The House Of Kush
"Unbalancing" levels to create a focal point
Gregory Scott emphasizes the importance of creating focal points in a mix by using levels to "unbalance" it, rather than striving for a perfectly balanced mix where all elements are equally loud. He explains that a balanced mix can be boring and fatiguing because it lacks a clear focal point, making it difficult for listeners to know what to focus on. Instead, Scott advises making strong level decisions to highlight key elements, allowing them to stand out while other elements provide support. It's crucial to understand that "unbalancing" does not mean introducing frequency or dynamic issues, such as too much low-end. It specifically refers to using levels to make important elements stand out, while signal processing is used to ensure the mix gels cohesively. Scott suggests an exercise to practice this technique: choose three mid-range instruments, balance them equally, then pull one back and push another forward to create a dynamic and engaging mix. This approach helps create a more interesting and emotionally engaging mix by ensuring that the most important elements are always at the forefront.
Tape Notes Podcast
Create a focal point with strategic panning
Four Tet demonstrates how simple it is to use strategic panning techniques to make an element stand out and give the mix a focal point. By keeping all other elements panned centrally in mono, the wide, stereo bass becomes the prominent and exciting feature of the track, effectively building tension and adding width. This distinct panning position draws the listener's attention when the bass comes in, making it a standout moment in the mix. This approach highlights the bass as a key element, creating a dynamic contrast that enhances the overall impact of the mix.
James Hype
Keep it simple: Letting the main elements shine
James Hype emphasizes the power of simplicity in production, using his hit record "Ferrari" as an example. By employing basic elements like a 909 drum kit and minimal loops, he ensures that the main focus—the guitar and vocal—remains memorable and impactful. Hype highlights that while the house loop is pleasant, it serves primarily to support the track's core elements without overshadowing them. This approach contrasts with the tendency of some producers to overcomplicate their tracks, which can detract from the main idea. By keeping the supporting elements simple, Hype creates a clear focal point, allowing the primary sounds to shine and making the track more memorable.
Mix with the Masters
Getting an initial mix quickly before going into detail
Andy Wallace shares his approach to getting an initial mix up quickly before diving into detailed adjustments. This initial phase usually takes around 3-4 hours, during which he aims to achieve a mix that sounds good to most listeners. He starts by familiarizing himself with the tracks and making notes on the song structure, which helps him understand the song's essence and focal point. Only after the mix is essentially in a good place does Wallace move into a more detailed fine-tuning process. This stage involves making subtle adjustments that may not be immediately noticeable but significantly enhance the overall mix. This meticulous attention to detail is where the final polish and nuanced elements of the mix come together.
Mix with the Masters
Build the mix with a focal point
Michael Brauer emphasizes the importance of starting a mix with a focal point and focusing on the emotional core of the song. He suggests having fun and experimenting at the beginning of the mix to discover unique ideas that can become the hook. Brauer advises against focusing on support elements first, as this can lead to a cluttered mix with no room for the essential parts. Instead, he recommends identifying the most important elements in each section of the song and building the mix around them. He also shares his approach of sometimes starting with the most challenging section or the loudest part to ensure it feels good before moving on. This method helps with setting up a gain structure that works for all parts of the song, preventing over-compression or undesired distortion in the loudest sections.