One trick that has helped my mixes translate better.

One of the benefits of getting rid of my analog console is that it has allowed me to create multiple listening positions in the best possible points in the room (if that does not make sense watch this video). One of those positions is my new mixing position that is now closer to the Yamaha NS-10s, my main mixing speakers. Something about this change has made it easier to achieve a goal I have aspired to for years:

Mixing at Lower Levels!

I have always known that mixing at low listening levels is the right thing to do. There is some sound principle behind it, but mostly I have always heard that Andy Wallace mixes at super low levels and I think he is the best rock mixer in the world (I am actually not joking about that last sentence). For some reason, with my listening position a little further away, I always felt that I needed more volume to be able to really hear enough detail in the mix, but this new position seems to make it easier for me to keep the volume down and feel I am getting all the information I need. I do not know if I really needed things louder before…. maybe I am just growing up.

I have never been one to work at insane levels, but I have certainly been guilty of starting to work louder and louder throughout the day, until, on some days, I am listening way too loud by the end of the session. The problem with that (aside from being bad for hearing health) is that working loud is fun, but it makes it difficult to properly judge the balances between instruments, and everything sounds more exciting when we blast it, so we do not work as hard to make our mixes exciting for all listening levels. When I have done sessions where I was a chump and ended up working really loud by the end of the day, I almost always come back in the morning unhappy with what I have done the

night before. Now that I am working at lower volumes, not only are my next-day playbacks a happier experience, but I am finding that my mixes are translating better across different listening situations. I also find that mixes that sound great at low levels almost always sound good at high levels, but the reverse is not always true.

Listening at lower levels is also less fatiguing, making it easier to keep your energy throughout the session.

These days I have been trying to keep my mix monitoring levels around 70dB SPL, give or take 5dB. (C weighted). I keep my meter right at the mix position. There are smart phone apps that claim to do SPL (Sound Pressure Level) metering, but the one on my Galaxy S4 is not very accurate. I use an old Radio Shack meter that they do not make anymore, but it looks like they sell a new one for only 10 bucks.  Probably not good enough for scientific testing, but good enough to keep your levels in check. Also having an SPL meter in the studio is a great tool. Especially for setting levels on active speakers.

Response to the Mountain Recording Retreat has been amazing. We have already filled over 1/3 of the available spots, nine months before the event! And, we already have over $4,000 in prizes for Pro Audio Bingo.
recordingretreat.com

One last thing: Most of the time I am linking to recording training videos that I have made, but this week I would like you to watch this video showing deaf people hearing for the first time. Hopefully it will remind you what a great gift our hearing is and how important it is to protect it. Don’t mix loud for long periods and wear hearing protection at loud concerts, rehearsals, and recording sessions!!!

Thanks

Ronan

Join us on Facebook