Sound mixing is one of the steps of the most important musical production but at the same time in the hardest to be controlled. Indeed, who has not ever tried to compose a piece and was disappointed by comparing the result with its favourite CD? His flavorless surplus, no dynamics, aspect too much draught, not enough power... Sound mixing is a full science which is very often the key of a successful piece. Only sound mixing cuts again group of concepts (acoustics, technology) and of tools (compression, EQ) which the amateur generally finds it difficult to use correctly.
On subject, there are different types of books: those who list figures such simply a general rule (
booster rocket of 3db the bass in 15hz) and those who explain basic notions justifying treatments during sound mixing (
perception of the sound space for pan).
This book registers precisely in this second category. It is clear that after many reading on subject, this book goes out apparently of the lot for several reasons:
First of all, the step of the author is very pedagogic: everything is clear, defined, simple of access. The text, simple to include, is always livened up with diagrammes and illustrations. Important points are put in bold. The methodology is apparently displayed.
A DVD is given with the book offering more than 2000 sound extracts. They are necessary to hear what is considered to be a good sound mixing, a too bright sound... Most serious difficulty of the beginner, it is to find it difficult to link sounds to learnt notions. How to admit a problem of step if he has been never heard before?
Second point, he offers at the beginning of the book to explain all fundamental basic concepts such as the perception of the volume, ranges of frequencies, step... To include how sounds are received is essential to justify treatments performed in sound mixing step.
He defines then the philosophy of sound mixing by offering several methodologies: what instruments to mix in first? what treatments to perform? He offers several alternatives and does not satisfy to give general rules, his choices are justified. He tries to bring answers to our questionings.
A section of the book is devoted to every step of sound mixing: volume, pan, EQ, compression, reverberation... A general description of tools is performed at first then he applies this in very detailed examples.
The last part of book is extremely rewarding and rare in books on subject. The author chose four sound mixing that he accomplished and for which he itemises all followed stages (what
plugins? what stocks of parametres?). The DVD contains every version of sound mixing as well as instruments before and after every treatment.
It is clear that it is for me about the best book on sound mixing. It is necessary to note that he is not however exempt from orthography and grammar errors. A rereading would have been beneficial but this spoils in no way the quality of contents.
UDUN
