Welcome to Audio Alchemy Episode III part 1 | Levelling a rough mix with Pink Noise
After
Cal Lycus
dedicated the last episode to mastering a track with Audiotool, there were requests to also cover something about mixing. We've followed this request and are starting a multi-part episode about the art of mixing with Audiotool.
In the first part, Cal discusses leveling using pink noise. Never heard of this method before? Well, honestly, neither have I. But that doesn't make it any less interesting. So watch and be amazed.
This is so useful. Do you ever automate the gains over the course of the track to change the relative levels? Or is it better practice to keep those constant across the track?
Automating levels is often an important part of a mix, yes.
Sometimes I add a tinygain (or some other form of level boost to automate) so that I can keep the faders free from automation and easily tweak them if I decide something doesn't work after all. Much easier than trying to adjust automation amounts.
It's kind of whatever works for your personal workflow in regards to how you manage and create a dynamic mix.
Great question! The honest and boring answer is that it depends on the track and what's needed.
In early analogue studios it was common to keep the board "live" and move faders up and down in the mix to bring attention to certain parts. It wasn't uncommon to even turn down the drums (dark times)
the easiest method is to have separate mixes for instrument groups like drums, synth, bass etc and adjust those as needed before you glue them all back together with mastering tools. That way you can highlight certain moments in a track quickly but still keep the relative level consistent.
I enjoy the fact that this is being done. Allowing people to learn, back then you’d ask, or open a track and really I find that to be the best way in my opinion.