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[video] Mixing kicks

I’m running you through the things I take into account when mixing kickdrums.
I always think of kicks as having a few different “parts”, and I go through them here.

I love working with all styles, but work a lot with house among other styles, and have mixed and/or mastered music by John Summit, Luke Vibert, Defected Records, John Summit, Armada Music, Repopulate Mars, Octo Octa, etc.

Reference songs for producing/mixing/mastering

As a mixing and mastering engineer, I’m often asked about good reference songs, so I did a FREE post on my Patreon listing some refs I use often with some most popular genres (DNB, house, hip hop, trap, techno):
https://www.patreon.com/posts/49752366

Later this month I’ll be doing two EXCLUSIVE videos:
1) how to reference efficiently and
2) how to set up your own mastering project in your DAW.

So if this is something that interests you, sign up to my Patreon.

vocal mixing chain

My favorite vocal chain right here.

• I always bring the level down to -18 based on peaks using Hornet Plugins VUmeter, so the analog compressors after it will have ample headroom, not introducing distortion (unless I want it, and sometimes I do).

• FabFilter ProQ3.
I use this to cut off the unnecessary mic lows and thumps as well as cutting out some of the low-mid room resonance that always happens, more or less. 
It’s amazing how a vocal immediately sounds way less “homebrewn” when you get the boominess 120–250 Hz out; I usually watch out for two separate peaks in that range.

• Universal Audio LA3A and LA-2 compressors. 
At some point I was experimenting with vocal comps, and just ended up having these two in a row: creates very transparent compression, and even if you squeeze the vocal really hard (7-8 dB), you literally can’t hear it. Just amazing.
Also, as a bonus, if you run the signal harder into these, the analog-modeled input stage creates this sweet distortion that can be so useful if the vocal sounds a little too tame and some vibe is required. Kind of “radio-ish” distortion.

Continue reading vocal mixing chain

2020 audio engineering rates

(Janne Hatula / FI27323758)
Serviceprice
MASTERING.
Turnaround 3–8 days – contact for rush rate. Free revisions as long as the mix doesn’t change. For a new mix, there is a surcharge (see below).
€47 / song
revision from a changed mix€15 / song
MIXING+MASTERING from individual tracks / stem mastering.
No track limit. Email for a quote. Most songs are done in approx. 1–3 hours. Minimum charge €90. 
€60/h. Minimum charge €90. 
Individual track export from a finished mix€10
MASTERING + VIDEO. 
Song is mastered + an explanatory video documenting the process is made. Song is compared to strong references. Any possible shortcomings of the mix are pointed out.
€85
MIX + MASTER + VIDEO.
The song is mixed and mastered from tracks/stems, and an explanatory video documenting everything about the process is made.
€60/h. Minimum charge €120. 
Mix/master critique (with no mixing/mastering).
An in-depth video service with commentary.
€45
Constructive criticism on a song.
An in-depth video service with commentary.
€45
General audio engineering / consultation / audio restoration.€45/h
New bounce from new mix (no work required) / vinyl version / Spotify versions etc.€5 / song / version / revision / export
IF YOU ARE IN EU, YOUR LOCAL EU VAT IS ADDED.
Contact regarding batch discounts.
Masters for vinyl / Spotify provided on request.
Reverse VAT (0% VAT charge) for EU companies.