The video
explains both the mental attitude to tackling a mix and how to divide each
instrument into different sections of a stereo image. The information is
elucidated in an easy to understand manner and each point is explained in
different ways. Although the video is old, it takes place in a studio where
Gibson worked and the facts stored within the video are useful for being
applied to the final year project.
The video is
split into different sections. The first section used in the project explains
about using an imaginative stereo field between the speakers and “how do you
use it to create a good mix” (2012). Gibson uses the stereo imaging to help the
mixing engineer think about where in the mix they want a particular instrument
to be located from the listener’s point of view. Furthermore Gibson explain
simply that if an engineer wants the vocals to be up front, the vocal channel
need to be turned up to the desired amount. The same for a vocal being distant,
where by a engineer would turn the vocal channel down. In addition Gibson
explains that to create distance a reverb can be used but shows more about
using reverb later on in the video.
The second
section illustrates about controlling the mix to stop it being crowded and
complicated. Gibson clarifies that a “mix should fit the song like clothing
fits your personality” (2012). The quote suggests that the mix of each
instrument should match the songs style. It would mostly be ineffective to mix
a drum kit to a reverb the same as a church in a country and western song
because it doesn’t suit the style. Gibson describes that to control the
crowding of a mix there are three main processes used. The first being an EQ
which can be used for moving the instrument the EQ is applied to up and down.
The second being volume to move the instrument to the front or to the back.
Lastly, use panning to move the instrument left and right, and with this in
mind making the mixing field seem 3D as illustrated in Fig 4.0.
Fig 4.0 – A
simple drawing of the Mixing Stereo Field of the left and right speakers found
in a studio
However
Gibson also explains that the timbre of instruments may need to be controlled
to stop crowding, by defining that a low frequency instrument such as a bass
has a lot of power. A bass would take up much more space than a high pitched
instrument such as a bell. The higher the frequency the less space is taken
whereas the lower the frequency the more space that is taken. Also larger
sounds will seem louder. A kick will seem louder than a ride cymbal because of
the energy in the low frequency area.
A third
section clarifies what makes a great mix. Gibson points out that all the
factors of a song must be recorded to the highest quality. The factors are the:
·
Lyrics
·
Melody
·
Harmony
·
Quality of equipment
·
Performance
·
Song Structure
·
Concept
·
Rhythm
It is from
the factors revealed that helps mixing engineer achieve the best possible
results. Gibson states “the art of mixing is the way which the dynamics we
create with the equipment in the studio interface with the dynamics appropriate
in the music and song” (2012). The dynamics are the changes which can trigger
different emotions within the brain. Gibson further verifies that “music is
just an extension of our personality” (2012). The music we listen too can implement
the different emotions of our personality.
The last
section demonstrates dividing a mixing stereo image into six levels from front
to back. The six levels are used for the placements of where each instrument
should be placed depending on the song. From looking at other resources it is
clear that a reference track should be used when deciding where each instrument
should be placed. Below are the
different levels of what a mixing engineer should be searching for when mixing
a song. One is closed to the front and six being furthest to the back in the
stereo image.
6.
Subliminal sounds – very quit instruments
5.
Effect/Background – Kick, Reverb, Delay and other
related effects
4.
Secondary Rhythm – Guitar , Snare
3.
Main Rhythm – Guitar, Toms
2.
Lead Instruments – Vocals and perhaps Guitar solo
1.
Shocking Sounds that stick out – Perhaps one off
percussion to grab listeners attention
References
Graupera, J. (2010). Is Mixing an Art. Available:
http://jordigraupera.cat/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/stage-scheme2.png. Last
accessed 07th Oct 2014.
Gibson,
David. (2012). The Art Of
Mixing (A Arte da Mixagem) - David Gibson. Available:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEjOdqZFvhY. Last accessed 14th Sep 2014.
