Dynamic before Loud

Begin with a Dynamic Mix.

Mixing isn't just about manipulating knobs and faders. It's an art form, demanding the same dedication and vision as any painter before a canvas. Your tools may be plugins and EQs, but the materials you manipulate are emotions, storytelling, and sonic landscapes. Ultimately, your only limitations are the creativity and knowledge you bring to the table.

If this doesn't resonate with your approach, ask yourself a critical question: Do I prioritize excellence and my reputation? A passionate artist cares deeply about their craft. They invest in self-improvement, learn from every project, and strive to leave a lasting impression. This includes seeking feedback, fostering community, and using reputation as a platform to communicate their message.

There are two distinct worlds of mixing, with three potential destinations. Some mixers simply navigate faders enough to achieve a decent-sounding output, then settle. They stop exploring, neglecting active mixing during performances, and avoiding feedback from peers and musicians. They've reached their "Peter Principle" plateau, content with stagnation, they have reached their level of incompetence.

On the other hand, the dedicated mix engineer embraces continual learning and growth. They never settle, constantly honing their skills. They learn that "more" doesn't equal "better" and understand the pitfalls of over-processing. They seek guidance from the masters, refining their ears, technical knowledge, and overall approach. Their journey culminates in one of three destinations: ongoing growth, stagnation, or leaving the field altogether.

The ongoing battle between loudness and dynamic mixes demands constant improvement. Broadcast and recording demands differ from live experiences. While broadcasts prioritize volume within specific limits, live sound engineers have more leeway. However, excessive volume chasing often leads to a vicious cycle: boosting vocals drowns out the guitar, leading to more guitar, then keyboard, bass, and drums, ultimately landing you back at square one, only louder. This is the internal loudness war within a mix. Additionally, the battle between dynamic range and perceived loudness rages on. Rock music thrives on punchy, in your face mix, often employing compression to enhance quiet elements and "glue" everything together. But at excessive levels (105 dB+), fatigue sets in, dynamics vanish, instruments struggle to stand out, and the mix feels lifelessly loud. An over compressed, "thick" mix loses definition and clarity, blending everything into a homogenous wall of sound.

Conversely, overly dynamic mixes offer moments of clarity but suffer from fluctuating instrument levels, potentially losing details to background noise. The ideal mix strikes a balance: 1) genre-appropriate dynamics, and 2) clear, audible presentation of all instruments with noticeable dynamic range. A solid, dynamic mix, even with slightly too much range, serves as a far better starting point than a thick, overly compressed one. Focus on finding each element's rightful place first, then explore creative ways to enhance clarity and fullness. Techniques like ducking vocal reverb and delays can prevent muddiness during vocal passages.

Start with moderate compression, layering or applying heavy Bus compression sparingly. Tame unruly dynamics from explosive vocals or cymbals that overwhelm the mix. Achieve a good-sounding, dynamic mix before tackling the complex issue of loudness in individual channels and the overall output. Streaming services often normalize volume automatically, making excessive attention to master loudness levels unnecessary. Prioritize reasonable dynamics and a level that ensures every instrument shines while conveying the music's energy. Stay vigilant against the internal loudness war. If you find yourself chasing faders in a never-ending loop, step back. Identify the elements obscuring the original signal and adjust the mix to give each element breathing room and space to shine.

Never stop learning about crafting quality mixes that balance dynamics and loudness. Don't get complacent during events. Let your passion and dedication guide you as you paint sonic landscapes that resonate with listeners and solidify your reputation as a true master of the mix, sonically grounded.