Using reference mixes
We have all been there, we start to mix our song. We add a little boost in the high end of the vocals. A few more slider moves and it seems like our mix is finally coming together. We boost the high end on the vocals just a smidgen more and continue on. After a short while, we decide the vocals could be even brighter! So we boost the high end a smidgen more, now we're talkin'!
We walk away from our mix for 20 minutes and get our favorite listening buddy to check out our awesome mix (I use my cat). You hit play and 'ouch', the vocals are so shrill it's as if you are jamming shards of glass in your ears. Well, ok, not that bad., but in any event, neither you or your listening buddy like your song anymore. We think, “what happened to my awesome mix??”
This problem was caused by ear fatigue. After hearing something over and over our ears adapt to the sound. This is especially true for the high end. We need a reminder every now and then of what is acceptable perimeters, to keep us grounded.
Using a reference song to A/B compare while you mix, is the perfect way to never “over do” it. Using a reference song is not just for getting the the high end right, but also getting the low end right as well. It's important to play back your reference song through the same speakers as your mixing through, this will allow you to properly compare the sounds.
I like to place my reference song in a track in my DAW project. I then match the volume with my mix, this often requires me to turn down my reference mix, because it is already Mastered. What I'm looking for is to compare the “sound” and clarity, not volume at this point. Every now and then during my mixing, I will solo my reference mix and “reset” my ears by listening to the song I have decided sounds good to me. I then adjust my mix appropriately. Give it a try!
Mike Lizotte
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