The final mix

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The final mix

A final mix can be seen and heard in 8silvmix, 8goldmix and 8platmix (Figure P8.26). Where have all the MIDI tracks gone? I rerecorded them as audio files and deleted them. It's not a particularly easy mix and this way allows more control by using EQ, inserts and send effects. Another reason? You can hear things exactly as they are because we are not relying on different GM tone generators. Open the Track Mixer, have a look around and play it through.The EQ has been left blank for you to experiment.

Figure Figure P8.26. The final mix

NOTE

There are three mixes on the CD, Platinum, Gold and Silver, each using slightly different plug-ins. However, should a plug-in not be found, just replace it with the equivalent included with your particular version.

There's a lot going on, particularly from bar 27 onwards, and the guitar needed to be just a bit lighter. Rather than boost the higher frequencies always tempting, but rarely the right decision try cutting those below 100 Hz (Figures P8.27a and P8.27b). The bass benefits from some soft limiting (Figure P8.28). Bypass the Limiter to hear the difference. EQ, this time parametric (Figure P8.29), could be used to boost the rather lifeless snare ( courtesy of my old Roland Sound Canvas, which is incidently responsible for all the MIDI derived sounds on this track). PlatinumVerb (Figure P8.30) has been inserted on Bus 1 and the WoodenVerb pre-set is used to 'float' the oboe above the general racket!

Figure Figures P8.27a and b. Low Shelf EQ and Low Shelf EQ plug-in

Figure Figure P8.28. Soft limiting

Figure Figure P8.29. Parametric EQ

Figure Figure P8.30. PlatinumVerb WoodenVerb pre-set

NOTE

If you prefer a more intuitive approach to EQ, experiment with the plug-ins. They are identical to the track object EQs. Low Shelf EQ ( Figure P8.27a ) is shown as a plug-in in Figure P8.27b . When happy, note the settings and use them with the track object EQ instead.

By now you've probably spotted those magic faders , moving all by themselves between bars 12 and 23. This automation data can be viewed in the Arrange window (Figure P8.26). Nodes were inserted with the Arrow tool to create crescendos and decrescendos on the strings. The strings are panned hard right and left. Finally, a complete fade-out is achieved using Hyper Draw and track automation.

Have a mess with it (project8/8.mix). If your system can take it, try inserting more plug-ins. Go easy on the reverb though. This tune gets very messy, very quickly!

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