Setting up a Project for Mixing
Mixing is so awesome when you can focus on the artistic side of things instead of the mechanical stuff. Before jumping to mixing, you should set up a project for it the right way. Why? Because it’s like a foundation to a mix. It makes mixing easier, faster and more fun. Check out the video to learn how to set up a project for mixing:
Whether we’re talking about mixing, cooking or any other task, it becomes more pleasant to do once everything’s organized and prepared. Right? You wouldn’t want to cook in a messy kitchen now would you?
It’s nice to start on a clean sheet so to speak. Setting up a project for mixing means just that – fresh start for a new task. When you’re done with recording and ready to mix, you want to clean and organize your project.
This means that you have no crossfades, multiple takes on top of each other, clipping audio, midi or any of the sorts. Recorded tracks are bounced into audio tracks and opened up in a fresh project.
Organize the tracks to your taste, so everything’s easy to find. For me the order is always drums (kick, snare, toms, overheads), bass, guitars, vocals, synths, fx, etc. Organize the tracks always in the same order so you get used to the order and navigation becomes faster.
Color code the tracks. This helps to visually navigate through the project. Use same colors every time for same instrument types. I like to color each group of instruments with the same color. For example drums, rhythm guitars etc.
Route the tracks. Create busses to each instrument groups, so you’ll have a better control of them in the mix. This way you don’t have to do it in the middle of the mixing process.
Hopefully you found this post helpful. If there’s anything you want me to cover in the future videos let me know. Send me an email or leave a comment below. Ask if there’s anything unclear or if I left something out. Cheers!
