Balance your mix in seconds! | Gullfoss by Soundtheory

[@Producelikeapro]

What are your favorite tricks for balancing your mix?

[@andreirlmeier]

listn first .... the visual part of mixing is becomming more and more

[@bobfrode]

listening and then leaving it for a day or two to return and think "what the hell was i thinking" :) The problem i have is that after uploading to soundcloud it always sounds different than my final mix :(

[@danielnuzum8117]

One of my favorite things to do with mixes is to make cuts on only the middle field of a stereo track such as the synths, pianos, and anything that requires a large stereo field. I do this instead of adding a widener and then cutting afterwards because that doesnt always translate well in a mono mix. I would recommend doing that with most of the AUX tracks it really adds width and space for the mobo tracks to breath

[@limonespicantes7843]

Definitely have to say listening at low volume (sometimes VERY low) has to be one of them

[@shestudiossheila7423]

I create two balanced mixes. One- how I want the mix to sound for headphones because of iPad, iPhones, Android, Tablets and so on and two- a balanced mix for monitors or control room listening.

[@keithnorris2109]

Once I feel like it's 95% there, I listen on everything from my monitors (near field only, since mine is truly a HOME studio!) to cheap computer speakers. My "secret weapon" is a $4.95 set of earbuds; they not only ensure that the final mix will translate well to most platforms, but also give me a fairly accurate representation of how the mix will sound in a car.

[@TheNexusComplex]

My mix balance tools: 1. Start in mono (and reference in mono throughout) 2. Refer to frequency spectrum meter(s) 3. Reference tracks 4. Low/mid/high volume listening 5. Ears. 6. Giving ears a break before final mix.

[@rome8180]

Your "thick and muddy" mixes sound better than anything I've done in my life. I think where I'm struggle most in the production process is getting those great initial sounds.

[@jealimusic]

Its all about your monitoring system and practice I guess u figured it out by now

[@Producelikeapro]

That's very kind of you Romeo! I hope your recording has come on leaps and bounds since then?

[@jurgenschuler8389]

I like this off-label use of the Gulfoss. It's an amazing tool. That is an awesome idea! Stay safe!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks Jürgen! I really appreciate it! Yes, definitely supports my feeling of do NOT fix on the Master bus!! Go to the tracks and find the cause!

[@adrianl5899]

We are watching a KZbin video of a very visual plugin which could so easily be portrayed as 'this will fix your mix' and Warren keeps saying "USE YOUR EARS"! That is a professional at work. Thanks for sharing another great video and keeping us focused on improving our listening, Warren.

[@urltom]

Thank you for continuing the excellent content for everyone during the pandemic.

[@Producelikeapro]

Aw shucks! Thanks ever so much my friend! I really appreciate it!

[@MadDogE134]

love gullfoss! it resides on "Elmer's" (what i name my mixbus lol and of course i color it white) but i don't mix into it. i only instantiate it after i am happy with the overall mix. i use it to fine tune overlapping freqs (remove some masking) and kinda like a tilt if needed with the bias adjustment before the master bus out. again i depend on it as a fine tune tool after everything else. works wonders for me and one of my best investments. good luck on the giveaway all... the winners will love it i do believe. :) cheers

[@KnightofRedemption1]

I have to wait to watch this but preaching in my case to the converted. This is a desert island plugin. So many uses. It will not rescue a bad mix or a bad recording. It will add that final polish to a well-mixed track, it is a great de-essor, adds sparkle to an acoustic guitar or piano. Can work wonders on a drum buss. I cant wait to see what they come up with next!

[@TheFeelButton]

My only trick is sleeping on a mix before I trust the balance. Good stuff Warren!

[@andreirlmeier]

you´re right !!!

[@strangersun7721]

Yeah it's amazing how many times I go to bed thinking, "that sounds great!" only to wake up the next morning, take another listen, and immediately notice something that doesn't work.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much my friend!!

[@Producelikeapro]

@@andreirlmeier agreed!

[@Producelikeapro]

@@strangersun7721 definitely! We've all been there!

[@DaveToneMusic]

Thanks Warren, nice video, great results for a half hour's work. Love what I've seen and heard of Gullfoss since it appeared, nice to see it being used even just as an analysis tool like this. It's been on my wish list for a while now. All my fingers and toes are crossed after entering for the chance to win it, that'd be very cool.

[@jjtweed-music]

Another fine one! I appreciate you understanding and knowing what you're talking about. Thank you Mr. Huart!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Yipman!!

[@KeshCGY]

This was like a whole revelation to me, geez, it really was. It's the first time ever I watch a process of going from muddy/packed to bright/open with so many tracks! I only work on voice over stuff but love to watch & learn from you all real world mixing wizards. It is amazing how the tools can be used to troubleshoot and then carefully place FX plugins where needed to radically change the entire sonic experience. It sounded beautiful to me in the end! (and I realize this was just a short teaching video) Marvelous Warren, thanks for showing/teaching.

[@kyleandrewsofficial]

Really cool approach using gullfoss

[@commontimeproductions]

Warren!!!!! You are absolutely amazing! This video came out at the exact right timing for me working on my big project. Now I can try this out and know for sure that my mix will leave sounding much more balanced. Thanks again for being an amazing resource and teacher :)

[@Music_Machines]

Awesome, fantastic, sublime. I have been using Gullfoss for quite some time, but this approach is "marvellous". Will be sure to use on my own mixes. Definitely makes the song sound more professional. One of the best seen for mixing in quite a while. Kudos..

[@J-DUB-F1]

Really like this approach with these "fix your mix" plugs. Instead of using it as a crutch, use it as a sort of teacher(as you say). I started using Ozone elements in this way. If I'm getting close to a final mix ready to master point, I'll slap it on the mix buss and see what it suggests. If it's doing some radical adjustments I'll go back and fix it in the mix. If you're at the mid point or near final mix stage, it's a great tool for getting a nice sonic balance pretty quickly....... it's all subjective, but I like what it does. Wish I could afford $200 right now :-/

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks John! Agreed, that is exactly what I wanted to demonstrate! Using the Gulfoss as a tool to discover the issues!

[@J-DUB-F1]

@@Producelikeapro you succeeded 😉👍

[@Producelikeapro]

@@J-DUB-F1 thanks ever so much my friend!! I really appreciate it!

[@MortenAndersen-hjemmesider]

You ... and Gullfoss are amazing - a million thanks ... just what I need to learn :-)

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Morten!!

[@MortenAndersen-hjemmesider]

@@Producelikeapro I was struggling with a "academy mix" and the top end was lacking - this tutorial really help me - what to listen for, what was missing. I was really surprised how much low and high end my mix was missing

[@user-ni5uw5db2g]

WOW. Ypu are simply a good man for doing this!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much my friend!!

[@jjones7837]

Split EQ, Trackspacer, and Gullfoss together is like the Greatest.

[@jasonplays4602]

I love how this just revolves around using just an EQ and getting so much more out of your mix, making it sound glued and enjoyable. Using gullfoss as a reference tool allows you as a mix engineer to make better decisions in the mix, and I would love to get my hands on this plugin!

[@matthijshebly]

Your positivity and good vibes always shine though, it's a pleasure to follow this channel :)

[@boldbearStudios]

Using Gullfoss in such a way makes sense! Thanks Warren, that was very enlightening!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much! I really appreciate your insight Bernd! You’re an amazing part of our community

[@heinrichsmit2]

Yes Warren, KZbin production King

[@Producelikeapro]

You're very kind Heinrich!!

[@BukanIbuMu]

Gullfoss really did a good job on taming the harshness of "I can beeeeee" of the vocals.

[@Kineticartist]

this is a flippin marvelous tool

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes, it certainly is!

[@lance134679]

Seems very useful, both for spotting trouble with the mix and balancing things out, though I think the less it actually does (once you've balanced things the best you can), the better.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Lawrence, I would agree with all of those ideas! Thanks for the great comment!

[@philiptoner8719]

I would love to hear the final mix of this track

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes, coming soon!! Check back tomorrow!

[@cary3428]

Between you and Valentines work with the Gullfoss... you know I'm not a flavor of the day Plug in junkie, but there product is amazing. Sold.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Cary!! You Rock!

[@athomesongwriting]

I love this use of tools like this. Use them as a reference to how your work "could" sound. It helps to train our ears if we are not as experienced, or our room is not the greatest. This was very helpful!

[@claudius3124]

Great video! Very interesting the way you use Gullfoss to guide you instead of solving all the problems for you. Definitely something to try with this plugin or maybe a dynamic EQ like FabFilter Pro-Q3 or Waves F6, as long as there is a frequency analyser included or, why not, Soothe 2? Thanks Warren and have a marvelous time, as usual! ;-)

[@Thomas0661]

That was a damn good plugin. I usually always leave the Fab Filter EQ and on my Master bus. It doesn't add anything if its on default settings. Then I use the small focus area and start hearing wich frequencies stand out. But this Plugin... Man. This makes it so much easier. :D Great plugin, and great video. Best Regards Thomas

[@sariabuladel7665]

I feel your way of using it, at least as an analysis tool, is similar to what you can get from iZotope's Tonal Ballance Control. The advantage of the iZotope is that it judges the mix based on the "genre" you choose from it's menu of multiple genres (which they claim they've collected by analyzing thousands of commercial songs). Thanks!

[@konijnensmaak]

and on today's episode we have warren using a plugin in a completely different way than how it was intended to be used but made alot more sense than just throwing it on every track because it sound so good

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks Bryan! You get me! Haha I really appreciate it!

[@RC32Smiths01]

Sounds really interesting very much! Has a lot to live up to, but it really has potential!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much my friend!

[@RC32Smiths01]

@@Producelikeapro Ahh you are absolutely welcome!

[@rabalder08]

Wow... Just click around alittle and some magic happen. I wish a schnizzleton that I manage to get a copy of this awesome tool!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Björn!!

[@Rolanoid]

Comparing Gullfoss on the master bus at 5:35 with your own mix at 32:20 you ended up with a much better mix. I'm definitely going to try this approach out as it is too easy and lazy to just slap Gullfoss on the master bus and the results of using it as a guide to tweak your mix speak for themself. Thank you!

[@Beautiful7]

The vocals sound a little like Steven Tyler. I just purchased Gullfoss and I am pleased. Thank you for this tutorial.

[@Producelikeapro]

You're very welcome!

[@MikaMoupondo]

I have had the Gullfoss for quite some time. I never thought about using it in that way. Thanks for that! I would still leave it on the master at arround 20 to 30% but not before fixing as much as I can by myself. Thanks again.

[@bennycole1257]

This is about as close to a "Sonic Better-izer" as you can get.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the video! It's great to use this tool in a way that makes sense to me!

[@argiopeMusic]

Appreciate the learnings, boss. Also, that band kinda reminds me of Kings of Leon... must be so much fun mixing such talented rockers!

[@mixphantom0101]

I have to start by saying I have the utmost respect for your production skills and "golden ears"... but I think it was your "mixing muscle memory" that did the all the work. Recover on Gullfoss is boosting frequencies that are "lacking" and the curve reflects that... if you feed it low level noise (like hiss) you will have noticed it's always trying to boost the lows and highs. The reason this Recover curve on it's own is not going to point you in the direction of "problems" becomes clear when you purposely mess up the signal... ie. add a 12 dB resonant boost anywhere and the curve barely changes because recover does not cut at all... only Tame does. I think starting with a pretty good sounding track the curve was like an animated "Roschach test" and your experience let you "see" the problem areas ;-) I have found Sonible's SmartEQ2 to be a great visual tool to easily find the areas that need improving - I often just use it as an analyzer for settings on other EQs.

[@DanielBellezza89]

Wow, what a phenomenal tool. This I find it to help train the ears as well, I've naturally improved my mixing skills by doing the same thing as you're doing. Just amazing, i definitely suggest to give a trial a run. I'm totally sold.

[@Simeon_Harris]

great vid. i like the izotope tonal balance control...does a similar thing in that it shows you what's happening and helps you find any problems in the mix

[@ulfsvensson9710]

I listen on monitors, and phones and my hifi. I also listen from another room than where the source are.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much for sharing Ulf!

[@GtrZenRobertKuhlmann]

Thanks Warren - another incredibly useful video. I just started using the Gullfoss plug and this very very informative,

[@TheComposer1979]

Man thanks u i just test this tip with another EA EQ its life changing...respect sir

[@BRINGYOURSONG]

Warren! I love the SM7 on your voice ... so clear

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!

[@magnuslarsson7276]

You can always use an extra pair of ears, who tells you whats actually happening. Love this way to use it. As a tool to find problems and and correct them at the right place in the mix. Then you can throw it in on the masterbus and it would do a great thing without doing much. Nice.

[@HitTheRoadMusicStudio]

Another crazy plugin that reminds me of this fantastic technology, thanks for sharing !!! Really helpful tool !

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much my friend! Love your work! You are a positive force to be reckoned with my friend!!

[@thierry.lavallee]

This is GREAT! I love the way you clarified this mix. I need more of these sessions! What is your free alternative to using Gullfoss to detect such situations?

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much! I don't personally know a free version of this.

[@dwdrummer0]

You're giving away my secret weapon! hahah, it's an amazing tool and nothing like it in the hardware space.

[@SilentScreamsStudios]

Your videos are super excellent man, You are my fav producer. No bullshit man

[@MrRogerjovi]

Good info Warren.

[@PharaohLawLess1]

Gullfoss is a great plugin. I have no choice but to use it

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha fantastic! Well said!

[@krewcialofficial]

I've tried using pink noise to get a basic balance. Not always doing it, but definitely useful if you want quick results to balance things.

[@richdesanti2686]

The AI in Gollfoss is just the beginning. izotope is actually doing this and more. However, this is an AMAZING Plugin that is a future that will assist many people. :D

[@conanliquid]

This is a really interesting way to use Gullfoss actually. I had been trying it out in the way most people have been using it and getting ok results but nothing I found really special and nothing I couldn't really do myself with my usual tools, but this method of using it is a really great idea. Going to give it a try on my template projects and see where I end up. Thanks Warren.

[@Whiskey_Friday]

This appears to be a really effective tool to help solve problem areas of a mix. Keen to give it whirl!!

[@yassinetalbi5884]

Best EQ to balance almost every instrument !

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Yassine!

[@ToddjMitchell]

Really interesting demo. I didn't at all like the plugin until Warren had dialed in the mix. Then it did seem to add a nice little bit extra. I think this plugin would be really interesting 1) using it in the "Scheps Back Bus compression" technique (i.e. in parallel on everything except drums), 2) automated as the song gets to its peak and you're running out of of space or 3) both. Thanks @ProduceLikeaPro!

[@jbstrummer]

Very skilled you are Warren!

[@Producelikeapro]

You're very kind my friend!!

[@Tomroberts101]

I've been using HarBal in a similar way for years. It's basically an offline EQ (standalone) where it analyses the frequencies of your track as a whole and you can then balance it out (automagically or manually). Personally, I rarely use it for its intended purpose, but just use it to check if there are any unwanted buildups or gaping voids (whole tracks) or overly resonant frequencies (generally on single tracks).

[@edwardcapellan5144]

Warren my friend finally you are using the plugin-alliance plugins

[@timbrown7652]

Who is Howard? You must be on the wrong channel? LOL

[@edwardcapellan5144]

@@timbrown7652 Lol sorry for the typo

[@Producelikeapro]

@@edwardcapellan5144 Haha I've many of them my friend!!

[@joeblack007forever]

I really like this song !! Thanks Warren! Great job :D

[@talktokale]

This was fantastic. Thank you! Love your work for this channel

[@Tomroberts101]

Also, the Sonible "Smart" range of plugins - I often use them just as a guide to spot issues, then use other plugs to fix.

[@petlink6009]

I enjoyed your video very much. Thank you . . . Wish i could do what your doing. Good for you and keep doing what you love.

[@miltonex]

Love this plugin but it´s just a heavy cpu demand, I just can use one instance for session, so I´m gonna use it in this way!!! thank you Warren!!!

[@davidallenhammond2777]

Great work, what an amazing tool for analysis. Thank you!

[@TheCunnu12]

Balance your mix in seconds… 34 minutes of video! :) Kidding! Great channel, great tips. Thank you

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha thanks ever so much! Glad to be able to help

[@rufusvonpieru]

Ooh I like this idea! Gullfoss is a fantastic plugin.

[@splashesin8]

Yay! Gatlin Bros. esque separation there at the end. 😃

[@williamlee6358]

super. thanks

[@TheMixClub]

Sounds Killer! I'm glad you posted this im gonna give it a try.

[@bugmanuk]

What a great plug!

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes, very impressed!

[@gidihubbert]

What would also be interesting to hear would be how the final mix compares to what Gullfoss does BEFORE any tweaking was done. How far away from the final mix you was Gullfoss when you first applied it on the track and could the plugin be tweaked to acheive as good a result within itself without having to treat every part individually? This does, of course, mean bypassing traditional mastering skills.

[@Anktual]

So you can also use it as a specral balance metter and detect issues in the mix. Nice

[@Producelikeapro]

Marvellous indeed! Thanks for the great comment

[@Nathankaye]

Can this same style of frequency analysis be done with Soothe2?

[@Producelikeapro]

It has a different interface, but yes it can do great things too!

[@cary3428]

No tricks, but multiple monitors including a $25 Insignia bluetooth speaker. ( if i can't find the bass guitar on that, it needs some 300 ). I'm careful to have "fresh ears" and vary my monitor volumes from barely audible to 70db and 85db. Super quite monitor checking helps me to be sure that key elements of the mix are where they need to be.

[@jjones7837]

I love the Plugin like Cooked Food.

[@exit151studios5]

Thanks for another great video. Comparing use case for Soothe 2 and Gullfoss would be useful since you have now demo'd both. Warren, what do you think?

[@Producelikeapro]

Marvellous idea David!!

[@bluematrix5001]

Best way of balancing the mix is with the Faders!

[@harmonystudios1182]

@Frank Lee indeed balance is not just volume! That's quite rudimentary

[@Producelikeapro]

@@devianthousend haha indeed! Balancing is balancing, whether it's EQ or volume, even compression is applying rebalancing of course!

[@Producelikeapro]

@@harmonystudios1182 yes, agreed, it's all balancing! Volume, EQ, Compression all changes the balance!

[@Producelikeapro]

@Frank Lee yes, indeed, Rupert is a genius!!

[@yassinetalbi5884]

No Faders achieve loudness

[@kariayamkaridugong3575]

I always do one by one each track put vu meter in insert. Make sure all tracks around - 5 ↔️ - 3, or - 2 db. Increase or decrease at waveform. Rough balancing - at first. That is my routine.

[@dailyrum2203]

Thank you so much for making this video

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!!

[@kettnsaeg]

Awesome use, thank you!

[@JuanitoCardona]

Thank you for showing us this new way !

[@bigkidband911]

Looks like a very useful plugin. Can’t you get similar information using a spectrum analyzer?

[@listeinn]

that was really amazing, thank you

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@davidasher22]

This reminds me of a trick you can do with pink noise. And no, not that ridiculous one where you bring up your tracks one by one behind the noise trying to get a balanced mix. I’m talking about using an EQ match against your mix and pink noise. Then you bring that EQ profile slowly up into your mix. It seems to really catch all those problem areas.

[@leemski]

Balance your mix in seconds! Great, I've clicked on the link, boom: video 33 MINUTES! 57 seconds, LMAO! Great sense of humor :)

[@iwantappledumplings6187]

He's talking and demonstrating! Would you have preferred he just did it and not explain? LOL

[@leemski]

@@iwantappledumplings6187 Yeah should be maximum 59 seconds video! Just kidding, and my first comment is second degree too.

[@ReynWeird]

me before the video: lol wobbly eq me after the video: this is my favorite plugin ever

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Reyn!

[@soulchorea]

This is such a strange plugin...I thought it was a gimmick, like a "put this on your mix and make it 'pro'!" kind of thing. But after watching you mess about with it, it's hitting me differently. It's either a multiband compressor that happens to have a really accurate genre-based preset list, or a tool that makes a reference track out of the song you're already working on (or a cross between the two).

[@matrixate]

That's a good analogy. It makes a reference track out of your track.

[@DougWortel]

I love the way you repurposed this plug in. How do I enter to win one? It would be very helpful. Also, what plug ins DO you commonly use on the master bus?

[@desoconnor7445]

I have this and it beggars belief that one VST can handle eq so elegantly with not much effort . 🎩👍

[@kevjak51]

I use the tonal Balance2 by izotope and Levels by mastering the mix.

[@matrixate]

I agree. That's how I tend to use it. It's like a plugin that's gives you a perfect case scenario so you can make static decisions. The plugin on a master buss is not good because it fuzzies the sound. Look at how it destroys vocals. Terrible plugin. However, if you use it as you have, it's totally worth it. Sculptor in Neutron 3 does this as well but I tend to lean more on Gullfoss for this as it seems to be a little more drastic and quicker, which explains why it's terrible on vocals. Sculptor is much more transparent on vocals but it doesn't seem to sample as quickly. Maybe things have changed since last year but that's my take. Great demonstration.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much! I really appreciate your great comment!

[@jjones7837]

Your reverse engineering of Gullfoss is a GREAT IDEA. Thanks.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@tiggerdyret]

Is there a reason why you don't use the tame? Wouldn't that be just as helpful in terms of revealing problems?

[@tutubeos]

Beautiful song!