Speaking of compression, Matthew Weiss: Rap is generally an in-your-face, visceral style of music. The kick is physical, the snare is physical, subtlety isn’t really the overall goal. And the vocals are paramount. I’ve mixed a number of rap records where the vocals are lower in the mix, but never have I thought it was a [...]
5 Compression Mistakes That Keep Even “Smart” People Stuck
by Kim Lajoie on March 2, 2012
Joe Gilder: 1. Waiting until the end of the mix to add compression to the mix bus. This is the easiest way to unravel a great mix. If you want to compress the entire mix (which is totally fine to do), make sure you add the compressor to your mix bus EARLY in the process. [...]
A simple explanation of compression? No, actually it’s quite comprehensive
by Kim Lajoie on January 15, 2012
And in a good way. Keith Freund: Shorter attack and release times (smaller numbers) will make vocals sound more “energetic,” louder, and will also bring out the breaths between words. Longer attack and release times (higher numbers) will make vocals “punchier” which obviously isn’t as important for vocals as it is for other instruments like [...]
6+ ways to get bigger bass
by Kim Lajoie on October 31, 2011
This is about basslines, not (necessarily) the frequency range. The bassline is the harmonic foundation of a track. A solid mix often needs a solid bassline. So how do you get there? How do you stop your basslines from sounding weak or flabby? Here are some techniques to consider: EQ. This is the big one. [...]
Different types of limiters
by Kim Lajoie on December 27, 2010
Occasionally I see people confused by all the different kinds of limiters. Words like ‘brickwall’ and ‘Maximiser’ can confusing – especially when marketing material is heavy on hyperbole and light on substance. It’s quite simple really. A limiter is – at its essence – a compressor with a very high ratio and a very fast [...]
Six ways to get bigger beats
by Kim Lajoie on September 13, 2010
Who doesn’t want bigger beats? Well, maybe your neighbours. But maybe you don’t like your neighbours. Who am I to judge? I just supply the tools. It’s up to you to use them ethically. Here are some quick tips: Depth. Separate your drums into two groups – main foreground drums (kick and snare) and secondary [...]
Five ways to deal with an ugly vocal
by Kim Lajoie on May 31, 2010
Every once in a while as a producer or engineer, a project will come your way with one of those singers. With an… unconventional voice. Maybe they’re inexperienced. Maybe their voice is just like that. Maybe they’re doing it deliberately because they like it. Whatever the reason, you’ll recognise this kind of project by that [...]
What’s wrong with transient shapers?
by Kim Lajoie on April 19, 2010
Transient shapers are processors that adjust the dynamics of a sound. Rather than changing the dynamic range like a compressor, transient shapers operate only on the initial onset of the sound – the transient. The initial smack of a drum. The plink of a piano. The pick of a guitar or bass. They don’t work [...]
Five ways to make space in your mix
by Kim Lajoie on April 5, 2010
Running out of space in your mix? Want to add more parts without being buried in mud? Simply want a clearer, cleaner sound? Check out these techniques: Reduce the mids and low mids. This area will add a lot of mud to your mix if you have a lot of instruments. It’s not necessarily that [...]
Five compression mistakes and how to avoid them.
by Kim Lajoie on January 11, 2010
Compressors are complex tools and, like most other audio engineering tools, there are more ways to set them up ‘wrong’ than there are to set them up ‘right’. If you’re careful though, you won’t fall into these common traps: Too much gain reduction. You know you’ve done this when you’ve got tons on gain reduction [...]