Mixing is always one of the biggest problems for new engineers, home recordist and protools newbies. Unfortunetly eveybody thinks there is some big dark secret to mixing. Any engineer will tell you their are tricks and techniques, but no secrets. The best way to improve your mix is to improve your recordings. That sounds almost to easy, but it is true. When you first start to record vocals or an instrument with a mic dont just press record. Listen to the signal coming in. Look at the way the microphone is placed. Try changing the distance between the pop filter and the microphone or the pattern of the microphone. Use your ears!
Once you begin to record the worst thing you could do is "Set It and forget it" Things are always changing when your record. Some times a vocalist will get tired and the levels will drop. Other times a vocalist might get louder and louder with each take as they get more comfortable. You have to be mindful of all these things and more to get good quality recordings. Other things that can also cause problems are Jewlery and chains. That G-Unit spinner is gonna cause havoc on on your vocal tracks. There is no need to be iced out in the booth! Make sure hats,arms, hand, legs or anyting else dont hit the microphone or stand while recording.
There is a saying in the studio that goes " Crap in , Crap out" Well guess what? If it sounds good recording it, it will sound twice as good when you go to mix. Hope this helps. Feel free to hit me up with any questions.
Peace
Jazdout
Producer Engineer
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About the Author
Creator of the Mixtape Toolkit and Hip hop producer and engineer for GNX Music a NY based production, recording and sound design studio.