第14回ミキシング入門
Introduction to Mixing
Title: Mixing Basics
Instructor: Yasunori Tanaka, Faculty of Popular Culture, Kyoto Seika University
Focus: Transforming music creation and listening through mixing
General Procedure for Music Production to Mixing Completion
Complete the Arrangement of the Song: Ensure every element, including melody, harmony, and rhythm, is finalized. Consider the song's structure (e.g., intro, verse, chorus, bridge) and dynamic elements to maintain listener engagement.
Bounce Multi-Audio Data: Export separate audio tracks from the arrangement for mixing, ensuring high-quality formats (e.g., WAV or AIFF) to preserve audio fidelity.
Import into a Separate Project for Mixing: Use a dedicated mixing project to avoid clutter and maintain focus on levels, effects, and dynamics during the mixing process.
Perform Mixing: Balance audio levels, pan sounds across the stereo field, apply equalization (EQ), compression, reverb, and other effects strategically to create a cohesive sound. Aim to enhance clarity and presence without muddying the mix.
Export the Mixed File: Once satisfied with the mix, export the final version, ensuring to maintain the highest quality settings.
Import into a Mastering Project: Transfer the mixed file to a mastering session, where the final adjustments will be made to ensure the track is polished and ready for distribution.
Importance of Following These Steps
Adhering to the outlined steps is crucial as they enhance the final output quality of the audio. Skipping or rushing through any phase can lead to subpar results, negatively impacting listener experience.
Common Mistakes
Mixing within the same project as composing can compromise sound quality due to CPU and memory limitations.
Failing to export to audio first can lead to mixing issues; always resolve any problems before entering the mixing phase.
Understanding Actual Sound and Instrument Arrangement
Live Insights: Attending classical and jazz concerts offers invaluable lessons in sound dynamics and instrumental arrangement, highlighting the nuances of live performance that are often lost in recorded mixes.
Effective Instrument Arrangement: Arrangements, such as string configurations (e.g. 8,6,4,4 or 8,6,4,2), are not merely technical choices but pivotal in shaping the overall tonal texture of the mix.
Master Level Management
While the competition for audio pressure in individual tracks has lessened, maintaining appropriate audio pressure throughout the mixing is essential for a professional sound.
Effective Mastering Steps:
Ensure master track volume levels do not peak beyond -0.5 dB to -1 dB for safety.
Utilize automation and compression techniques for effective peak management to prevent distortion.
Take care in balancing low and high frequencies to achieve a favorable loudness without compromising clarity and detail.
Basic Mastering Techniques
This stage focuses primarily on dynamic adjustments, ideally conducted within dedicated mastering studios.
Readjusting the 2mix File: It is crucial to import the 2mix file (24-bit, 48 kHz WAV) into a new project for mastering.
Necessary Tools: Employ tools such as EQ, multiband compression, and limiters. When limiting, apply changes in modest increments (1.5 - 2.5 dB) to avoid abrupt alterations. Continuously check frequency balance post-adjustments, and consider reverting to mixing when discrepancies are substantial.
File Management
Proper file organization and naming are critical, especially in collaborative environments. Keep names concise, logical, and clear to others.
Incorporate dates into project folders for easier tracking of changes and versions.
Clearly label multi-data tracks (e.g., "d_kick_in", "d_sn_top") for quick identification.
Manage both stereo and mono files carefully and maintain regular backups on external media to ensure data security.
Adding Third-Party Plugins
Integrating third-party plugins can significantly enhance the mixing and production experience, beyond the capabilities of Logic’s preset options.
Both paid and free plugins are available, with notable brands such as WAVE and UAD. Engage in trial and error to identify the tools that best suit your personal workflow and style.
The quality of your equipment and listening environment plays a critical role in the result; prioritize both for better sound.
Acoustic Environment Adjustment
Optimizing the acoustic characteristics of your mixing space will enhance overall listening quality.
Position studio monitors to form an equilateral triangle with your listening position, ensuring optimal sound distribution.
Adjust monitor heights to align with ear level, facilitating accurate sound representation.
Maintain distance from walls to minimize sound reflections and muddiness, which can adversely affect clarity.
Utilize sound-absorbing materials and acoustic treatment methods to improve studio acoustics.
Consider employing calibration software for optimal speaker alignment and sound correction.
Importance of Cables and Power Supply
Investing in higher quality cables between instruments, microphones, and audio interfaces can dramatically uplift sound quality, preventing interference and signal loss. Recommended brands include Mogami 2549, Belden 8412, and Belden 1192a.
Similarly, high-quality power supply cables can enhance overall sound quality, particularly for monitor speakers. Brands such as OYAIDE and AET are recommended for these components.
Final Project Overview
The upcoming lesson will concentrate on finalizing mixes using the accumulated knowledge from previous lectures. Students should prepare 3-6 selected mix samples for review.
Grade assessment criteria will encompass:
Musical balance and cohesion
Effective stereo imaging and depth perception
Coverage of appropriate frequency ranges
Utilization of at least one effect for creative variation
Skillful spatial processing techniques
Stability in vocal tracks and low-frequency elements
Application of automation techniques in mixing
Final submissions will include all relevant project files along with the 2mix, due at the end of lecture 15.