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Author Topic: Use Frequency-Analyzer + Reference Tracks for better mixdowns  (Read 8244 times)

Topai

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Use Frequency-Analyzer + Reference Tracks for better mixdowns
« on: January 18, 2016, 12:24:11 am »
1. Reference track: Load a track which is similar to yours and well mixed into your project.
2. Use a Frequency-Analyzer, or even better Frequency-Analyzer + EQ-Plugin (like Apqualizer)
3. Look at the Frequency-Levels of the Reference Track and compare them with your track. (you might have to take down the levels of the reference track)
4. Adjust the levels of your track so that the frequency analyzer shows a similar result.
5. Thats it!  8)
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IKIS

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Re: Use Frequency-Analyzer + Reference Tracks for better mixdowns
« Reply #1 on: January 18, 2016, 11:58:02 am »
Im gonna have to disagree with this one.

It is true that freq analyzers will help you out by providing visual feedback, it is still not something you should rely on. It can help you to mix but ultimately you should always make mixing decicions by ear, not by some visual spectrums.

Sencondly, all tracks arent similar on the spectrum and you shouldnt compare them by the spectrum. Sometimes they could be exactly the same but most of the time your mix shouldnt probably look exactly the same as ir reference mix.

This is just my opinion but dont rely blindly on visual spectrums and feedback.
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deathy

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Re: Use Frequency-Analyzer + Reference Tracks for better mixdowns
« Reply #2 on: January 18, 2016, 04:59:03 pm »
For what it's worth, ProQ2 and Ozone (and presumably others, but those two I know) both do this internally without the user needing to do anything manually.
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Gabe D

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Re: Use Frequency-Analyzer + Reference Tracks for better mixdowns
« Reply #3 on: January 18, 2016, 05:20:23 pm »
Samplemagic AB is pretty good. You can have up to 8 reference tracks.
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alex 1

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Re: Use Frequency-Analyzer + Reference Tracks for better mixdowns
« Reply #4 on: January 25, 2016, 07:20:51 pm »
great for getting warnings about that spiking lead sound, and making sure your kick / bass are peak around the same area as your faves, but trying to copy the complete spectrum onto another song, usually doesnt actually solve any problems. just makes the track sound different
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submelodic

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Re: Use Frequency-Analyzer + Reference Tracks for better mixdowns
« Reply #5 on: January 25, 2016, 09:19:32 pm »
I agree you shouldn't rely strictly on copying a referenced spectrum. What has worked well for me in the past is to compare ratios on the spectrum and duplicate them in your own tracks. For example, measure the ratio from the sub on the reference to 1khz and then use that ratio on your mix as well. That way you can develop your own base levels and achieve a similar sound yet still maintain some level of independence.
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Kinesthetics

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Re: Use Frequency-Analyzer + Reference Tracks for better mixdowns
« Reply #6 on: January 26, 2016, 02:46:41 am »
Quote from: gd4223 on January 18, 2016, 05:20:23 pm
Samplemagic AB is pretty good. You can have up to 8 reference tracks.

+1 to Magic AB, great tool that one!

The issue with using reference tracks for spectral analysis only, rather than using your ears, is that peaks and overall balance suggest nothing more than the average volume and tonality of the track. Use a combination of visual analysis and detailed listening instead. Have your ears do most of the reference work, then use analysers to check parts more difficult to pick up on (such as low end or transient spikes).
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Artless Venture

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Re: Use Frequency-Analyzer + Reference Tracks for better mixdowns
« Reply #7 on: January 26, 2016, 10:18:10 am »
I believe that this could work quite well, if you are really going for the sound of the reference track! If your track has elements that occupy very different frequency ranges than your reference track it won't work though.
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Lokan

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Re: Use Frequency-Analyzer + Reference Tracks for better mixdowns
« Reply #8 on: January 26, 2016, 11:43:12 am »
This method can be used as a way to study well-mixed tracks. I use eq to find out placements of instruments along the spectrum. Using M/S splitter also helps me with stereo.
When you are referencing tracks, it's not about making frequency spectrum similar. It's about overall brightness, amount of compression, dynamics, depth. Matching spectrums will only helps you with brightness.
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