Mix Preparation Reading Assignment Chapter 3

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Questions and Answers

Why is it not a good idea to work on the original session file?

It is good practice to always work on a copy of an original session file.

What should you do first when receiving an original session file?

Back it up in three separate locations.

What should you trim regardless of when it was recorded?

The heads and tails of takes.

What happens to edits if they don't contain any crossfades?

Clicks and pops can occur. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it a good practice to have crossfades on every edit?

To avoid clicks and pops. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do once all edits, comping, and tuning are complete?

Consolidate all clips. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to clearly label each track?

To have a well-organized session. Signup and view all the answers

What are major timesavers in any DAW?

Memory locations and window configurations. Signup and view all the answers

How do veteran mixers use memory locations and window configurations?

They mark important elements of a mix and add pre-roll to sections. Signup and view all the answers

Why are subgroups useful in a mix?

They allow for sections to be adjusted together. Signup and view all the answers

How do subgroups work best?

They should be set up before mixing. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do with channels that use a particular effect?

Apply routing (aux send) and instantiate the effect on the aux inputs. Signup and view all the answers

Why do the kick, snare, bass, and vocal usually need a compressor during the mix?

To control the dynamics of these sources. Signup and view all the answers

What are some things you should do to calibrate your hearing when preparing to mix?

Spend time away from loud noise, eat a proper diet, relax your jaw, identify the loudest and softest sounds, and turn the monitor level down. Signup and view all the answers

What happens if you close your eyes while mixing?

Three-dimensional visualization of sound can be improved. Signup and view all the answers

Why should you have a pen and a pad of paper ready to write on while mixing?

To quickly take notes or notate settings. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Session File Management

Always work on a copy of the original session file to prevent data loss.
Back up the original session file in three locations: system drive, removable drive, and cloud storage.
Create a working copy labeled with the session date before making any edits to ensure the original state can be restored.

Editing Practices

Trim the heads and tails of all takes regardless of when they were recorded to improve overall sound quality.

Importance of Crossfades

Edits lacking crossfades can cause audible clicks and pops.
Maintaining crossfades on every edit is considered good practice to ensure smooth transitions between audio clips.

Clip Consolidation

After completing all edits and tuning, consolidate all clips to enhance session organization and navigation.

Track Labeling

Clearly label each track to maintain organization within a session, aiding in identifying final takes and facilitating collaboration.
Use logical names following naming conventions for easy reference and archival purposes.

Time-Saving Techniques

Utilize memory locations and window configurations to increase efficiency in mixing.
Veteran mixers often mark important elements and add pre-roll to specific sections.

Subgroups in Mixing

Subgroups allow collective adjustments of multiple tracks and can apply effects like EQ and compression across groups.
Setting up subgroups in advance can streamline the mixing process, especially for sections that need dynamic adjustments, like choruses.

Effects Routing

Apply routing (aux send) to channels that require certain effects, instantiating effects on aux inputs for flexibility.
If multiple tracks require the same EQ/compression settings, assign them to a subgroup for global effect application.

Compressor Usage

Kick, snare, bass, and vocal tracks typically require compression to control dynamics for a polished mix.

Hearing Calibration Techniques

Calibrate hearing pre-mixing by taking breaks from loud sounds, maintaining a healthy diet, relaxing jaw muscles, and adjusting monitor levels appropriately.

Benefits of Closing Eyes

Closing eyes while mixing enhances three-dimensional sound visualization by reducing visual distractions, which can heighten audio awareness.

Note-Taking During Mixing

Keep a pen and pad of paper handy while mixing to quickly jot down thoughts, ideas, or setting adjustments that may be forgotten otherwise.

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Description

This quiz covers essential practices for handling original session files during mix preparation. Learn why it's crucial to make backups and create working copies before making any changes. Test your understanding of these procedures to ensure data integrity and effective workflow.