Exerpts from the Mixing Engineer's Handbook.

[Glenn Mitchell]

I am on a learning kick and wanted to share some great basics of mixing I have come across in Bobby Owsinski's book..
1. Think Tall, Deep and Wide.
Tall means have all frequencies represented- Low to high
Deep means ambiance and texture. (reverb, delay, chorus flanging, mic positioning)
Wide means careful panning left to right.

2. Signs of an amateur mix.
A. No Contrast. same texture thruout.
B. Frequent lack of focal point the lead has holes where nothing holds your attention.
C. noisy mix clicks pops, breathing, lip smacks
D. Lack of clarity and punch instruments not distinct-Low end too weak or strong.
E. Distant mixes lack of feeling or intimacy. Too much reverb or other FX?
F. Inconsistent levels Instrument levels too soft or loud or obscuring lyrics.
G dull and uninteresting sounds Generic or dated. Over-used FX or techniques.

Now if I can only put this into practice.... Lol.

[tony]

Thanks,  that's nice and clear and I can understand it.  Which isn't always the case with recording jargon.

[Tangled Wires]

Thanks Glenn, some very useful pointers. Will also try and put this in to practice to see if I can improve on my "experimental" mixing and mastering techniques!!

[The Reverend 48]

Great words Glenn
I am guilty on all counts!

[SdC]

the trick is to find a balance between the contradictory
1 - DEEP
and
2 - E & G
....

[Glenn Mitchell]

Yes I agree. There are these Catch 22 situations in most mixes.
I take it it's getting the right amount of FX or perhaps not using the same FX thruout the whole track?
Variety helps.
IMO "G" is the hardest one. Coming up with something original yet pleasing.

[launched]

That is a good point - How not to sound dull and uninteresting. Story of my life.

And DEEP can kill a tune, that's for certain if you're not careful. It's my biggest weakness, aside from not practicing enough! 

Thanks for the tips, Glenn - Recording music can be so difficult sometimes. And frustrating. And emotionally scarring. Ugh!

Peace,

Mark

[Oldrottenhead]

C. noisy mix clicks pops, breathing, lip smacks

thats one of my major problems, especially when singing ma wee heart oot and i hold the mbr casing to tight and it clicks, thank goodness for daws, then you can see the little buggers and cut em off.

[launched]

C. noisy mix clicks pops, breathing, lip smacks

thats one of my major problems, especially when singing ma wee heart oot and i hold the mbr casing to tight and it clicks, thank goodness for daws, then you can see the little buggers and cut em off.

A/B Autopunch, bro!!! 

[launched]

... especially when singing ma wee heart oot and i hold the mbr casing to tight and it clicks...

I love that - I could picture you singing your wee heart out!! 

Mark