Mixing In The Box. It is a term that used to have a certain amount of scorn behind it. But today, doing a complete ProTools based production from composition, through to pre-producton, recording and mixdown is finally a legit choice.
Sure, who doesn't love a nice SSL console and ATR tape machine, but the cost of using that kind of equipment makes it hard on a producers purse strings. So the question remains - can you have street cred and mix in the box?
You bet!
Heart Of In The Box Mixes
ProTools is a great platform with tons of options. And it certainly has the facilities to make mixing easy, but lets get to the bottom line of what makes a ProTools mix shine. The bottom line is that if you want a professional sounding production you simply cannot mix in the box without using plugins. Plugins are the heart and soul of sound manipulation.
The good news is that you don't need to have 10,000 plugins to get the job done. Just a few select choices can make all the difference. Picking the correct plugins is simple if you know what you are shooting for. And here's how to choose what is right.
The Classic Mixing Touch
You have a particular sound in your head, a particular mix polish and sheen that you want to achieve. Most likely it is similar to what one of your big shot heros has done. The simple solution is to copy what they use. Do some google research and find out what those guys use for their mixdown and steal it.
"But Buster, my hero mixes on analogue gear," you say.
No problem. Most every piece of analogue gear has been copied and is now available in plugin form.
For instance if you were going for a Tom Lord Alge style mix you would definitely want to have some SSL emulating plugs because Tom mixes on an SSL 4000. Well good news there are currently at least two major brands on the market.
You would also want a plugin that replicates and Teletronix 1176 and an Urei LA-3 in since he uses those for vocal compression and drum overheads, and bass, and even acoustic guitars at times. Good news again, there are scores of companies making those plugs.
You would also want to get your hands on some 22564 style plug ins because Tom uses those for his drum sounds to compress before going into the SSL.
Three sets of plugins and you have practically recreated the Tom Lord-Alge sound pallet.
Sure, who doesn't love a nice SSL console and ATR tape machine, but the cost of using that kind of equipment makes it hard on a producers purse strings. So the question remains - can you have street cred and mix in the box?
You bet!
Heart Of In The Box Mixes
ProTools is a great platform with tons of options. And it certainly has the facilities to make mixing easy, but lets get to the bottom line of what makes a ProTools mix shine. The bottom line is that if you want a professional sounding production you simply cannot mix in the box without using plugins. Plugins are the heart and soul of sound manipulation.
The good news is that you don't need to have 10,000 plugins to get the job done. Just a few select choices can make all the difference. Picking the correct plugins is simple if you know what you are shooting for. And here's how to choose what is right.
The Classic Mixing Touch
You have a particular sound in your head, a particular mix polish and sheen that you want to achieve. Most likely it is similar to what one of your big shot heros has done. The simple solution is to copy what they use. Do some google research and find out what those guys use for their mixdown and steal it.
"But Buster, my hero mixes on analogue gear," you say.
No problem. Most every piece of analogue gear has been copied and is now available in plugin form.
For instance if you were going for a Tom Lord Alge style mix you would definitely want to have some SSL emulating plugs because Tom mixes on an SSL 4000. Well good news there are currently at least two major brands on the market.
You would also want a plugin that replicates and Teletronix 1176 and an Urei LA-3 in since he uses those for vocal compression and drum overheads, and bass, and even acoustic guitars at times. Good news again, there are scores of companies making those plugs.
You would also want to get your hands on some 22564 style plug ins because Tom uses those for his drum sounds to compress before going into the SSL.
Three sets of plugins and you have practically recreated the Tom Lord-Alge sound pallet.
When it comes to Pro Tools mixing, the bottom line is that regardless of which plugs you have you still need to know how to use them and mixing is a combination of skills. Pick up the tips for free on the Music Producer newsletter Click Here http://www.musicproducersecrets.info
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