scott.herder

How to Mix With LA-2A style Compressor Plugins

How to Mix with LA-2A Compressor Plug-ins

Use LA-2A compressors to get a balanced, textured, and rhythmic mix. Compress bass, vocals, drums, and more with LA-2A compression plug-ins and the special attack and release times of optical compressors.

In this how-to mixing lesson, start using an LA-2A compressor to:

  • compress bass for thickness and detail
  • bring out texture with vocal compression
  • emphasize rhythm when you compress drums

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Get Started with the Focusrite RED Suite

If you own a Focusrite recording interface, you can access the Red plug-in suite in your focusrite.com account.

The Focusrite Red 2 EQ and Red 3 Compressor are versatile plug-ins that you can use on many different parts of your mix.

In this introduction, I’ll show you how to use the EQ and Compressor on piano, drums, and the entire mix. Here’s what you’ll see:

  • Use the Red 2 Equalizer to EQ piano for control and detail
  • Process drums with the EQ and compressor to make them tight and punchy
  • Compress the mix bus to bring the dynamics of the song together

New to mixing? Join the 5 Day Foundation learning series for in-depth, step-by-step help

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How to Use EQ on Reverb

Make Reverb Fit Better in the Mix with EQ

Spatial effects, or time-based effects–like reverb, delay, and chorus–are important steps in the mixing process. They can help with both separation and combination, and they can position program elements as if they occupy the same space.

But mixing with reverb needs close attention. If it’s not shaped to fit into the mix with EQ, reverb can cover up important parts of the mix.

As this lesson demonstrates, reverbs on vocals and drums need some adjustments. I show you how to:

  • Keep the low-end of the mix clean
  • Avoid distractions in vocal delays and reverbs
  • Use reverb to make the space sound larger or smaller, depending on the song

Fit reverb into the mix with EQ–using low-pass filters, high-pass EQ, and some cuts. Learn how to EQ reverb with this lesson that shows you how your reverb EQ can affect the size and position of the mix.

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Edible Music Mixing Map: How To Fix Your Muddy Mix

What’s Making Your Mix Muddy? (& How to fix it)

What’s Making Your Mix Muddy? (& How to fix it)

Edible Music Mixing Map: How To Fix Your Muddy Mix
Edible Music Mixing Map: How To Fix Your Muddy Mix is a step-by-step instruction guide to solve muddy mix problems

This Edible Music Mixing Map shows you the steps to fixing a mix with muddy frequencies and achieving a clear, present mix balance.

How to Fix Your Muddy Mix includes:

  • A detailed, step-by-step guide to find what’s causing a muddy mix
  • In-depth explanations for the causes of a muddy mix and how to get a clear mix balance
  • A worksheet to help you remember the process the Map gives you

Download this guide and keep it with you while you’re mixing.

Get the Map:

How To Fix Your Muddy Mix

Watch me guide you through these Mixing Map steps:

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