Table of Contents

Part I - Concepts and Practices

1Music and mixing

Music - An extremely short introduction

The role and importance of the mix

The perfect mix

2Some axioms and other gems

Louder is better

Percussives weigh less

Importance

Natural vs. artificial

3Learning to mix

What makes a great mixing engineer?

The ability to work fast

Methods of learning

Mixing analysis

Reference tracks

4The process of mixing

The arrangement

The recording

Editing

Sequenced music

Where to start

Milestones

Finalizing and stabilizing the mix

Mix edits

Mastering

DIY Mastering

5Related issues

How long does it take?

Deadlocks

Breaks

The danger with solos

Mono listening

Housekeeping

6Mixing and the brain

Dual process theory

The power of the unconscious

Intuition

Thinking without thinking

Emotions

Change

Creativity

7Mixing domains and objectives

Mixing objectives

Definition

Interest

Frequency domain

Level domain

Stereo domain

Depth

Part II - Tools

8Monitoring

How did we get here?

Choosing monitors

The room factor

Positioning monitors

Headphone mixing

9Meters

Amplitude vs. level

Mechanical and bar meters

Peak meters

Average meters

Phase meters

10Mixing consoles

Buses

Processors vs. effects

Basic signal flow

The importance of signal flow diagrams

Groups

In-line consoles

The monitor section

Correct gain structure

The digital console

Console emulation

11Software mixers

Tracks and mixer strips

Routing

The internal architecture

12Phase

What is phase?

Problems

Tricks

13Faders

Types

Scales

Working with faders

14Panning

How stereo works

Pan controls

Types of tracks

Panning techniques

Beyond pan pots

15Equalizers

Applications

The frequency spectrum

Types and controls

Graphic equalizers

In practice

Equalizing various instruments

16Introduction to dynamic range processors

Dynamic range

Dynamics

Dynamic range processors in a nutshell

17Compressors

The course of history

The sound of compressors

Principle of operation and core controls

Additional controls

Controls in practice

Applications

Tricks

More on compressors

18Limiters

19Gates

Controls

Applications

In practice

Tricks

20Expanders

Controls

In practice

Upward expanders

21Duckers

Operation and controls

Applications

22Delays

Delay basics

Types

In practice

Applications

23Other modulation tools

Vibrato

ADT

Chorus

Flanging

Phasing

Tremolo

24Reverbs

What is reverb?

Applications

Types

Reverb programs

Reverb properties and parameters

Early reflections (ERs)

Reverbs and stereo

Other reverb types

Reverbs in practice

25Distortion

Background

Distortion basics

Ways to generate distortion

26Drum triggering

Methods of drum triggering

27Other tools

MS

Pitch shifters and harmonizers

Exciters and enhancers

Transient designers

28Automation

Automation engines

The automation process

Automation alternatives

Control surfaces

Part III - Sample mixes

29Show Me (Rock n' Roll)

Drums

Bass

Rhythm guitar

Lead

Vocal

30It's Temps Pt. II (Hip hop/Urban/Grime)

Beat

Bass

Other tracks

Vocals

31Donna Pomini (Techno)

Ambiance reverb

Beat

Sound FX

Bass

Vocal

Other elements

32The Hustle (DnB)

Ambiance reverb

Drums

Dirt kick

Motif elements

Bass

Pads

Horns and brass

Risers

Strings

33Hero (Rock)

Drums

Bass

Rhythm guitar

Lead guitar

Vocals