mix do not step on each other in the frequency spectrum, preventing a cluttered and dense mix that would not sound loud.

What is parallel compression and how does it contribute to the loudness of a mix?

Parallel compression is a technique where a signal is compressed to bring up the quieter parts of the mix, allowing the overall mix to be louder without sacrificing dynamics.

What is the significance of the mid-range frequencies in making a mix sound loud?

The mid-range frequencies are significant because they contribute to the perceived volume of a mix. Clear and well-managed mid-range can make a mix sound louder.

What is the purpose of using a side chain highpass filter on the mix bus compressor?

The purpose of using a side chain highpass filter is to prevent the low-end frequencies from triggering the compressor, allowing the mid-range and high-end frequencies to be compressed without the low end affecting the gain reduction.

Why is it not recommended to use multiband processing on the mix bus according to the script?

Multiband processing on the mix bus is not recommended because it can lead to an unnatural balance where raising the level of certain elements can cause the processor to perceive more level and lower them, not achieving the desired result.

What is the importance of maintaining dynamics when mixing to achieve loudness?

Maintaining dynamics is important to avoid a mix that sounds too loud and compressed, where everything has the same volume and there is no dynamic range, which can lead to a less engaging and less pleasing listening experience.

How should one use reference mixes to improve their own mix?

Reference mixes should be used to compare specific elements, such as the snare sound or vocals, and to ensure that these elements give the same feeling as in the reference mix. The goal is not to match the volume but to achieve clarity and a balanced mix.