Mixing Music: Rules You Should Know When to Break
Mixing Music: Rules You Should Know When to Break – Mixing music is a dance between technical understanding and creative expression. While established techniques form the foundation of a good mix, there’s magic to be found in pushing boundaries. This article explores some common mixing “rules” and equips you with the knowledge to know when and how to break them for that sonic signature sound.
RECORD, MIX AND MASTER – A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO AUDIO PRODUCTION
The Mixing Rulebook: Friend or Foe?
Think of mixing rules as helpful guidelines, not absolute edicts. Here are some common ones you might consider bending:
Bass in Mono? Not Always!
- Traditionally, bass frequencies are kept mono-compatible to ensure they translate well on club sound systems that often collapse stereo information into a single channel. However, for genres like indie rock or singer-songwriter where a club setting isn’t the primary focus, panning your bass slightly left or right can add width and depth to your mix. Think of iconic Motown recordings where the bass often sits slightly off-center, creating a warm and inviting groove.
EQ Like a Sculptor, Not a Chainsaw:
- Cutting unnecessary frequencies from instruments is crucial for achieving clarity in your mix. But don’t be afraid to experiment with boosting certain frequencies for creative effect. Here’s where your ears become the judge. A seemingly harsh boost in the upper-midrange of an electric guitar can add a bit of bite and aggression, perfect for a driving rock track. Conversely, boosting the low-mids of a lead vocal can bring it forward in the mix and add a touch of intimacy.
Reverb-Drenched Vocals? Why Not?
- Conventional wisdom dictates that excessive reverb on vocals can bury them in the mix and make them unintelligible. But for genres like dream pop or shoegaze, a heavily reverbed vocal can be a defining sonic element. The key here is to be mindful of the type and amount of reverb used. Experiment with short plate reverbs that add ambience without sacrificing clarity. Techniques like compression can also help vocals stay present even amidst a wash of reverb.
Pushing the Limits:
- Sometimes, the most groundbreaking sounds are born from happy accidents. Don’t be afraid to experiment with overdriving your preamps or adding distortion to a clean guitar sound. This can introduce grit, character, and a touch of vintage warmth. Remember, the fuzzed-out guitars that defined grunge wouldn’t exist if someone hadn’t cranked a knob a little too far!
Remember: Context is King
The key to breaking the rules effectively lies in understanding the purpose behind them in the first place. For example, the “bass in mono” rule exists to ensure low-end frequencies translate well on all systems. Once you grasp the reasoning, you can make informed decisions about when to deviate from it.
Here are some additional tips for your rule-breaking adventures:
- Trust Your Ears: Ultimately, the success of your mix hinges on how it sounds to you. If a particular rule-bend enhances the emotional impact of your music, then go for it!
- Reference Tracks: Listen to professionally mixed music in your genre and pay close attention to how they handle similar situations. This can provide valuable insight into how established artists push boundaries while maintaining clarity and balance.
- Start Small: Don’t go overboard on your first attempt at rule-breaking. Introduce changes gradually and A/B them against the original mix to see how they affect the overall sound. This allows for course correction and ensures you don’t lose sight of the bigger picture.
Embrace the Experiment
Mixing is a journey of constant learning and exploration. Don’t be afraid to break the rules and see where it takes you. The most innovative and genre-bending music often comes from those who dare to challenge the status quo. So fire up your DAW, grab your favorite tracks, and get ready to experiment! Remember, some of the most iconic sounds in music history were born from happy accidents and a willingness to push boundaries. So go forth, mix fearlessly, and create something truly unique!
