How to calibrate your ears for mixing?
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- KVRist
- Topic Starter
- 286 posts since 12 Nov, 2018
Hi, everyone! =)
I’ve been noticing more and more how what I hear before mixing affects my results. For example, if I listen to a heavy metal track full of guitars to “tune” my ears, the final mix of the tracking I’m working on tends to sound a bit harsher in the high mids. On the other side, if I listen to a good vibes acoustic song before mixing, my ears tend to tolerate less midrange harshness and I end up cutting more of that region.
So, how do you calibrate your ears before mixing to get a flatter result?
I’ve been noticing more and more how what I hear before mixing affects my results. For example, if I listen to a heavy metal track full of guitars to “tune” my ears, the final mix of the tracking I’m working on tends to sound a bit harsher in the high mids. On the other side, if I listen to a good vibes acoustic song before mixing, my ears tend to tolerate less midrange harshness and I end up cutting more of that region.
So, how do you calibrate your ears before mixing to get a flatter result?
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thecontrolcentre thecontrolcentre https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=76240
- KVRAF
- 35098 posts since 27 Jul, 2005 from the wilds of wanny
I don't know if I'd call it calibrating my ears. but I sometimes listen to commercial music in a similar style to what I'm mixing as a guideline or comparison.
- KVRAF
- 2289 posts since 18 Apr, 2001 from The Netherlands
Don't listen to (loud) music right before a mixing session, and learn how to use reference tracks.
Also, take regular breaks during longer mixing sessions.
Also, take regular breaks during longer mixing sessions.
CrimsonWarlock aka TechnoGremlin, using Reaper and a fine selection of freeware plugins.
Ragnarök VST-synthesizer co-creator with Full Bucket
Ragnarök VST-synthesizer co-creator with Full Bucket
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- KVRAF
- 3508 posts since 12 May, 2011
Do your serious mixing in the morning, while your ears are fresh. Your ears will be much more tired in the evening, no matter how much you "calibrate" them.
And really get to know your speakers.
And really get to know your speakers.
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- KVRist
- 86 posts since 1 Dec, 2019
Hi there! It seems a solid advice, could you please elaborate more on how to do that? Thanks!Googly Smythe wrote: ↑Mon Nov 11, 2019 11:14 am Do your serious mixing in the morning, while your ears are fresh. Your ears will be much more tired in the evening, no matter how much you "calibrate" them.
And really get to know your speakers.
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- KVRist
- 490 posts since 3 Feb, 2018
This. First thing in the morning: coffee, walk outside.. and mix.Googly Smythe wrote: ↑Mon Nov 11, 2019 11:14 am Do your serious mixing in the morning, while your ears are fresh. Your ears will be much more tired in the evening, no matter how much you "calibrate" them.
And really get to know your speakers.
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- KVRAF
- 15135 posts since 7 Sep, 2008
You mix outside?
"I was wondering if you'd like to try Magic Mushrooms"
"Oooh I dont know. Sounds a bit scary"
"It's not scary. You just lose a sense of who you are and all that sh!t"
"Oooh I dont know. Sounds a bit scary"
"It's not scary. You just lose a sense of who you are and all that sh!t"
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- KVRist
- 490 posts since 3 Feb, 2018
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- KVRAF
- 15135 posts since 7 Sep, 2008
Re the OPs question: no “calibration” required but always always have a reference track loaded into the project.
"I was wondering if you'd like to try Magic Mushrooms"
"Oooh I dont know. Sounds a bit scary"
"It's not scary. You just lose a sense of who you are and all that sh!t"
"Oooh I dont know. Sounds a bit scary"
"It's not scary. You just lose a sense of who you are and all that sh!t"
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- addled muppet weed
- 105548 posts since 26 Jan, 2003 from through the looking glass
what the f**k is this "morning" you speak of?Googly Smythe wrote: ↑Mon Nov 11, 2019 11:14 am Do your serious mixing in the morning, while your ears are fresh. Your ears will be much more tired in the evening, no matter how much you "calibrate" them.
And really get to know your speakers.
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- KVRAF
- 3508 posts since 12 May, 2011
You get to know your speakers simply by listening to a lot of different recordings of varying quality (not just good!) and musical styles. And when I say listen, I mean listen with a critical ear. You'll soon get to know the characteristics of your speakers/room setup.peakles wrote: ↑Thu Dec 05, 2019 9:03 amHi there! It seems a solid advice, could you please elaborate more on how to do that? Thanks!Googly Smythe wrote: ↑Mon Nov 11, 2019 11:14 am Do your serious mixing in the morning, while your ears are fresh. Your ears will be much more tired in the evening, no matter how much you "calibrate" them.
And really get to know your speakers.
As for reference tracks, these are a good idea - if you can find a track that is close to what you're aiming for.
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- KVRAF
- 3508 posts since 12 May, 2011
vurt wrote: ↑Thu Dec 05, 2019 12:59 pmwhat the f**k is this "morning" you speak of?Googly Smythe wrote: ↑Mon Nov 11, 2019 11:14 am Do your serious mixing in the morning, while your ears are fresh. Your ears will be much more tired in the evening, no matter how much you "calibrate" them.
And really get to know your speakers.
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- KVRAF
- 2577 posts since 19 Mar, 2008 from germany
Yeah, that is clear: After working through the night,
the morning is dreading. And this time - you are
tired, fatigued and tend to see hallucinations -
this time is the best for mixing!
free mp3s + info: andy-enroe.de songs + weird stuff: enroe.de
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- KVRAF
- 5717 posts since 8 Jun, 2009
<taps head> Don't need room treatment if you're mixing outdoors.
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- KVRAF
- 15135 posts since 7 Sep, 2008
Mind blown. That’s next level man.
"I was wondering if you'd like to try Magic Mushrooms"
"Oooh I dont know. Sounds a bit scary"
"It's not scary. You just lose a sense of who you are and all that sh!t"
"Oooh I dont know. Sounds a bit scary"
"It's not scary. You just lose a sense of who you are and all that sh!t"