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Mixing / Production

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    Q. Can I use EQ to fix my nasal-sounding vocals?

    My singing voice is a bit nasal, and I'd like to know if there is a 'classic' frequency or frequency range to apply some parametric EQ cut to?

    Sound Advice Dec 2004
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    Q. How do I compress a stereo source?

    I am recording using a spaced-pair miking setup and I want to apply light compression to the signal. Where in the signal chain should I insert the compressor (pre- or post-fade), and will I have to buy a dedicated stereo compressor to do the job properly?

    Sound Advice Oct 2004
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    Q. Why don't my mixes sound big in mono?

    I've been comparing two records, and both sound massive in the studio compared with our mixes but when you press the mono button, on one it disappears, and when you press it on the other it doesn't change one bit! How do they do it?

    Sound Advice Sep 2004
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    Q. In what order should I compress and EQ?

    When using a compressor and an EQ as insert effects on a snare drum, is it better to use compression followed by EQ or EQ first then compression?

    Sound Advice Sep 2004
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    Q. Can I remove the vocals from a track using phase?

    I am told that it is possible to remove the vocals from a CD track by reversing the phase of one of the stereo channels. Is this correct and, if so, how does it work? Also, is the reverse possible — can you remove the rest of the track to just leave the vocals?SOS Forum Post

    Sound Advice Sep 2004
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    Q. What is the Acusonic Recording Process?

    At the base of the inlay card to Michael Jackson's album Thriller, it claims that the album was recorded using the 'Acusonic Recording Process'. What is this?

    Sound Advice Aug 2004
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    Q. How does virtual surround work?

    Can you tell me how virtual surround systems work? How is a '3D' effect achieved with two speakers?

    Sound Advice Jul 2004
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    Q. Can I 're-amp' a line-level signal?

    If I record the DI'd signal from a guitar so I can put it through a guitar amp later, what are the concerns, if any? Will the line-level signal coming out of my mixer be too high or otherwise inappropriate for the amp?

    Sound Advice Jun 2004
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    Q. Is analogue mixing superior to digital summing?

    I understand that mixes from DAWs can be improved significantly if, instead of using the digital mix buss within the computer, individual tracks are converted to analogue and then summed/mixed externally. Could you explain whether this approach really does offer significant benefits?

    Sound Advice Jun 2004
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    Q. How do I keep vocals sounding natural when using Auto-Tune?

    I've recently started using the Antares Auto-Tune plug-in (version 3), and I need help! Even when using the plug-in's Automatic mode, I can't get a good sound out of it — the corrected voice sounds 'warbly' and fake. Can you offer any advice?

    Sound Advice Feb 2004
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    Q. Why does my track seem slower when I listen on headphones?

    I produce electronic dance music. Much of the time I work with headphones on, to help me focus on detailed sounds in repetitive loops. However, I often notice that when I switch to listening on speakers (to check the actual mix and so on) the track seems a bit faster. What could be the cause?

    Sound Advice Feb 2004
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    Q. With EQ, is it better to cut than to boost?

    I've been told that, if possible, you should always cut rather than boost when EQ'ing. So, if you need more bass, you should cut the high- and mid-frequencies and raise the overall level, rather than simply boosting the low end. Is this true?

    Sound Advice Jan 2004
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