Gibson, David. (2012). The Art Of Mixing.

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.