Okota wrote:Can I just say, what an awesome thread this is. read it from top to tip.
Ikonika, you say you try not use all that much compression when mixing a song... What techniques do you use when going about mastering or other dynamic processing when mixing?
I'm having a lot of trouble getting my tracks sounding crystal clear at the moment... Clashing frequencies resulting in muddy sounds etc, how do you go about making sure everything fits?
Two slightly similar questions I realise, Could'nt seem to word a combined question...
Cheers,
Oli
I'm enjoying this as well, I rather do this and chat to people directly rather than doing interviews.
When using compression, I try to think of it as an effect (sounds weird and probably really basic, but I think it helps a lot). I think it's important to experiment with compression but it's something that I don't know too much about, that's why I would only use only a tiny bit...but if I'm sending tunes out for people to play using cdjs or serato I would apply a limiter in the master so it sounds alright next to mastered tunes in the club or radio, then take it off for final mastering.
I've had a lot of trouble with clashing frequencies, especially in the mid range with my synths. I still don't really know what the correct way is...and whether there is a correct way??? Many people will try and tell you what the correct way is, some are right and some are wrong...Generally I try and isolate all the components in the tune so they all have their own 'reserved seating'. I mixdown my tunes really low, so that they hit at about -3db in the master.
I cut certain frequencies, so with the hihats I'll cut most of the lows to allow space for the other instruments (sub and drums especially), but then lower the really high frequencies...If my mixdowns start to sound dull, it's probably because I've overly compressed something...If this happens, I will give my ears a break, or get someone to listen to it...or just remove everything and start again. I'm quite disposable with the projects I start...If I get bored or stressed, I just start something new.
I think it's also helpful if I collect great drum samples that sound great and are easy to eq...Also I don't really trust presets in compression or eq, just because we are making bass heavy music and I feel these presets are designed for more loud orientated music.
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