Originally Posted By: DaClark
I think I always thought production was mixing. It seems to be more then that. any tips on how to go about learning it?


It can be more than mixing, however, parts of production are just so simple with BIAB. If you listen to a few of the styles you like. Just mess around with the levels of each channel. I don't put a lot of reverb on the tracks in BIAB. SO I would suggest lowering anything that is above 25. The drums are already recorded in stereo. Keep that track panned in the center position(0).

Here is a simple way to mix.
  • Solo the Drums, set the level, lower the reverb until the snare sounds snappy. Don't worry if its just a touch of reverb, drums sound best in that environment.
Then add the bass (both tracks solo button) increase the bass level until it blends with the drums but does not overpower them. Don't use reverb on the bass in general it doesn't respond much to reverb effect, and the bass needs to be clear and well defined. Most people add compression to bass, but, compressor plugins can get you in a lot of trouble with peaks and clips. Even if you see a little check box that says no clipping. The wrong compressor/exciter settings are not going to help you mix the bass in properly. Wait until you have mastered mixing to tackle effects on instruments. *BIAB Real Tracks, and Real Drums pretty much sound great if you leave them alone. So concentrate on setting levels.
  • Next add a rhythm instruments Piano/guitar, set the level so you like what you hear. Is the mix pleasant to your ear. Or is the bass too loud, drums too soft. Experiment with the RAW sounds of several 3 piece bands.

    Mix 3 piece Drums, Bass, Piano or Guitar arrangements until you can hear the difference between what your ear likes and what your ears do not like. Everybody's ears are good unless you have suffered some hearing loss. Really nobody has better ears for mixing, just more experience. You can get up to speed in a few months if you start simple and add more difficult mixes.

    Now start fiddling around. Turn the bass up too loud then back it off until it sounds right. DO that with the Rhythm instrument. Turn the drums up then adjust the levels of the other 2 instruments. Turn the drums down adjust the other two. Master 3 piece arrangements. Because they will always be in there. "OK sometimes there are no drums but now even bluegrass is adding rhythm instruments" Don't start out mixing a style that does not have drums.

    DO THIS WITH A GOOD SET OF HEADPHONES like AKG K240S

    I will be happy to add more detail later. My point is if you don't start out right you are not going to be happy in the end. Sometimes LESS is MORE my experience has always been. Don't move that knob away from the center if you don't know what it does.

    I apologize if this is way too basic for you DaClark I was hoping I could help some of the beginners with the basics.

"When you help somebody else you are really helping yourself"