ABSTRACT

Discover how to achieve release-quality mixes even in the smallest studios by applying power-user techniques from the world's most successful producers.

Mixing Secrets For The Small Studio is a down-to-earth primer for small-studio enthusiasts who want chart-ready sonics in a hurry. Drawing on the back-room strategies of more than 100 famous names, this entertaining guide leads you step-by-step through the entire mixing process. On the way, you'll unravel the mysteries of every type of mix processing, from simple EQ and compression through to advanced spectral dynamics and 'fairy dust' effects. User-friendly explanations introduce technical concepts on a strictly need-to-know basis, while chapter summaries and assignments are perfect for school and college use.

* Learn the subtle editing, arrangement, and monitoring tactics which give industry insiders their competitive edge, and master the psychological tricks which protect you from all the biggest rookie mistakes.

* Find out where you don't need to spend money, as well as how to make a limited budget really count.

* Pick up tricks and tips from leading-edge engineers working on today's multi-platinum hits, including Michael Brauer, Serban Ghenea, the Lord-Alge brothers, Tony Maserati, Manny Marroquin, Dave 'Hard Drive' Pensado, Jack Joseph Puig, Mark 'Spike' Stent, Phil Tan, Andy Wallace, and many, many more...

Mike Senior is a professional engineer who has worked with Wet Wet Wet, The Charlatans, Reef, Therapy, and Nigel Kennedy. He specialises in adapting the techniques of top producers for those working on a budget. Since 2007 he has transformed dozens of amateur productions for Sound On Sound magazine's popular 'Mix Rescue' column, proving time and again that you can achieve commercial-grade results with affordable gear -- once you know how!

part |2 pages

PART 1 l Hearing and Listening

chapter 1|28 pages

Using Nearfield Monitors

chapter 2|16 pages

Supplementary Monitoring

chapter 3|10 pages

Low-End Damage Limitation

part |2 pages

PART 2 l Mix Preparation

chapter 5|8 pages

Essential Groundwork

chapter 6|18 pages

Timing and Tuning Adjustments

chapter 7|10 pages

Comping and Arrangement

part |2 pages

PART 3 l Balance

chapter 8|24 pages

Building the Raw Balance

chapter 9|20 pages

Compressing for a Reason

chapter 10|8 pages

Beyond Compression

chapter 11|20 pages

Equalizing for a Reason

chapter 12|12 pages

Beyond EQ

chapter 13|16 pages

Frequency-Selective Dynamics

chapter 14|6 pages

The Power of Side Chains

chapter 15|4 pages

Toward Fluent Balancing

part |2 pages

PART 4 l Sweetening to Taste

chapter 16|24 pages

Mixing with Reverb

chapter 17|6 pages

Mixing with Delays

chapter 18|12 pages

Stereo Enhancements

chapter 19|28 pages

Buss Compression, Automation, and Endgame

chapter 20|2 pages

Conclusion