IRON TIP - Mixing: it's all volume

[Iron Keys]

Most of what you use in mixing is merely volume control.

Gain/trim: volume

Fader: volume

Compression: time based volume

EQ: frequency based volume


Your main tools in mixing are basically just volume controls. Understanding this can help you think about what it is you're doing a little better.

 

[2GooD Productions]

Multiband compression/Dynamic EQ: time and frequency based volume

 

[unaufadox]

This is a great feed. So so true. Glorified volume controls. Love it. Adding time to them makes them all fancy sounding but, it’s great to understand what they are at their roots.

I had a thought recently that, there are more and more AI orientated plugins coming out that actively do things with sound. But some of the best music from way back when had a console, tape, analog compressors, effects, reverbs, delays etc....Do we need anything more than our fancy volume controls?? Course we need our time based controls too, like reverb and delay but perhaps that’s another thread!

 

[Dusty B]

Solid. Needed this reminder.

 

[Ys Man]

Was this discussed in the circles? I guess we all put down the books now

 

[Big_DAW_Audio]

100%!

 

[VVS]

Multiband compression/Dynamic EQ: time and frequency based volume

Understanding why you need to apply compression is more important than knowing what compression is (whether it's an analog/optical or multi-band) compressor. Once you're able to create a great sounding mix with just volume control and eq, move onto compression and then dig into more advanced audio processing.

 

[unaufadox]

Understanding why you need to apply compression is more important than knowing what compression is (whether it's an analog/optical or multi-band) compressor. Once you're able to create a great sounding mix with just volume control and eq, move onto compression and then dig into more advanced audio processing.

Great tip. EQ is a weapon in the right hands...much like appropriate instrument/sound/frequency selection at the production phase.