I like to mix my tracks so that all of the levels are good. Mixing is very important and there are many things to it. Lets discover mixing and see whats good about it.
Gain Stage
We need to have our tracks peak around -18db so we don’t clip stereo out. We can use the pregain control in the effects window to set the volume of the tracks. After we add effects to it we can lower the volume again with the fader or a compressor. If a track is too quiet would be best to boost it with harmonics from compression or saturation.
EQ
I like to use a variety of EQs to get the best tones for my guitars and everything else. These days I use either the channel strip eq/ GEQ10/GEQ30 or Pro-Q. Frequency 2 is a good dynamic compressor with mid/side processing and side chain capability. So its a good way to separate instruments in the mix, like a compressor.
Saturation
This is second in the chain because it adds to the tone and boosts the volume a little bit. I mostly like to use tube saturation in the channel strip because it is quick to apply and sounds good. The other choices are the Tape Saturation, Magneto 2 and Saturn 2.
Compression
Compression is third in the chain and the final levelling plugin for our track. This is great for dynamic guitar tracks because it can really even out the sound. It can make the quiet parts louder and louder parts quieter.
Side Chain | Mix
It is good to duck the sub with the kick so that the kick takes the initial low end space. We can use any compressor to do this and switch which ones we use project to project. The kick can compress the sub and bass guitar.
Send FX | Mix
Send fx can give the lead guitar extra loudness and goodness.
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