Mixing and mastering could be called the finishing touch of a music track. It is used to improve separately the quality of a sound’s different instruments (mixing). Then, to boost and homogenize the final audio file (mastering).Bothallow you to have a professional quality sound. Here are the steps you have to follow for the purpose.
Mix the Sound First
We can group the mix in 3 steps represented by tools included in the software. By the way, think about the fact to enhance your sound experience with Nahimic.
1. The panning
If you are already accustomed to the MAO technology, you must know this little knob called “pan” near the volume. The panning is the movementof your different instruments in the stereo space. It is about moving them further to the right or to the left depending on the software you use. The kick (or bass drum) and bass are usually placed in the center or at worst, very slightly shifted. Shifting the kick and bass too farcan unbalance the music track.
2. The Parametric Equalizer
The EQ is an essentialtool for mixing and mastering a sound. It serves to separate the instruments not in space, but in terms of frequencies. For a successful mix, it is not necessary that 2 instruments encroach on the same frequency. That is why when you listen to a non-mixed song, it sounds messy. This is because all the instruments are tuned to the same frequency. It is advised to selectat first the simplest plugin available in your MAO software todifferentiate the instruments from one another.
3. The Reverb and the Other Effects:
The use of the reverb depends on personal preferences. Some DJs only use it on some instruments to add depth to them. The more reverb there is, the more the instrument seems a long way off. Be careful though, too much reverb or any effect will deterioratethe sound. It is important to have a light handwhile adjusting the settings.
How to master a Sound?
Once your mix seems perfect, you can start mastering the sound. It is recommended is to export your song as a single audio file and to opt for the WAV format. This helps to separate mixing and mastering. Here are the tools you will have to use (in this order) for a successful mastering:
- the spectrum;
- the parametric equalizer;
- the compressor;
- the limiter.
Now, export your song a second time and listen to your work by using the Nahimic software. Notice thatthis step can be done on the same software used for the mix or on another onespecially designed for mastering. Many experts advise the second option so you donot get lost.