We’re taught that everything builds off of something else. A house is built off of a foundation, then the walls go up, then the roof, etc. So many times, when we talk about building anything, everything is about planning and then execution.
But, have you ever finished a project only to look at it and realize somewhere you went wrong?
What could you do?
The problem is that, during the building process, you never stopped to review the work. You just kept building. (I’ve done that a few times myself.)
When it comes to mixing, we CAN stop to review our work. In fact, we can even do one better. It’s this trick that I use as it shows me if I’ve made a mistake.
The Trick
Let’s say the mix is roughed in with gain and volume and EQ work. Now it’s time to take things to the next level with compression or gating or reverb or whatever. So what do you do? You start working on compressing a vocal channel.
After a little time tinkering with the compression settings, you think it’s perfect. Is it? This is where the trick comes into play.
Turn off the compression on that channel during the song. Listen! Did it sound better or worse without the compression? If it sounds better, then the compressor settings are wrong and you need to tweak those compression settings again with a lower attack or smaller compression ratio. Maybe it’s the release rate that’s wrong. Once you change it, turn off the compressor again and compare the sounds.
I’ve detailed the use of several types of audio effects as listed below. With each of these, the best way to test if the settings are right is by turning that effect off and then listening to the difference.
- Ten Minutes to Audio Gating
- Reverb Tips and Tricks
- How to Use Compression
- Is Over-Compression Killing Your Vocals?
Spot Check Your Mix
Use the On/Off trick to spot check your mix along the way. It ensures that all forward progress in your mix is indeed improving the sound. The earlier in the mixing process that you find a problem, the easier it is to fix it.
Jim smith says
May 23, 2018 at 10:14 amUse the AB toggle available on each channel. You can set up different eq, compression etc on each one the toggle between settings for comparison.
Jim smith says
May 23, 2018 at 10:10 amThere is a toggle for two separate eqs etc on each channel on the 24.4.2 ai. This enables you to set up two different settings. Gives you the ability to try different settings without modifying the original.
Andy Perrigo says
May 21, 2018 at 11:40 pmDoes the Presonus offer an A/B switch that let’s you hear the adjustments before anyone can hear?
Chris Huff says
May 23, 2018 at 10:00 amNot sure, try this: https://www.google.com/search?q=presonus+turn+effects+on+off
Steven A. Harrington says
May 16, 2018 at 10:23 amSometimes , somewhere in soundcheck I may turn off whole sections of the mix , drums, gtr, bass , vox , everything… just to see if I have done something to add to the mix , something to correct the mix , or god forbid something that detracted from the players offerings … After the players are doing their thing … just stop and listen to see what they as a group are offering without the system.
Chris Huff says
May 16, 2018 at 1:17 pmGreat idea! I’ll do something like that with instrument groups (vox, guitars, drums, guitars) and listen to what I’m getting from just one group or from “all other” groups.
Jim Smith says
May 16, 2018 at 8:25 amExcellent tip. This is something I do but have never really thought about it or described it. It’s easy to get lost in the weeds. Technology is a tool and can’t replace critical listening. Good ears rule!