Techniques
Audio Mixing (general definition)
In general:
Audio mixing is used in sound recording,
audio editing and sound systems to balance the relative volume
and frequency content of a number of sound sources. Typically,
these sound sources are the different musical instruments in
a band or the sections of an orchestra.
Live Mixing:
Sometimes audio mixing is done live by a sound engineer,
for example at rock concerts and other musical performances
where a public address system (PA) is used. A typical concert
has two mixers, one located in the audience to mix the PA heard
by the audience, and the other is located at the side of the
stage, mixing for the monitor speakers positioned directly
in front of the performers so that they can hear one another.
DJ Mixing:
Another example of live mixing is a DJ mixing two records
together. Break beats are created by mixing between identical
breaks. Often the end of one pre-recorded song is mixed into
another so that the transition is seamless, which is done through
beat-matching or beat-mixing, and possibly pitch control.
Studio Mixing
At other times, audio mixing is done in studios as part of
multitrack recording in order to produce digital (generally
at 44.1kHz/16bit) audio recordings for release on Compact Disc
or as part of a film or television program.
An audio mixing console or mixing desk (Brit.) has numerous
rotating controls (potentiometers) and sliding switches (faders)
that are used to manipulate the volume, the addition of effects
such as reverb, and frequency content (equalization) of audio
signals. On most consoles, all the controls that apply to a
single channel of audio are arranged in a vertical column called
a channel strip. Larger and more complex consoles
such as those used in film and television production can contain
hundreds of channel strips. Many consoles today, regardless
of cost, have automation capabilities so the movement of their
controls is performed automatically, not unlike a player piano.
A recent trend is to use a "control surface" connected
to a computer. This eliminates much of the electronics in a
conventional console.
Computer Mixing:
Audio mixing on a personal computer is also gaining momentum.
More and more independent artist are starting to use their
personal computers for digital recording and mixing their work.
Audio editing on the computer is also easy and generally preferred
by DJs on the move. Many DJs have even produced tracks on Laptops,
miles away from their full studio gear. Surprisingly some of
these tracks have become hits and have opened the infinite
possibilities of bedroom producers.
Surround Sound Mixing:
A recent trend is mixing to 5.1, which is "surround" audio.
This requires 6 channels of audio: left, center, right, left
rear, right rear, and low frequencies. In commercial release,
only DVD video has a standard. So far there has been little
demand for 5.1 in the audio and music domain, but it seems
destined that one of the several commercial formats will ascend.
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