Some of my best mixes are mixes I have done very quickly while having a purpose for every move I made. I did not over think stuff. I just went with my gut and made the eq and compression moves on the fly.
I think you hit the nail on the head. Definitely some of the takeaways I get from watching CLA. Sometimes as mix engineers we lose the ability to listen the way an average music listener does. It’s important to remember why we love making music in the first place. One of the hardest things I’ve had to learn how to do is turning off my “mixing ears”.
I don't think that one can totally disregard the value of subtractive EQ - remember that CLA is mixing A-list tracks that are recorded by world-class engineers in world-class studios; unless yours are as well, you're very likely going to need to tame resonances and apply shelves, etc. as corrective measures. And, the more stacked tracks that were recorded using the same mics and pre's (as most home recordings are), the more these issues build up. Doing subtractive corrections first allows you to perform those energy-enhancing boosts without unwanted side-effects. I do agree wholeheartedly that the ultimate goal is creating exciting and compelling mixes; that's the prize to keep our eyes on!
This. First correct for problems, then enhance for fitting things in the mix. Correction often requires EQ cuts, whether through static EQ, dynamic EQ, etc. I agree that CLA would be working on tracks that have probably all been 'pre-optimized' by someone else. So all he is having to do is make things fit in the mix and sound big. He is not having to fix tons if issues with vocals and instruments beforehand.
One of the best things I learned from CLA as well is regarding the drums room mics - the worst case you can do is overcompress and over-eq these tracks.. In most cases leaving good room sound natural is already enough
One of the rare video I agree with. It's okay to obsesses on on imitating his gear/settings when you're starting out, because the beginning is very overwhelming when it comes to mixing. But you then realize that this is not the point at all indeed. Although, one thing about additive vs subsctractive EQ.You're right about the differences but there is also the fact that, when adding, you're changing the gain stage going into your mixbus. This is especially true on the SSL. Adding EQ will boost the volume noticeably and makes the summing section react differently, in order to reach the "sweet spot". Cheers.
Nice to see CLA getting some love. I've been incredibly lucky to study with the great man on a number of different occasions and I could literally write a book about what I've learned. His process is unrivaled in my opinion and his positive attitude towards his craft is one of the things that sets him apart from other mixers.
Do you happen to remember what is mixbus looks like? Zooming in on a couple videos I’m seeing a massive low end boost on Pultecs and a bit smaller of a mid boost.
@@braedonhorbacio304 Hey Braedon, yes he uses a Pultec EQP-1S3 which has a 70Hz setting as opposed to the regular 60Hz. He has a 5dB boost at 70Hz and a 2dB boost at 3kHz using the widest bandwidth. The Pultec comes AFTER his bus compressor in the chain .
@@eatsleepdrums Thanks for the response. After watching tons of his mixing videos I noticed he rarely boosts low end on individual tracks yet the low end always sounds monstrous & glued together. Is the Pultec boost largely responsible for that? And is that how he’s able to make such broad/generous moves in the 8k range?
@@braedonhorbacio304 Yes the way he explained it was that adding lots of bottom end on the SSL console choked up the mixbus and made it distort more easily. So instead, he mixes quite 'thin' on the console and prefers to add the bottom end on the Pultec on the way out. It's a clever way of working I guess.
I was struggling to death mixing some vocals using the "better subtract than add" approach and it seems that nothing worked. But as soon as I starting to add the resonances I was struggling with all of a sudden aren't annoying anymore! I think that in some instances is better to add and then and only then substract what stands out the most.
Hi Thomas. I know this video is kinda old now, but I just wanted to say thank you for this video. You said everything so clearly and calmly. I’ve been using some of the techniques and concepts you mentioned here recently and your video really reinforced the feeling that I’m on the right track. Thanks again, much appreciated!
I'm JT from New York, New York I'm looking to create an album I have 2 questions: Questions: What makes your approach to create an album different from other people’s? What are the biggest mistakes and myths you see in Album making? What are the biggest wastes of time?
I think cutting is very useful for live mixing and also, to be frank, as a tip to give your guitarist etc who sets out to make things ‘nice’ by adding a smile curve because they’ve used a hifi but don’t understand how feedback or hearing works. I enjoyed this, thanks. After a long break and now in a different (as yet untreated) room, I’m having to rethink things consciously and this was helpful.
Brilliant tips. I always understood cutting was preferred to boosting to give yourself more headroom which in the current loudness wars is necessary. But I’ve never tried solely one vs the other to see if it affects headroom as much as we might think
Some of my best mixes are mixes I have done very quickly while having a purpose for every move I made. I did not over think stuff. I just went with my gut and made the eq and compression moves on the fly.
I think you hit the nail on the head. Definitely some of the takeaways I get from watching CLA. Sometimes as mix engineers we lose the ability to listen the way an average music listener does. It’s important to remember why we love making music in the first place. One of the hardest things I’ve had to learn how to do is turning off my “mixing ears”.
The most important is the music ... the rest is cosmetic. What is ugly, can only become less ugly, never more beautiful!
Great video, really helpful, clear and informative. Thank you @Pro audio files
I don't think that one can totally disregard the value of subtractive EQ - remember that CLA is mixing A-list tracks that are recorded by world-class engineers in world-class studios; unless yours are as well, you're very likely going to need to tame resonances and apply shelves, etc. as corrective measures. And, the more stacked tracks that were recorded using the same mics and pre's (as most home recordings are), the more these issues build up. Doing subtractive corrections first allows you to perform those energy-enhancing boosts without unwanted side-effects. I do agree wholeheartedly that the ultimate goal is creating exciting and compelling mixes; that's the prize to keep our eyes on!
This. First correct for problems, then enhance for fitting things in the mix. Correction often requires EQ cuts, whether through static EQ, dynamic EQ, etc. I agree that CLA would be working on tracks that have probably all been 'pre-optimized' by someone else. So all he is having to do is make things fit in the mix and sound big. He is not having to fix tons if issues with vocals and instruments beforehand.
One of the best things I learned from CLA as well is regarding the drums room mics - the worst case you can do is overcompress and over-eq these tracks.. In most cases leaving good room sound natural is already enough
veere ok aa bohat acha(bro good video)
You’re right going too surgical on a mix is a quick way to ruin your mix 💯
Cool summary and insights. Thanks!
Best tips I’ve heard in years
Appreciate your thoughtful tips. Thanks.
Wow this is hugely helpful. Awesome way to end my Sunday, thanks man!
HELLO 💥😜💥 DJAYS
Nice job Thomas!
Watching this video many times to remember things. Thanks a lot!
GREAT VIDEO!!!!
One of the rare video I agree with. It's okay to obsesses on on imitating his gear/settings when you're starting out, because the beginning is very overwhelming when it comes to mixing. But you then realize that this is not the point at all indeed.
Although, one thing about additive vs subsctractive EQ.You're right about the differences but there is also the fact that, when adding, you're changing the gain stage going into your mixbus. This is especially true on the SSL. Adding EQ will boost the volume noticeably and makes the summing section react differently, in order to reach the "sweet spot".
Cheers.
Great, Thx,
Nice to see CLA getting some love. I've been incredibly lucky to study with the great man on a number of different occasions and I could literally write a book about what I've learned. His process is unrivaled in my opinion and his positive attitude towards his craft is one of the things that sets him apart from other mixers.
Do you happen to remember what is mixbus looks like? Zooming in on a couple videos I’m seeing a massive low end boost on Pultecs and a bit smaller of a mid boost.
@@braedonhorbacio304 Hey Braedon, yes he uses a Pultec EQP-1S3 which has a 70Hz setting as opposed to the regular 60Hz. He has a 5dB boost at 70Hz and a 2dB boost at 3kHz using the widest bandwidth. The Pultec comes AFTER his bus compressor in the chain
.
@@eatsleepdrums Thanks for the response. After watching tons of his mixing videos I noticed he rarely boosts low end on individual tracks yet the low end always sounds monstrous & glued together. Is the Pultec boost largely responsible for that? And is that how he’s able to make such broad/generous moves in the 8k range?
@@braedonhorbacio304 Yes the way he explained it was that adding lots of bottom end on the SSL console choked up the mixbus and made it distort more easily. So instead, he mixes quite 'thin' on the console and prefers to add the bottom end on the Pultec on the way out. It's a clever way of working I guess.
These are some fantastic tips to help us regain our focus
I was struggling to death mixing some vocals using the "better subtract than add" approach and it seems that nothing worked. But as soon as I starting to add the resonances I was struggling with all of a sudden aren't annoying anymore! I think that in some instances is better to add and then and only then substract what stands out the most.
Hi Thomas. I know this video is kinda old now, but I just wanted to say thank you for this video. You said everything so clearly and calmly. I’ve been using some of the techniques and concepts you mentioned here recently and your video really reinforced the feeling that I’m on the right track. Thanks again, much appreciated!
I'm JT from New York, New York
I'm looking to create an album I have 2 questions:
Questions:
What makes your approach to create an album different from other people’s?
What are the biggest mistakes and myths you see in Album making?
What are the biggest wastes of time?
Concise and clear. Good video, mate.
Very helpful, thanks! I think another reason why we don't see him do any surgical eq is that maybe his assistence is doing that work?
I think cutting is very useful for live mixing and also, to be frank, as a tip to give your guitarist etc who sets out to make things ‘nice’ by adding a smile curve because they’ve used a hifi but don’t understand how feedback or hearing works. I enjoyed this, thanks. After a long break and now in a different (as yet untreated) room, I’m having to rethink things consciously and this was helpful.
Live mìxing is a different beast altogether.
Wow
This is huge Thomas!!!!
Thanks so much for sharing
this was so concise and insightful. thank you
I thought CLA was the name of a plugin...
My ex co worker likes Nickelback.
Brilliant tips. I always understood cutting was preferred to boosting to give yourself more headroom which in the current loudness wars is necessary. But I’ve never tried solely one vs the other to see if it affects headroom as much as we might think
The loudnes wars are finally over! :)
Great video mate.
voice too dynamic. I listen with other sounds around and I can't make louder. Hard to understand softer words.