Mixing Secrets for the Small Studio

Mixing Secrets for the Small Studio is the best-selling primer for small-studio enthusiasts who want chart-ready sonics in a hurry, and this extensively updated third edition now contains sections on DSP phase-linearization, loudness normalization, oversampling, mixing from stems, frequency shifting, and analog summing. Discover how to achieve release-quality mixes even in the smallest studios by applying power-user techniques from more than 200 of the world's most successful producers. This entertaining and down-to-earth guide leads you step-by-step through the entire mixing process, and along the way you'll unravel the mysteries of every type of mix processing, from simple EQ (equalization) and compression through to advanced spectral dynamics and "fairy dust" effects. - Learn the subtle editing, arrangement, and monitoring tactics that give industry insiders their competitive edge, and master the psychological tricks that can 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 engineers working on today's multi-platinum hits, including Michael Brauer, Cirkut, Tom Elmhirst, Serban Ghenea, Jacquire King, the Lord-Alge brothers, Tony Maserati, Manny Marroquin, Finneas O'Connell, Laura Sisk, Mark "Spike" Stent, Andy Wallace, Young Guru, and many, many more... User-friendly explanations introduce technical concepts on a strictly need-to-know basis, while the book's chapter summaries, assignments, and massive library of audio/video examples are perfect for school and college use.

Mike Senior is a professional engineer who has worked with Wet Wet Wet, The Charlatans, Reef, Therapy, and Nigel Kennedy. He specializes in adapting the techniques of top producers for those working in small studios and on a tight budget. He has transformed more than 65 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 I: Hearing and Listening 1. Using Nearfield Monitors 2. Supplementary Monitoring 3. Low-End Damage Limitation 4. From Subjective Impressions to Objective Results Part II: Mix Preparation 5. Essential Groundwork 6. Timing and Tuning Adjustments 7. Comping and Arrangement Part III: Balance 8. Building the Raw Balance 9. Compressing for a Reason 10. Beyond Compression 11. Equalizing for a Reason 12. Beyond EQ 13. Frequency-Selective Dynamics 14. The Power of Side Chains 15. Toward Fluent Balancing Part IV: Sweetening to Taste 16. Mixing with Reverb 17. Mixing with Delays 18. Stereo Enhancements 19. Master-Buss Processing and Referencing 20. Automation and Endgame 21. Conclusion