Some bass may have overtones in the higher ends though so you may choose to just dip in the middle a bit (your ear helps)Ĭompressor - These deserve a whole topic alone as they can be used to just limit the sound, pump the sounds or as an effect with drastic sidechain compression etc but compressors can be used to stop audio clipping or peaking too hard. Instruments such as a bassline or sub bass probably don't need much in the higher end so you can trim off what you don't need with an EQ leaving the space empty for other instruments. In many cases especially if your levels already look pretty good you are better to turn other things DOWN that are in the same audio space than to push something harder.ĮQ - Especially the graphic equalisers, these should be added to every track to make your tweaks. Levels - The most basic way to make something louder is just to turn it up more, obvious, but this doesn't always work.

Find out what range the frequencies are playing in and try and picture where you need it to sit then trim off the space you don't need on each instrument (the highs off a bassline, the lows off a lead synth etc). Find the Spectrum analyser and place it on every track to see how each one is performing. Guys more experienced than me can elaborate on the whole frequency band but many times when things sound muddled or flat may be simply because there is too much competing for the same space. There ar4e then different levels within these sections (Bass has Sub bass down around the 60Hz, Low bass/Mid Bass etc).

The audio spectrum is split into the 3 main categories (Bass, Mids, Trebles). It's a continuous learning process and desire to hunt that perfect mix but since I am really bored at work and this forum is damn quiet today here is some basic info:įrequencies - Know them. I have done a lot and read a lot and studied a lot and am going back to engineering school again to study more.

It is sometimes column A, sometimes B and sometimes a little of everything. I am no expert in anything, nor is anyone here, but there is more to making things louder than just 'turning it up' or applying a compressor or EQ. AH, the good ole debate 'how to make it loud'.

How to make music without instruments