Mixing Secrets for the Small Studio Author: Mike Senior | Language: English | ISBN:
0240815807 | Format: EPUB
Mixing Secrets for the Small Studio Description
Discover how to achieve release-quality mixes even in the smallest studios by applying power-user techniques from the world's most successful producers.
Mixing Secrets for the Small Studio is a down-to-earth primer for small-studio enthusiasts who want chart-ready sonics in a hurry. Drawing on the back-room strategies of more than 100 famous names, this entertaining guide leads you step-by-step through the entire mixing process. On the way, you'll unravel the mysteries of every type of mix processing, from simple EQ and compression through to advanced spectral dynamics and "fairy dust" effects. User-friendly explanations introduce technical concepts on a strictly need-to-know basis, while chapter summaries and assignments are perfect for school and college use.
- Learn the subtle editing, arrangement, and monitoring tactics which give industry insiders their competitive edge, and master the psychological tricks which 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-edge engineers working on today's multi-platinum hits, including Michael Brauer, Serban Ghenea, the Lord-Alge brothers, Tony Maserati, Manny Marroquin, Dave "Hard Drive" Pensado, Jack Joseph Puig, Mark "Spike" Stent, Phil Tan, Andy Wallace, and many, many more . . .
- Paperback: 352 pages
- Publisher: Focal Press; 1 edition (February 25, 2011)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0240815807
- ISBN-13: 978-0240815800
- Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.5 x 0.9 inches
- Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
About Mike Senior: Mike Senior has written many articles in Sound on Sound magazine, including the famous Mix Rescue articles (go to [...] for more great articles from Mike). I have always been very impressed with his knowledge of the audio world, so I expected a lot from this book, thankfully I was not disappointed.
If I was going to sum up the book in one word, it would be this - Brilliant! This book is for the home studio owner who is starting out, who has some studio experience, and those like me who have over 20 years experience when not working my day job. I have read recording books before that talked about the basics and though helpful, they lacked meat. In the Mixing Secrets book, thankfully we don't have that problem. He talks about near field monitors, clears up a lot of misconceptions we hear on the recording forums, gets into building the raw balance, compression, and EQ. He does not just explain what compression and EQ is, but how to use them properly. He also discusses side chains, reverb, and stereo enhancements. He even offers you more information on his web site [...].
The next question you ask is, how is his writing style, is this a dry book that is hard to follow? The answer is no. I think with having written so many articles in Sound on Sound magazine, has helped him develop a style that keeps your attention and leaving you with wanting more. Another great feature is each chapter ends with a summary section (Cut to the chase) and even an assignment.
Is there anything I did not like in the book? No not really. It would have been nice to have color photos in the book (which cost more for the pub company), but the blue highlights help the book look better than just the black wording.
Although the book is full of information about mixing and sound design concepts, I felt the book turned a blind eye to simplicity. The book's title is MIXING SECRETS, which led me to believe it was more to the point. I fell asleep several times trying to read this (yes, it has happened on other books as well), then just started going to the "Cut to the Chase sections", as they were quite a bit easier, useful to read and the saving grace to this book.
The more I know about audio, the more the book makes sense in a formal way.... which is counter to what I was hoping for. I suppose the publisher was trying to fit this title (home studio) into a broader collection of similar books, thus the title, even though it doesn't represent the books overall vibe. It should have been titles "Become a Sound Guru".
The author seemed to be too knowable on the subject and wrote the book for his colleagues, rather then a new mixing hopeful. This book rarely excites and will not give you the "Mixing secrets / Hot tips" that you may be hoping for; such as "This is how you mix a Vocal for a Ballad without walking all over it", or this is how you "Create a thumping dance sound using compression", "How to Mix a Bass Guitar, etc...... honestly, since there is so much in the book regarding design, that the information may be in the book somewhere or everywhere, I just didn't see it.
I am writing this review as I look for another book that is frankly more dumb down and more to the point, then this text book on mixing. To his credit I felt very comfortable regarding the accuracy of the authors points and teaching. I found him on Sound on Sound as their mix master guru, such is why I bought the book.
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