1. Reference mixes. It's good to compare with other songs to see how well your stuff is balanced. You have to make sure your reference track is a same average level as your mix as it will be impossible because a maximized mix will sound better just from being loud, so turn it down. Also learn your EQ filters. EQ8 is a great EQ and will get the job done. Study Highpass, Lowpass filters, the Mud zone, and resonant spikes. Experiment. It is really the only way to really learn the EQ.DeeJay1657 wrote:Is there a huge difference when it comes to the subjective quality of a mix if its done with monitor headphones over speakers? I currently only have Audio Technica Headphones and im getting to the point where im going to be mixing my first song.
Do you guys have any tips for learning how to mix frequencies?
Do you also have any pointers or ideas on how you mix?
Also, when recording from an external source, do you usually EQ before, or after you have recorded?
2. Different strokes for different folks. In the end it is just making everything balanced and generally fits to your genre, and your focal points are established. There is a lot of technical stuff you need to learn like compressors, EQs, reverbs, automation, saturation but most comes down to a mix of experimenting and studying.
3. Again different strokes, different folks. Perfectly fine recording dry as possible. It will just be more work in the mix. Others try to get the sound perfect in the recording phase which can be less work in the end. It just creates a problem of overdoing something. Probably best to process lightly when recording to get you more in the ballpark. I generally only high pass filter conservately, compress lightly, and maybe do subtle saturation. But as long as you are recording cleanly with no effects you can fix in the mix but it can be a bit harder to mix. Another alternative is to use templates, record into tracks with plugins on them dry. When you play your audio back it will be processed and since it is dry, you can tweak and keep original audio.
As far as monitors, it is probably a good idea to invest in at least a $300-$500 pair starting out. They won't be the best but usable enough to learn on and learn to mix and give you another perspective from headphones. Anyways a $5000 monitor system is practically useless if your room is untreated.
An untreated room will have huge peaks and nulls no matter what monitors you buy. If you are doing dance music or any bass heavy music, invest in some 8 inch ones to get a more accurate perspective of your bass.
Most 6 inch speakers won't get low enough unless you are spending a lot of money.
