Hey All.

 

I just recorded a cover of Death Will Never Conquer, and I've got all the tracks down (Guitar, Mandolin, Harmonica and Tambourine). But, I was just wondering how I should mix them?

 

I've got them all in stereo and I recorded using Garageband, but I'm mixing using Audacity (the logical option). I have the guitar panned slightly right and mandolin left, but i was wondering if i should mix down a couple tracks or just edit it?

I support this thread, I need help using Audacity too.

Why are you using audacity to mix? I am not that familiar to garageband but I would think you could mix there or no?

 

Anyways there is no hard pressed rules for mixing. Generally drums, bass stay in the middle and other instruments pan, but like I said, there is no hard pressed rule. Experiment, play around...you will find ways to mix that are pure personal preference or taste.

yeah i know about the drumsand bass panning centre but i just want to know what might sound best really, i think the way i've got it now is good enough.

And I prefer mixing with audacity cause you can manipulate the audio track better with effects andwhat have you, and in garageband you have to use the same effect all the way through the song and you can't choose when it comes in y'know?

Go with (pro)Logic, gotta mix in there man, trust me!

Ah, gotcha. Didn't know Garageband has limitations on effects and no automation, so that makes sense. I would have to say knowing that Audacity is really the best "free" recording software IMO.

I don't know how to use Audacity. :shame:

Go with (pro)Logic, gotta mix in there man, trust me!

 

expensive much?

That's the box set full of other programs for live performances and such. Logic on it's own costs around $250 US, it's called Logic Express 9.

Well, I imagine since your asking here this is not the best answer. But, if you can afford to have someone else mix it for you there are a bunch of solid benefits to letting the professionals do it.

 

First, the obvious extra ear training on their part. Second, their gear and software will be far superior to yours. Third, mixing can be a really good place to let someone else take the reins. Once you do all that work on a song it can be really difficult to step back and look at it as a whole piece of music and not just the parts you painstakingly recorded. Just my IMHO. I personally use Ableton and I use the Ozone mastering plugin.