When mixing the vocals into a song which I've been doing last in relation to the other instruments (is that normal?) sometimes i find it hard to mix them in. i was wondering if there are any common frequency bands to boast or cut?

Also when music is dropped slightly when a singer is singing and the raised back againg at the end of the line what is the best way to go about it?
I'm thinking either
1)When being mastered add compression
or
2)using a sidechain compressor but how would this be done, how can you do it onb a stereo mix I've read about sidechaining the vocals with the guitar but if you'v got more than one guitar how would it work? and what would be the point of sidechaining just the guitar wouldn't the drums come across to loud?

Any idea, suggestions, techniques?

Groper wrote:

When mixing the vocals into a song which I've been doing last in relation to the other instruments (is that normal?) sometimes i find it hard to mix them in. i was wondering if there are any common frequency bands to boast or cut? Also when music is dropped slightly when a singer is singing and the raised back againg at the end of the line what is the best way to go about it? I'm thinking either 1)When being mastered add compression or 2)using a sidechain compressor but how would this be done, how can you do it onb a stereo mix I've read about sidechaining the vocals with the guitar but if you'v got more than one guitar how would it work? and what would be the point of sidechaining just the guitar wouldn't the drums come across to loud? Any idea, suggestions, techniques?

The first part of your question is fairly straightforward, try starting with the vocals and then make things "fit" around those, that is the way I often mix. I dont understand why people often start with drums etc.

Secondly, yes, you can use a compressor to lower the mix you essentially put the mix through a comrpessor but activate it through the sidechain with vocal signal, thus lowering it when the vocal line enters. You can also do the same thing with a noise gate in duck mode.

Hope that helps.
_________________
Recording Studio Suntans

Hi, my best way to do it if the mix is very complex, you can start the mix with the rythm section (Drum and Bass) , then the lead voice, then guitars, brasses if you got it, keyboards, background vocals and percussion.

Another is if you got the gear... make stereo buses and send:
1. Drums and Bass
2. guitars
3. brasses.
4. vocals and keys
5 Lead Vocal
And compressit to get a wall of Playback very hughe and do not compress the lead vocal, and that way just to ride levels...

Also is there something called automation, it is very useful, and too equalization, try to cut not to boost

GOOD LUCK

yeah i understand now I'll try these suggestions. thanks alot guys!

Does anyone know of any books that i should read on advanced mixing?
I've seen loads with the basics but the advanced books that I've looked at seem to get bad ratings in amazon etc

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

I generally start with the rhythm tracks first. I mix them so that nothing aside from the bass guitar is perfectly centered. Not even the snare drum. I generally pan everything as if I was looking at it on stage. Because of everything being panned around the vocal instead of on top of it i will stand out better in a mix. You can also compress the vocal track (carefully, you don't want to squash the life out of it). I have heard that an aural exciter or a sonic maximizer can add a lot to it, although I've never used either myself. Sometimes adding a little bit of phase to the track can give it that little extra presence that you're looking for. Just don't over-do it with that either or it'll sound really '80's (not a good thing unless you're going for that sound).

rtlightning84 wrote:

I generally start with the rhythm tracks first. I mix them so that nothing aside from the bass guitar is perfectly centered. Not even the snare drum. I generally pan everything as if I was looking at it on stage. Because of everything being panned around the vocal instead of on top of it i will stand out better in a mix.

So then why not start with the vocal first?

Get the vocal into the mix earlier rather than later... I usually get the bass and drums roughly worked out, then bring in the vocal or main melodic track... then bring the rest of tracks in around that foundation.

Incidently, if the tracks were recorded propely in the first place, there's absolutely ZERO need for a "sonic maximizer."
_________________
Bruce Valeriani - Mix Engineer

I agree that it is not a necessary piece of equipment. But it can add a lot to your sound even if your recording is excellent in the first place.

rtlightning84 wrote:

I agree that it is not a necessary piece of equipment. But it can add a lot to your sound even if your recording is excellent in the first place.

If your recording and mastering is excellent, there is no need for a sonic mazimizer.. ever.

One of these days we're gonna wind up working together on a project, and it's gonna kick so much ass because the best production teams are always arguing about the little shit, lol.

rtlightning84 wrote:

One of these days we're gonna wind up working together on a project, and it's gonna kick so much ass because the best production teams are always arguing about the little shit, lol.

And Satan will be wearing ice skates.

haha