In this foundation guide we'll delve into level balancing (also known as volume balancing), exploring how to use the technique as part of a professional sounding mix. We'll cover essential techniques and best practices for applying level balancing to achieve optimal clarity, depth, and impact in your productions. Whether you're a seasoned audio engineer or a novice producer, mastering the art of level balancing plays a critical role in polished and production ready sound.
Level Balancing is Energy Management
If sound is energy, then level balancing is the process of evenly distributing it. In the words of Ike Schultz, "if everything is loud, then nothing is loud." It's essential to make deliberate choices about which elements should take center stage in your mix, as there simply isn't enough space (headroom) for everything to dominate the energy at the same time all of the time.
Since this guide is all about covering the how and why, be sure to read the lexicon entry for a more in depth explanation of what level balancing is.
If everything is loud then nothing is loud.
Ike Schultz
Mix Preparation
Before diving into level balancing, preparation is essential. As level balancing is part of the mixing process, this guide assumes you have applied
Import & Label: Ensure all tracks are imported and labeled clearly, eliminating any unwanted ones.
Organization: Group related instruments and color-code for clarity in your DAW.
Reference Track: Load a reference track of a similar genre for comparison throughout the mixing process.
Level Setting:
Here's a step-by-step guide to setting levels effectively:
- Start in Solo: Listen to each individual track soloed, aiming for an average level around -18dBFS with peaks not exceeding -6dBFS to leave ample headroom.
- Drums & Bass: Establish a solid rhythmic foundation by setting the kick and snare to be clear and present, while ensuring the bass guitar comfortably supports the low-end groove.
- Lead Instruments: Introduce lead vocals or melody instruments next, ensuring they stand out without overpowering the rhythm section.
- Supporting Instruments: Gradually add supporting instruments one by one, adjusting their levels to fill the sonic space without masking important elements.
- Reference Comparison: A/B with your reference track periodically to ensure your mix aligns with genre conventions and desired clarity.
Techniques:
Explore these techniques to refine your level balancing process:
- Faders: Use faders for primary level adjustments, exercising restraint to avoid clipping.
- Gain Plugins: Employ gain plugins for fine-tuning individual track levels while maintaining a proper signal-to-noise ratio.
- Panning: Utilize panning to position instruments in the stereo field, creating width and separation without frequency overlap.
- Mute & Solo: Strategically solo and mute tracks to focus on specific elements and avoid mix overwhelm.
- Check Often: Revisit and adjust levels as you add processing and effects to ensure cohesion throughout the mix.
- Mind the Context: Consider the emotional impact and stylistic conventions of your chosen genre when setting levels, tailoring them accordingly.
- Trust Your Ears: Ultimately, rely on your judgment and experimentation to achieve the desired sound, using reference tracks as guidance.
Additional Tips:
- Address phase cancellation by aligning identical sounds panned differently and using phase inversion plugins if needed.
- Consider employing a bus compressor to glue similar instruments together and subtly control their dynamics.
- Experiment with volume automation throughout the song to add dynamic interest during transitions or choruses.
Conclusion:
Level balancing is a critical aspect of the mixing process, laying the foundation for a cohesive and impactful mix. By following these steps and techniques, you can enhance your mixing skills and achieve professional-sounding mixes that captivate listeners and elevate your productions. Remember to trust your ears, practice consistently, and enjoy the creative journey of mixing audio.
