BLOG 7

Mixing Track (Preparation to Record Vocals)

After finishing the track, I want to ensure that the track is ready to mix so that all instruments are in place when recording the vocals. The mix, (as highlighted in a red box), has been adjusted to each volume of how I want each instrument to be heard in the track, however, this will be adjusted once the vocals are recorded according to how well each instrument fits with the vocal audio.

‘Mixing represents the process whereby the musical vision and the audio reality come together’ (Savage, 2014, p.xv).

Furthermore, as it is important to have the track mixed, Pedersen and Grimshaw-Aagaard (2019, p.6) suggest that ‘The headphone mix is not just an almost-good-enough mix: it’s the mix that should motivate the singer to make the best take in recording history.’. This is important so that I am able to record great vocals for my track and in the genre of 90s Dance Pop.

I am pleased with the final mix of my track and will enable me to be experimental with vocals, in this case with the main vocal line and harmonies.

It is true that there is still some muddiness in the track which can be heard through the piano and bass guitars, though I will fix this once the vocals are recorded to ensure that all instruments are of the correct levels and are mastered correctly.

Studio Preparation

Above is a plan of what I will need in the studio to record my vocals and the layout of where I will stand, placement of the microphone, stand, shield, etc. This is to ensure that when going into the studio, everything is well prepared so that the process of recording my vocals runs smoothly.

Microphone Placement:

It is important to ensure that the microphone is placed correctly when recording in the university studio. Rochman (2013) suggests these two areas within Microphone position and placement in the room:

• ‘The room contributes about 20% to the overall sound. Even on close-miked instruments, the room is far more responsible for the ultimate sound’
• ‘The mic position contributes about 20% to the overall sound’

Having a lecture on microphone position about this particular studio was helpful. It was discovered that the best place for the microphone in the square, yet small studio booth, should be placed near the corner of the room, off the centre to create a well balanced pick up from the vocal.

It is also important to consider how near or far away I will be standing from the microphone. This is because it will effect the frequency response and how well the voice will be captured and so it is important to think about: how I am positioned (on or off centre) to the microphone and the dynamics when I am singing (Friedman, 2010, p.24).

Reference List:

Friedman, D. (2010). Sound Advice: Voiceover from an Audio Engineer’s Perspective. Bloomington: AuthorHouse.

Pederson, H. and Grimshaw-Aagaard, M. (2019). The Recording, Mixing, and Mastering Reference Handbook. New York: Oxford University Press.

Rochman, D. (2013). Microphone Choice and Placement Secrets for Recording. Available at: http://blog.shure.com/microphone-choice-and-placement-secrets-for-recording/[Accessed: 11th April 2019]

Savage, S. (2014). Mixing and Mastering in the Box: The Guide to Making Great Mixes and Final Masters on Your Computer. New York: Oxford University Press.