Mixdown - Boss BR-1180 User Manual

Mixdown.

Mixing down is a real time recording process in which you are combining all of your
signals down to two tracks for burning a CD. Any audio CD is a two track recording.
The mix down mode on the BR-1180 is the BOUNCE mode. Press the REC MODE
button so that BOUNCE is lit. Then press the 9/10 REC TRACK button so that it is
flashing. Once you press the REC button and then PLAY you will be rerecording all of
your audible signals to tracks 9/10 in real time. That in itself is a very simple process
however: since what you are creating is the mix for your CD there are several things that
you are going to want to consider first.
• Panning- set pan positions so that different parts have there own "space" in the
stereo field.
• EQ- Adjust each channel's EQ as necessary. (see When and why should I use
EQ?) Moderation is usually best.
• Set your effects and tweak them to taste. It's a very common mistake for someone
that is new to mixing down to apply too much reverb. Again moderation is best.
• Listen to your tracks individually and all together. How you make choices
concerning EQ, panning and effects may change as you listen in both situations.
• Make sure your overall mix is as loud as it can be without clipping. Set your
master fader as well as the 9/10 fader in the center of the black hash marks and
watch your master meters on the LCD screen. You will want your meters to peak
consistently between 0db and -4db if you want your levels to compare to
commercial recordings. If this is too loud for your monitor speakers then turn the
speakers down.
• Be careful with low instruments such as basses, synthesizers and drums. A bottom
heavy mix will distort your home stereo system before you reach a level where
there is any clarity in the middle and upper ranges. Lower frequencies require
more energy. So make sure it's not just the lows that are pushing your levels. Use
EQ to cut frequencies around 60 to 80Hz if necessary.
• A mix that lacks bottom end is also not a good thing. Balance is key.
• Mix using near field studio monitors and not in headphones. Mixing in
headphones only can be really deceiving in terms of how you perceive bass
frequencies.
• Use as many speaker references as available to you. Burn mixes to play in your
car and home stereo and boom boxes. Take notice as to what works and what does
not. You want to strive for consistency. If you are using Roland DS-90A, DS-50A
or DS-30A speakers then you can use the COSM speaker modeling to have those
speakers emulate other speakers.
1) Press EFFECTS COSM
2) CURSOR to USE SP and press ENTER.
3) CURSOR to EDIT and Press ENTER.
4) CURSOR to SP. M and press ENTER
5) Use the VALUE wheel to select which DS-speakers that you are using
6) MODEL will determine which type of speaker will be output.
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