Effects Space
Whenever possible, each voice/instrument should have its own effect. That is not to say everything needs to have an effect. That is to say that each desired component should have separate effects or separate effect levels. It can be very 'effective' to leave some or most of the components 'dry' or without any effect. Or choose that one or two have some effect and the others do not.
Remember that when using effects it will alter the EQ space of the component. A very nice and natural sounding effect is to record an instrument with one or two room mics (those mics sitting somewhere in the room other than in front of the instrument). These tracks when added in provide a very nice reverb.
In
Tips for Audio Mixdown: Stereo Pan Space there were references about the difference between wet and dry tracks. Now let's talk strictly about wet tracks. When you have the basic idea of the stereo pan space for the mix, you can then begin to visualize more about where the effects might fit into the mix. When working with effects, you are sending a mono or a stereo signal to the plug-in or module, and then the device will deliver a stereo output which you route to an open pair of faders on the console or a stereo return. Obvious, I know, but it's important to visualize the signal path. So these new tracks need to be treated just like any other ones in your mix (volume, stereo panning and EQ spacing, etc.).
Can I say it again? These tracks must be treated like any other ones in your mix. It's not enough to just adjust the incoming volume of the effect. These tracks will introduce all sorts of frequencies that will be interfering with your instruments and voices.
Speaking of EQ, you can also find a separate effect space by using tricks like EQ'ing the right side return channel separately from the left, or leaving out one or the other side altogether. Just be sure to EQ the effect so it is also in its own effect and EQ space. Use tricks like having the reverb trail to only one side, or using chorus or flange on only one side. The possibilities are numerous. One time I heard a quote from Jeff Lynne of ELO and he was talking about mixing. He said in the end it's all about the sound you like and want to make, it's not necessarily about the science of
it.
And a quote from me: think less is more. For the most part, find and remove the annoying frequencies of each voice and instrument first in the EQ Space process. Go back and forth between tracks and tailor the EQ so you get the instrument or voice to fit right where you want it. Only then will the level of any effects you want on the tracks be 'effective'.
The next article in the series is where the gears shift a little towards making mixes effective by a very powerful concept:
Tips for Audio Mixing: Find The Groove.
