Mixing Basics Flashcards
What do the Fletcher Munson curves tell us?
we do not hear the extreme high and low frequencies well, but we hear mid range very well
Why do we need to listen at all levels?
the louder music is played, the more highs and lows we hear
What is summing?
combining audio signals
What are the three main functionalities mixing consoles offer?
summing, processing, and routing
What are the 2 sections of all mixing consoles?
master section and channel section
What is the master section responsible for?
central control over the console and global functioning
What is the channel section?
collection of channel strips, usually mono input
What is a bus?
common signal path to which multiple signals can be mixed
What is a processor?
device, electronic circuit, or software code used to alter the input signal and replace it with a processed output signal
What are some examples of processors?
EQ, compressor, limiter, expander, gate, ducker, distortion, pitch corrector, fader, pan pot
What do effects do?
add something to the original sound; take input signal and generate new signal based on that input
What are some examples of effects?
reverb, delay, chorus, flanger, pitch shifter, harmonizer
What is the difference between the dry signal and the wet signal for effects?
dry signal: unaffected original input signal
wet signal: new signal that effects unit produces
What is the difference in how effects and processors are connected to the input signals?
processors usually connected using insert points, effects connected using aux sends
What is the basic signal flow of a mixing console?
- ) faders, pan pots, cut switch
- ) line gains, phase invert, clip indicators
- ) onboard processors
- ) insert points
- ) aux sends
- ) FX returns/aux returns
What does line gain do?
lets us boost or attenuate level before it enters the channel path (optimize signal level)
What are the local aux controls?
level control, pre/post fader switch, pan control, on/off switch (mute)
What is the main principle for correct gain structure?
set the optimal level of something as early in the signal chain as possible so reduce boosting noise
What is a mixer strip in software mixers?
used instead of a channel, created in the mix window of a DAW when we create a new track
What 3 main types of tracks are there in a DAW?
audio, aux, and master
In a DAW, what is an audio track?
raw tracks and their audio regions (references to audio files on hard drive)
In a DAW, what are aux tracks?
used for audio grouping and to accommodate effects as part of the aux send setup
In a DAW, what is a master track?
main stereo bus
What are the 4 sections in a mixer strip in a DAW?
input selection, output selection, insert slots, and send slots
