Contents

Symbols used

Introduction

Part I: Concepts and practices

1 Music and mixing

Music: an extremely short introduction

The role and importance of the mix

The perfect mix

2 Some axioms and other gems

Louder is better

Percussives weigh less

Importance

Natural vs. artificial

3 Learning to mix

What makes a great mixing engineer?

The ability to work fast

Methods of learning

Mixing analysis

Reference tracks

4 The process of mixing

Mixing and the production chain

The mix as a composite

Where to start

Deadlocks

The raw tracks factor

Milestones

Finalizing and stabilizing the mix

5 Related issues

How long does it take?

Breaks

Using solos

Mono listening

Housekeeping

Mix edits

Mastering

6 Mixing and the brain

Dual process theory

The power of the unconscious

Intuition

Thinking without thinking

Emotions

Change

Creativity

7 Mixing domains and objectives

Mixing objectives

Definition

Interest

Frequency domain

Level domain

Stereo domain

Depth

Part II: Tools

8 Monitoring

How did we get here?

Choosing monitors

The room factor

Positioning monitors

Headphone mixing

9 Meters

Amplitude vs. level

Mechanical and bar meters

Peak meters

Average meters

Phase meters

10 Mixing consoles

Buses

Processors vs. effects

Basic signal flow

The importance of signal flow diagrams

Groups

In-line consoles

The monitor section

Correct gain structure

The digital console

11 Software mixers

Tracks and mixer strips

Routing

The internal architecture

12 Phase

What is phase?

Problems

Tricks

13 Faders

Types

Scales

Working with faders

14 Panning

How stereo works

Pan controls

Types of track

Panning techniques

Beyond pan pots

15 Equalizers

Applications

The frequency spectrum

Types and controls

Graphic equalizers

In practice

Equalizing various instruments

16 Introduction to dynamic range processors

Dynamic range

Dynamics

Dynamic range processors in a nutshell

17 Compressors

The course of history

The sound of compressors

Principle of operation and core controls

Additional controls

Controls in practice

Applications

Tricks

More on compressors

18 Limiters

19 Gates

Controls

Applications

In practice

Tricks

20 Expanders

Controls

In practice

Upward expanders

21 Duckers

Operation and controls

Applications

22 Delays

Delay basics

Types

In practice

Applications

23 Other modulation tools

Vibrato

ADT

Flanging

Phasing

Tremolo

24 Reverbs

What is reverb?

Applications

Types

Reverb programs

Reverb properties and parameters

Early reflections (ERs)

Reverbs and stereo

Other reverb types

Reverbs in practice

25 Distortion

Background

Distortion basics

Ways to generate distortion

26 Drum triggering

Methods of drum triggering

27 Other tools

MS

Pitch shifters and harmonizers

Exciters and enhancers

Transient designers

28 Automation

Automation engines

The automation process

Automation alternatives

Control surfaces

Part III: Sample mixes

29 “Show Me” (rock ’n’ roll)

Drums

Bass

Rhythm guitar

Lead guitar

Vocal

30 “It’s Temps Pt. II” (hip-hop/urban/grime)

Beat

Bass

Other tracks

Vocals

31 “Donna Pomini” (techno)

Ambiance reverb

Beat

Sound FX

Bass

Vocal

Other elements

32 “The Hustle” (DnB)

Ambiance reverb

Drums

Motif elements

Pads

Horns and brass

Risers

Strings

33 “Hero” (rock)

Drums

Bass

Rhythm guitar

Lead guitar

Vocals

Appendix A: The science of bouncing

Appendix B: Notes-to-frequencies chart

Appendix C: Delay time chart

Index