Chapter 16
Mixing Basics
IN THIS CHAPTER
Getting to know the mix process
Managing levels
Understanding the stereo field
Using reference music
Think about all the time it took for you to record all the tracks for your song. You spent countless hours setting up mics; getting good, hot (high, but not distorting) levels on your instruments; and making sure that each performance was as good as you could get it. You’d think, then, that most of your work would be done.
Well, on the one hand, it is — because you no longer have to set up and record each instrument. On the other hand, you still have to make all the parts that you recorded fit together. This process can take as long as it took you to record all the tracks in the first place. In fact, for many people, it takes even longer to mix the song than to record all its parts.
In this chapter, I introduce you to the process of mixing your music. You discover how to set up external mixing aids, such as Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) control surfaces, digital mixers, and analog mixers. You also discover how to reference your ...
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