One reason many MIDI compositions don’t sound convincing is legato. If the notes, especially violin phrases, do not sound connected, even casual listeners will know immediately. This is especially the case with strings, but of[…]
Category: Easy Mixing Advice
Easy Mixing Advice: Doubling Instruments
This is an advice which is actually not a mixing advice, though it works quite well as a mixing tool: If parts of your sample-based orchestral composition don’t sound right, like sharp or unrealistic, don’t[…]
Easy Mixing Advice: Combining Convolution and Algorithmic Reverb
I’ve yet to discover the best reverb settings myself, but I can share with you already something that proved for me personally to be a good starting point. First, you have to be aware that[…]
Easy Mixing Advice: Compression and Orchestral Music
It’s a common misconception that orchestra music doesn’t need compression. Especially film music relies on compression, it’s important for the “Hollywood sound” we’re used to listening to for the last 30-40 years. So, compression is[…]
Easy Mixing Advice: Don’t underestimate Saturation
You did your best with reverb, eq and compression, yet your mix sounds “uncomfortable”? If you know that notion, you should make yourself familiar with saturation. Saturation is an effect that is provided by tube[…]
Easy Mixing Advice: Headphone Position
This is probably the most awkward advice you will ever get: Check the position of your headphones on your ears! No kidding. Some headphones, especially On-Ears, but also some Over-Ears, sound different depending on how[…]
Easy Mixing Advice: Use Pre-Defined EQ Settings
If you’re like me then you are reluctant to use pre-defined settings, knowing that each situation requires specific treatment. That’s true, but if you’re just starting out using EQ and not really well versed, you[…]
Easy Mixing Advice: EQ is relative
If you are just starting out using EQ, you might be overwhelmed by the possibilities to change the sound of your music. And you might say: “Yeah, let’s boost the 200 Hz because, hey, it[…]
Easy Mixing Advice: Mind the low end and the high end
I told you these tipps were going to be very basic and this one is particularly obvious, but perhaps not for everybody: Not every thing you do wrong at the mixing stage will actually hurt[…]