4 reasons we do reference mixing and mastering

A lot of times when bands approach us for mixing and mastering services we ask for a cd, .wav, or mp3 reference to listen to when we are working out the mix or master. For example if a pop punk band comes to us for mixing, we may use a Green Day tune as a listening guide. This is greatly helpful because:

1) It give us a better indication of what you expect to hear out of your final product

2) Words can only describe so much when it comes to music. Merely allowing us to listen to the sound you are going for is worth a thousand words.

3) It puts us on the same page as the client immediately instead of doing multiple mixes and guessing what the client is wanting to hear.

4) It takes the room out of the equation. Even in some of the most expensive high end studios around the world it can be tough to create an absolutely perfect listening environment. Using reference mixing you can eliminate that problem because you are comparing one recording with another on the same studio monitors. A lot of times the mix will sound great in the studio, but poor in the car or home stereo. Reference mixing and mastering helps to eliminate that translation problem.

10 Recording Tips

This being my first blog, I thought I would keep it simple and provide a useful guide for bands to enhance their studio experience.

1) Guitar Tuning. Don't assume that you can use the tuner plug in on Pro Tools or that the studio will have a tuner for you. Purchase your own and bring it along. Check your tuning after every song.

2) Speaking of assumption. Don't assume that your engineer will be able to "fix it in the mix" when preparing to record or if you can't perform a part the way you want. Getting the sound from the source is the best way to end up with a great sounding recording

3) Drum Tuning. This should have been #1, but here I am already at #3 and it'd be a lot of work to reverse things. Most so called "crappy" drum kits can sound pretty good if you know how to tune them. If that's not a skill you possess, please learn asap. Also, make sure your heads are decently fresh, and not beaten in backwards.

4) Rehearse your songs to death. If you are not prepared to record a song, my advice would be to not even attempt it. It will turn into a nightmare and maybe even a band ending fight. Stick to the tunes you know. UNLESS you are in a jam band and you need to "just jam man" to get "the kill vibe".

5) Don't say the word "vibe" or "vibes" more than twice during a session. This will drive your engineer crazy.

6) Metronome issues. If you are planning on recording with a metronome, make sure you practice plenty with one or else you may find yourself in a band ending fight.

7) Make sure you are 100% happy with your peformances. Don't let things slide because you can "bury" them in the mix later. When these things start to accumulate it can be pretty noticeable.

8) For dignity's sake, take it easy on the drum replacement software.

9) Only auto tune when necessary

10) No White Castle before the session.