Originally Posted By: 90 dB
"Is it 'better' to mix all the instruments at the same level (90)? "


I mix all our backing tracks to a nominal -6 dB. Does '90' refer to 90dB? (thanks for the plug grin) Is that at 1 meter, 10 meters, 30 meters? Or does '90' refer to the level in BIAB?


That is -6dB peak, and different tracks will vary greatly in RMS. Hence the mixing through the PA.

Just my $.01


(I added the bold, underline, italics for emphasis)

Bob,

You are talking about finished TRACKS correct? The OP is talking about INSTRUMENTS - at least that's what they typed. This is where I think the main problem lies with the OP's frustration.

I agree with you that for mixing for live sound, where both backing tracks and loud or amplified instruments are going to be used, then you have to do some on-the-spot mixing with the PA in the venue (there can also be a huge difference between sound-check in an empty venue, and then when 300 people show up and all of a sudden they are absorbing much more of the highs than with the bare room).

But it seems to me the OP has a primary issue of learning how to mix a song in general if the first question is really instruments and not finished tracks - with a bit of a mystery as to what the 90 stands for.

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