48: Music Recordng - Mixing and Mastering

During this assignment, we will be remixing another track from scratch to demonstrate techniques such as;

• Compression
• Expansion 
• EQ 
• Reverb
• Limiting 
• Grouping 
• Pan

EQ

EQ is the adjustment of the amplitude of the audio signals at certain frequencies. This technique is used to change the frequency response of an clip/piece of audio. Here is a screenshot of the EQ section used to EQ audio. EQ is done by boosting or lowering frequencies within the piece of audio to however the person desires/prefers. EQ is a common technique used in the music industry when recording and creating tracks of music. EQ (equalizer) is used to fix the frequency waves on an audio track. For example, when EQ'ing a bass drum, the frequencies to this instrument are meant to be low and 'boomy', so to achieve this you will need to put the frequency on the frequency chart to a low frequency, with out it sounding too echoed.

Compression

Compression is used to reduce the loud sounds within a track. This technique is used is mainly used in recording studios and live instrumental performances. Compression simply removes any loud, clipping, sounds from an audio track to make the overall track sound smoother. The threshold reduces the level of audio signals. Ratio is the amount is amount of gain reduced. Make-up allows you to apply a fixed amount of gain to the track. Attack is the period of time the compressors decreasing gain lasts for. Release the is opposite to 'Attack'. Release is simply the period of time the gain increases over a shorter or longer period of time depending on what you put it at.

Reverb 

This when the audio is reflected causing the track to create the effect of a larger sound. This sound will continue to build up until it fades out. This effect is an 'echo' like affect. Here (to the right), is a screenshot of the screen in Cubase used to reverb a piece of audio. The main things used on this window in Pre-Delay and Reverb Time. Pre-Delay is the amount of time desired before the audio, or part of the audio begins. Reverb Time is simply the length you wish the Reverb to continue on for. If you choose a shorter time the echo like affect will only last momentarily, however, is you choose a much longer time, the audio will sound much more of an echo and will gradually build up to create a bigger sound, which will be more noticeable Reverb.