Mix reference project

Here is some information to help you with your mix reference project. You should already be getting a feel for how mix referencing works, since we have been doing it all semester. Also, both authors write about it in readings that have already been assigned. I am including some notes from those readings at the bottom of this page for you to review.

The project has two parts. For part one, you need to send me a tentative track list, which I will review. You should also be starting to add your rational; why did you include this track?

You will then have another week to finish the project (part 2) meeting all the guidelines below and also considering the info from the readings.

1. Think about diversity of genres, styles, and recording approaches - don't just include recordings from one or two genres, or all similar production styles
2. Include at least one or two old / older recordings and two or more very recent recordings (include the date of recording in your write up / playlist)
3. Work carefully on your rational - why are you including this tune and what, specifically does it demonstrate or reference? You should basically do a mix analysis of the tune before picking it for your reference list
4. These are not just your favorite bands / tunes... They are selected for specific reasons, not just because you like them
5. Please bring a high resolution (at least 44.1 / 16 bit) audio cd to class, and email the playlist to me, with the included notes for each song. It should include at least the artist, album and song title, date of recording and rational for selection

Mix referencing notes -

Reference tracks (from Izaki)

remember, these tracks have also been mastered - your mixes wont necessarily compete...
as a source of imitation - with certain downsides...
as a source for inspiration
to escape a creative dead end
as a reference for a finished mix
to calibrate our ears to different listening environments
to evaluate monitors

How to choose
a good mix....
a contemporary mix (I would say a range of genres, but include contemporary examples)
genre related (diversity can also be helpful)
a dynamic production

Reference tracks should not be:
a characteristic mix - not overly unique... (don't do a whole collection of way out productions)
not too busy
not too simple

from - Senior, Mixing Secrets for the Small Studio (pg 64-71)
Because we humans are only really equipped to make relative judgments about sound, the only way you can anchor those judgments in reality is by comparing your mix against existing commercial-quality productions

Outside the realms of high-spec professional rooms, mix referencing takes on another role too, because it allows you to compensate somewhat for the skewed listening perspective of unavoidably compromised monitoring systems

Choosing materials - can be excerpts
it takes time and careful comparison
not just your favorite tunes - (this is really important!)
get opinions from others - SOS and gear sluts, digido.com, Bob Katz honor roll
genre concerns - what fits for a particular style?
time periods - how has production changed over time?
different tracks useful for different reasons
some tracks that go too far - end stops; this vocal is too bright...

Some additional info on making reference CD's (very subjective... Also, some good info on the audio forums)
Good article from sound on sound
Bob Katz - honor roll of dynamic recordings -
a very subjective list from Vestman Mastering - some interesting comments