Production:

Basic Mixing Course (www.mixingwithmike.com)

Class 6 of 8: Shaping the Mix

Class 6: Intro (Video 1 of 5)

For Shaping the Mix, the topics discussed include Level and Pan adjustments, reshaping the tonal balance, adjusting effects, bringing excitement to the mix, ready for automation

This step is preparation for the automation process, which is the step in which we weave the mix together.

Basic Mixing Course (www.mixingwithmike.com)

Class 6 of 8: Shaping the Mix

Class 6: Level and Pan Adjustments (Video 2 of 5)

This video covered level and panning adjustments, how to feature instruments, and several other topis related to this topic

Level adjustments are best made with the volume very low because it helps expose problems. When the levels and panning lines up, there is a naturalness that accrues to the track

Listening at low volume levels cannot be stressed enough. Also, try to hear the music through many different types of speakers. You want your music to sound balanced on as many speakers as possible.

Basic Mixing Course (www.mixingwithmike.com)

Class 6 of 8: Shaping the Mix

Class 6: Reshaping the Tonal Balance (Video 3 of 5)

By this stage in the mix, we're making sure everything works together. This is not only about getting everything together, it's about sounding good. This is not just about equalization. This is about more than frequencies and includes compression. This includes frequency balance, tonal density, deciding whether or not to use eq, deciding if pre- or post- compression, and some consideration given to the actual tonal balance. It's a lot to take in.

Basic Mixing Course (www.mixingwithmike.com)

Class 6 of 8: Shaping the Mix

Class 6: Adjusting Effects (Video 4 of 5)

Effects have a tendency to make things too prominent. The main thing is to use effects to heighten the presence in the track, but also for shaping it's character and modifying the tone color.

Depending on the duration of the division of the beat, the pre-delay values can be connected to subdivisions of the main tempo. It can be important to filter delays, to manage and modify other installed effects. Try to manage your effects so that they only sound where they are most needed.

Basic Mixing Course (www.mixingwithmike.com)

Class 6 of 8: Shaping the Mix

Class 6: Bringing Excitement to the Mix(Video 5 of 5)

This involves creating dynamic movement, adding presence to the mix, dynamics processing adjustments, ‘threading the focus’ of the mix, and moving things out of the way.