Pretty much what the topic says. I have worked up a small studio, (about $2500 now) and I have some decent equipment. Cubase SX3, a good mike, good preamp, mAudio Delta 66 soundcard.

A little background: I went to school for Music Education, have a very good ear, and can hear very subtle differences in both pitch and frequency.

My main question is what exactly are you looking for in a mixdown? The reason I ask, is recently I sat in on a mixdown in a studio in the Twin Cities (Minneapolis and St. Paul in Minnesota) and I thought it sounded terrible! There was not enough 'presence' and the bass was boosted way to high IMO, and a lot of the instruments were out of tune. I asked about this, and the engineer said "We are listening and making it flat"

I took this to assume he was after 0 boosts in a certain frequency, to have a nice even and level sound. BUT, the bass was terrible, and he had the 5k-8k frequency very loud...

I have several questions about this, but I think I gave enough info to start. Thanks!

-Rhone

This Mixing article may give you some tips --> Mixing 101
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Bruce Valeriani - Mix Engineer

I have already read that, and have learned a lot from it. I am thinking next step though... the final mixdown.

I understand about EQ, Effects, Fader level etc. but I am thinking more about the final sound you are after when you are listening in your monitors...

Flat sound? Boost the bass? Bring out the 12K + for some nice high end? I suppose each song is different, but there must be something else besides "What sounds good"

EDIT: I am pretty satisfied at the end of my mixes, and the people I show them to are too, but I just want to make sure it is right, and standard.

I keep hearing about that book "Modern Recording Techniques" and am thinking about picking that up, if it is as good as you guys say

Sounds like you are referring to audio mastering in which case you would be best to ask the question in here:

http://www.studiorecordingengineer.com/forum-41.html
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Recording Studio Suntans

Not quite..

I meant before mastering, after everything is recorded. What are you listening for in your mixdown in your monitors? Just a nice flat mix?

RhoneRanger wrote:

Not quite.. I meant before mastering, after everything is recorded. What are you listening for in your mixdown in your monitors? Just a nice flat mix?

hmm, I'm listening for something which I think conveys the emotive content of the music ... so if it is a garage band banging out some punk I'll look to make the recording as transparent as possible ... did you ever hear early Ramones?

I think it comes down to belief in your ears and your sound ... it's an art, we all usually choose different combinations off a menu .. if your mix and my mix sounded the same it would be a pretty dull world, you know?

To summarise, do what you think conveys the music best, with room left for a mastering engineer to sprinkle some magic.

Is that too vague?
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Recording Studio Suntans

Nope, that was a perfect answer!

I guess I am taking this music thing very seriously, and I want to do things right. Like I said prior, I do not have a lot, but I buy quality, so with quality comes learning how everything fits together. Thank you for your answer!

Mastering is something I am not going to invest in just yet, I really like what's his name here on the forums stuff (Massive Mastering ??), so I am probably going to send it to him, unless you have other options that you guys are aware of??

I also have read from most mastering people, to give a nice mix at -4 to -6 DB before mastering, so that also helps.

Just came across your thread and this might help...

Check out a book called "Mixing with Your Mind" . Its by a guy named Michael Stavrou and available from the site www.mixingwithyourmind.com

Not meant to be a plug, just a referal to one of the best books I have read on this subject. Well worth the look.

TT

Hey Tony, why don't you elevate yourself to God status? Scan that book and upload it for us and you WILL be known as a God. Just a thought...

peace!

^^+1

That book here in argentina costs me about a month of food and bills!!

SCAN SCAN SCAN!!!!