TOMMY UZZO
AUDIO MIXER / ENGINEER
Tom's Tips
Here are some recording and mixing tips to make your recordings better!
Viva La Reference!
When mixing, don't be afraid to compare what you're doing to other successful records you like or are similar in production to what you are working on. You'll know in an instant whether you are on the right track or fooling yourself. Listen for frequency balance, effect levels (reverb, echo and such), and overall excitement. Try to figure out if you have a production problem, a mix problem, or maybe both. Sometimes taking some parts out will actually help make your song more exiting and give the arrangement a chance to breath at the beginning and grow towards the end. Keep in mind that if you are listening to CD's, your mix probably won't be (and shouldn't be) as loud or as bright as the CD since it's been mastered. Remember that recording your mix at a "loud" volume, which will probably add distortion, will be detrimental to the process, and have a negative effect on what the mastering engineer might be able to do.
Watch the buss compression!
When using a buss compressor, (a compressor on the whole mix), be careful! Use it to enhance the sound, not to make it louder. The mastering engineer can do the loudness thing way better than can be done at the mix stage. That being said, a buss compressor can add a lot to your recording. Don't be afraid to turn the knobs to hear the effect. For example, the settings that work for Hip-Hop are wildly different than what normally works for Heavy Metal. If you can't come up with a setting that sounds better when it's on, TURN IT OFF!
If you have questions, feel free to email me at tuzzo@mindspring.com. I can't guarantee a personal reply, but if I have time, I will, or I may post the answer on this space. Good luck with your music!
