Before we can get into the fun part of mixing, before we dive into
any effects (FX), we have to get the foundation of the mix right, and
that begins with balancing the mix. This term, ‘balancing’ refers
to the essential mix commitments we make using the 3 basic level
controls. 1. Faders: control the overall level of the track. 2. Pan
pots: control the relative level, left vs. right, of the track. 3.
Mute buttons: are the ultimate level control, on or off! Balancing
isn’t trivial. It’s a high level skill we all need to master. As
Alex Case says on the [Recordingology blog][1]: > Balancing a mix
isn’t a one time, set-it and leave-it process; it is a constant part
of the mix session. From the beginning of the session to the end, we
must work hard to ensure that the key tracks – typically the vocal,
snare, kick and bass – remain easy to hear, enjoyable without effort
from the listener. Any change to level, panning, EQ, compression,
reverb or any other effect on any track should be followed by a quick
listen and tweak to any and all faders as necessary to keep the mix
balanced. No matter how ornate and complicated your multitrack mix
becomes, always be sure the core elements – that lead vocal and/or
soloist, the snare, the kick, and the bass – stay audible and live
at relative levels that make musical sense. Never allow these
fundamental tracks to get lost under a blanket of guitars, a cloud of
distortion, or an ocean of reverb. Add necessary mix complexity while
always tending to fundamental balance. Hear more of Alex's thoughts on
balance in these interviews: http://youtu.be/lK9ptT_2328
http://youtu.be/APPYnqwLfS8 Balancing a mix is so important that
we’ve created four multitrack exercises to help you develop the
skill. You'll find them in the next four posts: **Module 5 Exercises**
- [Balance Exercise 1: Lead Vocals][2] - [Balance Exercise 2: Drum
Kit][3] - [Balance Exercise 3: Bass][4] - [Balance Exercise 4:
Stems][5] **Finished Balance Projects** - [Module 5 Project Share][6]
[1]: http://recordingology.com/ [2]:
http://community.playwithyourmusic.org/t/balance-exercise-1-lead-vocals/1651
[3]:
http://community.playwithyourmusic.org/t/balance-exercise-2-drum-kit/1652
[4]:
http://community.playwithyourmusic.org/t/balance-exercise-3-bass/1653
[5]:
http://community.playwithyourmusic.org/t/balance-exercise-4-four-stems/1654
[6]:
http://community.playwithyourmusic.org/t/module-5-project-share-in-your-eyes-mixes/1671
