BLOG 25 – MIXING AND MASTERING

Now that 3 out of 4 songs are done in terms of structure, instrumentation and vocals recorded, it is important now to focus on the mixing and mastering stages. This is so that the overall production sounds complete.

Understanding Mixing

Mixing, as highlighted by Savage (2014, p,1) is after the instrumentation and recording stages where ‘elements need to be set for level, panning and processing (EQ, compression, reverb, etc)’. This is further enhanced by Nahmani (2018, p.2) who suggests ‘combining all elements into a cohesive whole, and at the same time keeping them sufficiently defined so that listeners can distinguish among them’.

Connor was able to give me his input when mixing the vocals for each track –

We have also both looked at this video together on how to specifically mix tracks in Logic Pro X. I found this particularly helpful as it explains how and what EQ is used for:

USING REFERENCE TRACKS:

Below are some reference tracks that we will be using during the mixing process. This is something producers do and can be used as a source of inspiration on the qualities that the mix holds Izhaki (2013, p.27). Mastering The Mix (2017), also highlights that it is important to choose a reference track that is in the same genre as your own track, this is something I have done below:

POP REFERENCE

• Similar use of harmonies and double tracking during chorus
• Main vocal line – stands out in the mix

REGGAETON REFERENCE

• Dembow Rhythm reference
• Harmonies and main vocal

HOUSE/DANCE REFERENCE

• Vocal at the beginning
• Vocal parts – Repeated
• Similar bass rhythm and sound
• Build up

GREEK POP REFERENCE

• Instrumentation – e.g. guitar, drums
• Main vocal and few harmonies

Understanding Mastering

After the mixing process, it is then important to master the track in order to as suggested by Landr (n.d.) ‘the goal of mastering is to ensure that your audio will sound the best it can on all platforms’. This means that there are 3 specific areas that are done to create this:

1. Louder Track
2. Completed/Clean track – ‘sound better’
3. Can sound good on all speakers or headphones – ‘To make the track more translatable to all different kinds of speakers’

Source, adapted from: Musician on a mission, n.d.

Strong (2005, p.16) also further adapts with 4 particular areas/ steps to follow when mixing and mastering each track:

1. Dynamics – Adjusting the overall volume of each instrument and also adjusting the EQ of each instrument and using compression
2. ‘Tonal Balance’
3. Matching each song volume
4. Song sequence

What Next?

Now that these 3 songs have been mixed as an initial starting point, it is not important that I really try to finish the Reggaeton track which is a bit behind on the development.

1. Finish Reggaeton track – vocals and mixing
2. Further mix and master each track with Connors help
3. Begin to think about how I will post each track – track names, track order

Reference List:

Ava Max. (2019). Ava Max – Kings & Queens [Official Visualizer]. (Online Video). Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNx5f0snpK8 [Accessed 24th April, 2020].

Disclosure. (2015). Disclosure – Magnets (A-Trak Remix) ft. Lorde. (Online Video). Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBIE8waeHCI [Accessed 24th April, 2020].

Musician On A Mission. (n.d.). HOW TO MASTER A SONG AT HOME (IN 14 EASY STEPS). Available at https://www.musicianonamission.com/how-to-master-a-song/ [Accessed 24th April, 2020].

Musician on a Mission. (2019). (Online Video). Mixing in Logic Pro X (Everything You Need to Know). Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vry9ZDGr56E [Accessed 24th April, 2020].

Nahmani, D. (2018). Logic Pro X 10.4 – Apple Pro Training Series: Professional Music Production. Peachpit Press.

Landr. (n.d.) What is mastering? Available at: https://www.landr.com/what-is-mastering [Accessed 24th April, 2020].

Savage, S. (2014). Mixing and Mastering in the Box: The Guide to Making Great Mixes and Final Masters on Your Computer. Oxford University Press.

Strong, J. (2005). Home Recording For Musicians For Dummies. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons.

Helena Paparizou. (2017). Έλενα Παπαρίζου – Αν Με Δεις Να Κλαίω (Official Music Video) ft. Αναστάσιος Ράμμος. (Online Video). Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4rM-6eQMlc [Accessed 24th April, 2020].

ROSALÍA. (2019). ROSALÍA, J Balvin – Con Altura (Official Video) ft. El Guincho. (Online Video). Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7bfOZek9t4 [Accessed 24th April, 2020].

Izhaki, R. (2013). Mixing Audio: Concepts, Practices and Tools. Oxford: Taylor & Francis, 2 May 2013.

Mastering The Mix. (2017). Using Reference Tracks Whilst Mixing. Available at: https://www.masteringthemix.com/blogs/learn/using-reference-tracks-whilst-mixing [Accessed 6th May, 2020].