The optical compressor, also known as an opto compressor, is one of my favorite types of audio compressors because of its ease of use, transparency, and the results I get from it. Let’s define what is an optical compressor and how it works, what instruments to use it on, and HOW to use an optical […]
Optical Compressor – What It Is and How to Use It Read More »
One of the keys to creating better and professional sounding mixes is to use busing in your DAW and mix. Buses establish a flow to the many tracks of your mix, keeping things organized and allowing for more effective processing. Let’s talk what is a bus on a mixer, why it’s useful, and most importantly
What is a Bus on a Mixer – How to Make and Use One Read More »
With their expressiveness and sustain when open in particular, hi-hats generally don’t need compression as often as the kick or snare (incidentally check out my kick compression and snare compression tutorials). That said some hi-hat compression can add a little thickness or even tame a bit of harshness which can creep up in the 2-5k
Hi-Hat Compression – How to Compress Hi-Hats Read More »
EQ is arguably the most important type of processing which we use in mixing because it deals with the frequencies which make up our audio themselves. Using an EQ/equalizer plugin, we can target specific frequency ranges then boost or cut to make them more or less prominent in the context of that audio. Depending on
Complete EQ Settings Guide – Every Equalizer Setting Explained Read More »
While you may have never used a graphic equalizer in the context of your mix, you’ve likely seen the design before – a span of frequency specific sliders to boost or attenuate the frequency response of the audio at set points. This analog design was commonplace on home, car, and portable stereos before digital EQs
What is a Graphic Equalizer – Should You Use One in Your Mix Read More »
