Mixing 101: Balance

Discover the secret to better sounding mixes AND learn the one skill in the Music Industry that is consistently lucrative and in high demand. Click the following link to learn more: theblueprint.samoricoles.com
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This first lesson in Mixing deals with balance. Two of the techniques discussed are 'Multing' and 'Volume Balance'. Prepared for in-studio and online classes at Lil' Drummaboy Recordings (Philadelphia, PA) @ LDB10.COM.

[@iamsamori]

It was an absolute pleasure making this video. I love this craft of OURs. By the way, I created a comprehensive Audio Engineering training program that is helping music creators (like you) earn more revenue, expand their careers in the music industry, and increase their demand. It's called 'The Audio Engineering Blueprint'. Here's the link to learn more: theblueprint.samoricoles.com/

[@HideSeek_Soje111]

I'm trying to learn these things, so I can make my own music, and make it sound proper. You have an excellent skill at communicating, and explaining these things. Thanks for posting this video.

[@iamsamori]

Thank you for taking the time to watch!

[@MissVonDunajew]

I so wish you had more videos on mixing! You're great! I'm still really thankful for the videos you made!

[@Sunnydya]

Your teaching style is just like my internship coordinator's: Calm, simple, yet very well informed. Now that it's over I've got great reference material to make more professional-sounding recordings. Truly great video!

[@marklilquist6512]

Thanks! Your tutorial videos are not only pleasant sounding, they are extremely well articulated, accurate, thorough, and flow in a very nicely organized manor - great work man!!!

[@iamsamori]

Thank you! I appreciate you taking the time to watch!

[@RogerontheKeys]

this is a real 101 class. this is probably the best 101 video I've seen here. also this is nice as a refresher to remind you what you're suppose to be doing.

[@letsmakesongs]

I just bought my first home studio for recording/mixing my music and I'm so stoked I found your channel!! You've got amazing cognitive skills and very clear, easy to understand presentation (even for non-native English speaker). You are my #1 teacher on this field! Thank you so much!

[@eskeezproductions2178]

what!!! i love the way you explained eq and frequency, i was indeed blessed... thanks a million

[@remusvisan]

your tutorials are a pleasure to watch. Thanks man! :)

[@dallaslarue5051]

I love your videos, they are my favorite, no one explains things as good as you.

[@trashmacann3846]

Your the teacher I've been praying for.. People show you things that just aren't detailed enough, as a new music software guy and the knowledge of music I need this level of deep understanding so I can't thank you enough, your students must love you man... Bless you brother...

[@iamsamori]

Thank you for your feedback! Glad that you found the video helpful!

[@iamsamori]

Sure, Joel, automation is an option in most D.A.W's. Multing is another technique, altogether. In audio engineering, there are at least two ways to accomplish just about anything. It comes down to workflow and personal preference/skill. I'll be producing several automation videos, as well. Ciao.

[@natural9747]

Dude… You are a GOLD MINE

[@trckfl1f2lds3]

Very helpful lesson, Samori, thanks for uploading!

[@yabbers123]

This is so decent. Massive help thanks man!

[@PERPowns]

I know I'm a little late to the party but you are a saint for making these videos.

[@bobiguitarplayer]

Thanks a lot Mr. Coles !

[@DemetrideSkepsi]

Thank you for this great lecture.

[@Clutchhandla]

great teaching i'm already feeling confident !

[@iamsamori]

That's great! Glad I could help.

[@eddiemajour8481]

Great stuff man! Thanks!

[@iamsamori]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@pecleveland]

Thanx 4 the multing discussion. i've been doing it in my mixes based on solely song format rather than paying attention to waveforms/sonic gain, but i like ur perspective alot better..especially the instrument/vocal solo part...i will def use this in my mixing

[@iamsamori]

I'm glad this tutorial was helpful to you, pecleveland!

[@scrupulousness.6171]

Thanks a lot, that really was helpful.

[@Hebrewfourlife]

Thanks Samori, My first lesson awesome!

[@JeanJaquesMath]

Very good and helpful video. Very well explained.

[@reflectionsofme]

you sound a little like denzel washington, so this is why i love your tutorials and im learning a lot

[@djladysouth]

North Carolina checking in!

[@Temynutempo]

Thank u my brother,now i get it why i suck at mixing

[@bradsmith7180]

Hi man, thanks for posting this. quick question, can you achieve similar results just using a volume envelope on the original track? for example, if the software i'm using doesn't make multing so easy or available. thanks again

[@Billkwando]

This one wasn't quite as revelatory as the ones on EQ and compression, but very well presented and helpful! I didn't know about multing, so I learned something! I was trying to do it all with compression, and was wondering why it sounded kinda off. LOL

[@erocksoreal]

Would it be easier to just lower the db once you split the tracks? Or do you plan on putting emphasis on parta

[@outofthinair1]

Great stuff you taught ... I subbed your channel

[@rollandjoeseph]

I learned alot from this video, thx you.. I now know why tracks are snipped/cut ...do you have a video on inserting "markers" in a track?

[@trellastabouna]

Nice technique. I am not sure tho, if triming volume of all channels hitting at -18db at the peaks and dealing with the dynamic range differences while using a compressor. I would be glad for an answer. thanks

[@GregAllen2]

After you break apart the track (multing) can you listen to that track through with gain peak hold on and then bring the gain for each mult to the same level? For example if the lowest volume of the mults are at -10db and the second part is at -5db then just bring the second down another -5db to make it equal to the first section etc.? Wouldn't that eliminate human error in volume and make it exactly the same? Maybe that is bad if it sounds to even? Enjoying the the tutorials!

[@iamsamori]

Great point, Greg Allen. The subject of dynamic range is extremely relevant in today's recording business. The genre, artist, producer, etc. all have an impact on how much, or little, dynamic range (difference in loudness between parts) will work for a given record. For example, minimizing the dynamics on a jazz record is probably not a good idea; while having a lot of dynamic range on a pop record probably won't work either. When dealing with individual instruments, multing helps to control some of the wide fluctuations in performance that some instrumentalists and vocalists have. When it becomes difficult to place a sound in the mix because of this issue, multing is another tool at the engineers disposal. I hope this answers your question.

[@iamsamori]

I hope you found this video helpful! If you'd like one-on-one coaching and guidance with mixing, mastering and other audio engineering concepts, I'd be happy to help. Connect with me at samoricoles.com/courses-training.

[@eddiemajour8481]

Samori Coles Definitely!! I will take you up on that offer for sure.

[@MankyFrilla]

This is great stuff 👍👌👆

[@iamsamori]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@MankyFrilla]

@@iamsamori 👍

[@gibbonmountainchronicles6367]

Thank you

[@mvuyisekoondamase9155]

Do you have any links on noisegates?

[@RebelXD]

Would you say that multing would be a better choice over automation? Or would using the automation be just as effective?

[@iamsamori]

Rebel XD At the time of this video, multing was my preferred solution over volume automation in Pro Tools. However, since the addition of Clip Gain, I prefer that to mulling. One challenge with volume automation is that you no longer have control over the fader.

[@RebelXD]

@@iamsamori Yeah, I've noticed that about automation when it comes to the fader. it is challenging, but worth it for me.Thanks, again.

[@ojreal925]

you can adjust clip gain instead of using up cpu power

[@iamsamori]

Clip gain has been such an amazing addition since PT 10. Love it!

[@christianagiang2452]

samori, I'm a newbie so pardon the question. if multing does this then what is the work of compression?

[@PhiladelphiaDon]

+christian agiang - Compression would even the sound (i.e. Softer parts would be more audible and the louder parts would become more controlled and not appear so much louder overall. I hope that made sense. Seeing and hearing this explanation would probably make what I am saying clearer.

[@PhiladelphiaDon]

...and that's just one of a "million" used for a compressor! :)

[@iamsamori]

+christian agiang Great question, Christian. Multing is a technique that would be similar to the "classic" technique. Yes, compression's job is to control dynamic range, and I use compression regularly, as well. But, multing is "another" way to address dynamic range issues, as well. Now that Avid has implemented "clip gain" into Pro Tools software (since version 10) you can accomplish the same effect that you achieve with multing without actually separating the parts of a clip onto different tracks. So, there is absolutely no "right" or "wrong" way to do too much of anything in Audio Engineering. You'll gain tips and techniques from many sources, and from your own experiences. Feel free to check out my video on Compression to gain further insight on how to best use this integral audio processing technique. Here's the compression video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJXRcpqFf5aCoas

[@iamsamori]

+Don “Diamond D'” Patterson Here's my video on compression: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJXRcpqFf5aCoas You're right, Don, compression has a number of uses, but controlling dynamic range is one of the primary uses. Multing is yet another approach to accomplish similar results. Multing is a more "traditional" technique. And, now with features such as Clip Gain (Pro Tools), the same "manual gain control" techniques can be employed without having to separate clips onto different tracks.

[@christianagiang2452]

Thanks a lot

[@ncromos]

hey Samori! great video, Thanks! Anyone ever told u u sound like Denzel? eheheh, Thanks

[@Steve-og8uo]

what program did you used?

[@iamsamori]

Black Cat Yeah I used Pro Tools for this tutorial.

[@Almighty4Infinity]

Don’t stop making three type of videos🤞🏿

[@joelpizarrp]

the best way to do this is call automation. studio one its pretty advanced on this.

[@iamsamori]

Sure, joel pizarro. That is also another good way to accomplish this. Fortunately for all of us in the Audio Field, there is no one way, or right way, to do much of anything. There are merely preferred approaches. I subscribe to the idea of having as many tools in the audio tool belt as possible.

[@lilsexy805]

Can you Mult vocals?

[@iamsamori]

You can absolutely mult vocals. Nowadays, some DAWs (i.e. Pro Tools) have a feature called ‘clip gain’. This allows you to turn up a section of a track (or clip) without affecting other parts of the track. If you have the ability to use this feature you wouldn’t need to mult. Otherwise, you can use multing on any instrument (including vocals).

[@jamesmettle2]

i have learnt alot from you..blessings...i need your contact

[@masonriley402]

i thought compression fixed that issue?

[@iamsamori]

Interestingly, Pro Tools has ‘clip gain’ which can address the issue. Compression doesn’t always adequately deal with the issue of there is too much of a difference in dynamic range between two sections of a track.

[@Specularburrito]

Hi dad

[@benja303]

+VeraciousBean5 Samori this your child forreal?

[@Specularburrito]

Can you teach me the piano

[@g-stomperlovers]

I didn't understand!

[@cashgarrett3507]

Hey bro, there's a video here on youtube of this gentleman somewhat downplaying what you're doing here. He's literally telling viewers that your videos are unrelated to audio engineering, mixing, live show engineering, etc........Then he goes on to give financial info into HIS method claiming that it saves an interested party 5-6 years of watching unrelated and useless youtube videos. Of course EVERYBODY wants money for helping people do things. There's NOBODY ALIVE that will share their expertise and train people for no cost at all but, that's the world we live in. The teacher has to pay for the internet service to produce these tutorial. You've gotta charge something. Well, you don't really HAVE TO but, you understand what I'm saying. He's saying that your videos are not complete or in depth enough to give you what you need to create good projects. That using your method takes a person 5-6 years to begin to piece together your tidbits of info just to even get started. I've watched your videos and I'm a beginner. I don't understand a lot of what you're saying but, you explained it so well via term definition that, if a person knows what a certain word mean or researches the term/word, your videos are AWESOME. I'm more into live performance/auditorium/theater audio engineering vs. studio recording/engineering but still, you've helped me quite a bit. Thank you and keep it going bro.

[@iamsamori]

Cash Garrett Thank you for your feedback! I’m glad that you found my videos useful. One thing about Audio Engineering is that EVERYONE has an opinion as to how to utilize the tools and techniques that deliver results. My methods have been used to personally train hundreds of audio engineers, oftentimes one-on-one, in my Philadelphia-based commercial recording studio which is in its 15th year of operation. A basic tenant that I’ve learned in life is that you don’t have to put others down to lift yourself up. So, anyone who puts my videos or anyone else’s videos down, more power to them. I’ll keep sharing a lot of the basics of my craft for free. And, I am grateful that so many are learning the fine art and science of audio engineering. Peace.

[@eskeezproductions2178]

can i have your contact pls?

[@angelfullsail1567]

thumbs up

[@botramduuze7188]

A little compression before multing? Please KEEP some dynamics!!! These days, you look at the waveform of a song and it looks like just a square block. ridiculous! Please stop the loudness war...thank you :)

[@Jefflow87]

Mr. Cole thanks for your patience and I give you four stars out of five. I appreciate you doing this tutorial but can you please go straight to the point and stop teaching how to use pro-tools? Most people that will watch this video already know how to use pro-tools.

[@Specularburrito]

Can you teach me the piano

[@iamsamori]

+VeraciousBean5 Of course, young fella!