Live excels at all sorts of different tasks, from performing to recording and arranging. Itâs perhaps lesser known as a tool for mixdowns, a process that demands a fine balance of technical know-how and creative care. Mixing dance music in particular can be a daunting task, one that requires controlled power and a sensitive understanding of dynamics and color. This three-part video series from Point Blank shows you how Live can be used to break down the challenges into manageable pieces.
Part one examines the bedrock of any great dance music production: drums and bass. Youâll learn the finer points of kick drum EQ and compression and how to get your basslines balanced with your kicks and subs.
In the second installment youâll find tricks for bringing your synths to life. Convolution verbs, automated delays and crafty side chaining techniques can help emphasise and morph the character of your synth tones and help them slot into your mix.
In the final video vocals go under the microscope. Check how gating, dynamics, stereo imaging and EQ can help you find a place for those hard-to-work-with human elements. The icing on the cake is a run down of master plug-in chains; itâs a technique best approached with care but itâs an important piece in the mix down puzzle which can bring the best out of your hard work.
Weâre always interested to hear how you get on with tips and tricks like these; donât forget to share your finished productions with us using #MadeWithLive.
More mixing tips and tricks from Pyramid Training.