when it comes to referencing and mixing the key thing to understand is the difference in levels... one thing that I personally do is that when I use a "commercial" track that is out as a reference to any song or genre that I intend to mix is that with the "commercial track" I will lower the levels by around -10db that way I can at least reference at that level to try and work my gain stage in that respect.. as well as listen to the placement of instrumentation and vocals in the stereo field. You generally would not reference a mastered commercial song at full level to a mix that you are working on in a daw primarily due to the differences in gain stage and levels so again turning down the level of a mastered commercial track by -10db will give you probably the best reference to work with.
I use references all the time - as Dave said, not to copy a song, or even to clone the exact parameters of a mix, but as something to strive for in quality and overall sonics. It may be the way the bass is sitting, or the way it relates to the kick. It could be a certain reverb treatment of a vocal, or it could even be the sonics of a mix as a whole. It's also a good way to hear how mastered and commercially released mixes sound on your own monitoring, in your mixing environment. Choose something that is similar in style to what you are working on, and it will help to guide you - not only towards better mixing, but also to better arranging and recording, too. FWIW
If you're using references to compare your instrumentals whats the best method of doing so? Because if you listen to the song or even a commercialized instrumental, it's already mastered and when you're comparing your mix it wont hold or might misguide you..so is it best to master the instrumental and compare that? (might be a really dumb question lol)
Using reference mixes with my DAW is something I'm trying for the first time today….for years I've avoided it for fear of copying something about the ref mix or that the ref mix would interrupt the creative flow when I'm really feeling the song that I'm working on. However, you've done a wonderful job of addressing those concerns and showing the advantages of a reference mix - not just for sonic comparisons but for building an arrangement as well. Thanks Dave, john
Dave... I’m new to your channel and just love your perfect “mix” of the technical and philosophical sides of this art & craft... and the relaxed delivery. Well done. I’m definitely a fan, much to learn. Thanks.
This may seem silly, but how long is the duration between your A to B's typically? Do you obsessively A - B during mixing or is it more of an occasional reality check? Love the chan! Seriously you are spreading so much love by helping people make better sounding music. It literally makes the world a better place as it disseminates. Cheers
No matter what kind of music I'm working on I always check it against some Steely Dan or Donald Fagen just to check I'm not going too over the top with the bass and drums lol....
I hear what you're saying though, Dave. I'm starting to get into more vocal mixing, so hearing a reference, kinda clears my head on the same level, to compete as you say with the mainstream sound.
As always, thanks Dave!!! Your show is something we have always wished for!! Could you show us how u handle the muddy area between 200-300hz? Would be great! I find myself fighting this area, the mix becomes eather to thin and harsh or it won't cut through and doesnt sound god at a lower level.
Hey Dave, you've mentioned before that modern tracks need more midrange to compete with larger amounts of limiting, but I thought we should typically cut low-mids to avoid muddiness in tracks. How do you deal with these somewhat conflicting scenarios?
You're awesome! brother. We love you Dave! Would you recommend to start a mix with faders all the way down or at "0" and just solo as you bring audio in?
Hey, I got a noob question...but.... What is the difference between cheap and expensive sound cards? How exactly the expensive one will improve my sound? You probbably will answer me - The converters are better on the $ one but what does that mean? Can you give me a demo or a example to hear? Thank you!
Does anyone else use look at their reference mix in a spectrogram? I've found that to be extremely useful, just to see what amazing balance between the frequencies looks like.
Going into the new year I really want to use reference tracks. And I know I'm making it more complex by just not doing it. I'm going to get a couple songs now and focus on referencing all december-Jan
Cool video. The only problem I have with it is that all the music referenced is R&B/Hip-hop, which exhibit similar traits. Would have been more interesting had different genres been presented like modern Country, pop, alt-rock, etc. The mixes that Nigel Godrich does for Radiohead, for example, are completely out of this world. Some vintage stuff would have been cool too.
Its usually the bass and vocals that can be quite a Challenge. Ok.... that heavy kick and snare too. I want that snare to punch through and that kick not to thump tooooo much
Very helpful. I am going to try this. One of the things I do is search wikipedia for grammy engineering records. Wiki has a whole list of 'em. The I go to iTunes and listen to them for reference. It's fun too!
My current reference songs: Celebration - Kool & the gang Beyonce - Naughty Girl Baauer - Fire like this Eptic/Carnage - The End Michael Jackson - Liberian Girl Missy Elliot - Pass That dutch Missy Elliot - Loose Control RIhanna - BBHMM Lil Wayne - A Milli Kanye West - Clique Brenda Russell - Piano in the dark Simple Minds - Dont you forget about me A flock of seagulls - I ran i'll stop now.
Your videos are so insightful... unfortunately I am at the very basic here. A lot of your language is completely foreign to me. There's so much to learn...
Carlos Perdomo that feeling pretty much stays. I've been doing it for about 15 years and I still feel like a newbie, there's always so much to learn, it can get discouraging actually. Check out recording revolution, it brings you back to the basics
Richard Cooper Do you know what programs are good for ripping the song (I hate the term ripping but I don't know the current professional term) to open it in a audio track for the daw?
I *never* use Reference mixes! Why should I want to copy a mix or master of someone else? I mix and master like I want, it's my own sound. Don't mimick or copy others, do your own thing!
Did he actually show anything in this though? Lmao a lot of random tips but, from someone as prestigious as him not much taken away from this other than his favorite reference tracks by choice at that time....lmao
