Mixing Tips - Belkin TuneStudio User Manual

The following tips will help you produce the best mix possible.
• Listen to commercial recordings through your TuneStudio using a studio monitor or headphones to develop
a sound reference.
• Don't pan kick drums or bass instruments to the left or right. These "high energy" sounds should be shared
equally between the speakers for best results.
• Don't vary the level of drums or bass guitars. These instruments provide a foundation for other instruments.
• If you record multiple inputs, make your final EQ adjustments to the full mix. A single input will often sound
different when heard by itself.
• Avoid making large EQ adjustments. Your recording will sound more natural if you adjust the mics rather
than the EQ settings.
• Experiment with the compressor setting. Set the compressor below 30 percent for subtle compression and
to smooth out some of the audio peaks. Try a higher compression setting to achieve higher "loudness" or
for an interesting audio effect.
• Keep the studio monitor or headphone volume low or, at most, at a normal listening level. A high volume
can cause hearing damage, and you should always mix at the level you think the recording will be played.
If needed, you can check the mix at a higher volume for short periods.
• Check your mix on headphones and studio monitors. "Studio" headphones that completely isolate your ears
can help you find small distortions and clicks that you may not hear through speakers. Studio monitors can
help you fine-tune bass sounds.
• Listen to your finished mix the day after you've finished it. Your perception is likely to change after resting
your ears overnight. Also, check the master recording on different sound systems to ensure it sounds OK.

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