Music Mixing Questions: Quiz! Trivia

The correct answer for this question is to try to work where one can get the best results. This means that when choosing a studio for mixing, the most important factor to consider is the quality of the results that can be achieved. This may vary from studio to studio, as different studios may have different equipment, acoustics, and engineers with varying levels of expertise. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize the ability to achieve the desired outcome over factors such as fame, outboard gear, or the presence of a specific type of mixing console like an SSL.

Placing the bass instruments in the center of the mix is the best option. This is because the low frequencies produced by bass instruments are omnidirectional, meaning they radiate equally in all directions. By placing them in the center, the bass sounds will be evenly distributed and perceived as more balanced and powerful by the listener.

All of the above options can be involved in a mix. A mix typically involves the collaboration of various individuals such as the producer, artist, engineer, and mixer. The producer oversees the overall production of the mix, the artist provides their vocals or instrumental performance, the engineer handles the technical aspects of recording and editing, and the mixer brings all the elements together to create the final mix. Therefore, all of these individuals can be involved in the mix process.

The basic focus of a mix should be on balance and music. When mixing a song, it is important to achieve a good balance between different elements such as vocals, instruments, and effects. This ensures that each element can be heard clearly and contributes to the overall sound of the music. Additionally, the focus should be on enhancing the musicality of the song, by emphasizing the emotions and dynamics conveyed through the music.

Using a limiter or compressor is the most sensible way to reduce the dynamic range of a track when mixing. Limiters and compressors are audio processing tools that can control the volume levels of a track by reducing the dynamic range, which is the difference between the loudest and softest parts of the track. By adjusting the settings of the limiter or compressor and riding the fader of the track, the engineer can effectively control the peaks and valleys in the audio, resulting in a more balanced and controlled sound. Adding high frequency EQ, erasing the track, or using an out of phase mult on the track would not directly address the issue of reducing the dynamic range.

False. Not all engineers mix the tracks they have recorded. While it is common for engineers to mix the tracks they have recorded, it is not a universal practice. Some engineers specialize in recording and prefer to leave the mixing process to others who have expertise in that area. Additionally, in larger studios, there may be dedicated mixing engineers who are responsible for the mixing process, separate from the recording engineer.

The correct answer is verse and chorus. In a pop song, the verse is the section that tells the story or sets up the theme of the song. It typically has the same melody but different lyrics each time it is repeated. The chorus is the section that contains the main hook or catchy melody of the song. It is usually repeated multiple times throughout the song and often contains the title or main message of the song. The verse and chorus sections are the foundation of a pop song and help create structure and memorable moments for the listener.

The most fundamental and lower harmonic tones are found in the low and mid frequencies. These frequencies typically produce the basic and fundamental sounds that form the foundation of a musical composition. Higher frequencies tend to produce more complex and harmonically rich tones, while parametric frequencies refer to specific frequencies that are manipulated in audio processing. Therefore, the correct answer is low and mid frequencies.

When mixing, it is helpful to group instruments according to their type. This is because instruments of the same type often have similar characteristics and require similar treatment in the mix. For example, grouping all the guitars together or all the drums together allows for easier control and adjustment of the overall sound. It also helps in applying specific effects or processing tailored to that particular instrument type. Grouping instruments by type helps to maintain a cohesive and balanced mix.

The statement is false because the use of plugins and level changes in Protools does not guarantee that whoever mixes the song will use them. Mixing is a creative process where the mixer may choose to use different plugins, level changes, or even remove them altogether based on their own artistic vision and the specific requirements of the song. Therefore, the presence of these elements in the recording does not guarantee their usage in the final mix.

The best way to compare two sound sources is to be able to switch back and forth between them in real time. This allows for immediate comparison and allows the listener to identify any differences or similarities between the two sources. Playing one and taking a break or playing them at the same time may not provide an accurate comparison as the listener may not be able to remember the details of the first source or may have difficulty distinguishing between the two sources. Listening to one at night and the other when you're fresh may also introduce variables such as fatigue or different environmental factors that could affect the perception of the sound sources.

The correct answer is the digital multitrack or DAW of the song because it allows for flexibility and easy editing in post-production. By recording the stereo mix to the digital multitrack or DAW, individual tracks can be manipulated and edited separately, making it easier to make small updates or changes to the mix later on. This also ensures that the original stereo mix is preserved while allowing for further enhancements or adjustments to be made.

All of the tools mentioned (reverb, level, delay, and EQ) can be used to create depth in a mix. Reverb adds a sense of space and distance to the sound, making it feel like it is coming from a specific location. Level adjustments can create a sense of depth by emphasizing certain elements or instruments in the mix. Delay can add a sense of space and depth by creating echoes or repetitions of the sound. EQ can be used to shape the frequency balance of each element, allowing them to occupy different positions in the stereo field and creating a sense of depth.

A VU meter, short for Volume Unit meter, is a type of analog meter that measures the average audio level. It provides a visual representation of the average volume level of an audio signal, helping to monitor and control audio levels. Unlike peak meters that show the highest level reached, VU meters display the average level over a short period of time, making them suitable for measuring average audio levels. Therefore, the correct answer is VU.

The given answer suggests that both expensive and cheaply done mixes should be evaluated using the same criteria. This means that the quality and effectiveness of a mix should not be judged based on the amount of money spent on it. It implies that radio stations and the public should consider the same factors, such as sound quality, creativity, and overall appeal, regardless of the cost of production. This approach promotes fairness and equal opportunities for both expensive and cheaply done mixes to be recognized and appreciated based on their merit rather than their budget.

When mixing a hip hop tune, it is important to keep the vocal dry because the lyrics need to be understood. By keeping the vocal dry, without any added effects or reverb, the clarity and intelligibility of the lyrics are enhanced. This allows the listener to easily comprehend the message conveyed by the lyrics, which is crucial in hip hop where the lyrics often carry significant meaning. Adding effects or making the vocal wet may muddy the vocals and make it harder for the listener to understand the lyrics.

When doing a mix, it is important to divide one's time evenly and especially leave time for the vocals. This is because vocals are often the focal point of a song and need to be given special attention to ensure they are clear and well-balanced with the rest of the instruments. By dividing one's time evenly, all aspects of the mix can be properly addressed, resulting in a well-rounded and cohesive sound. Focusing too much on one instrument, such as the drums or guitars, may lead to an imbalanced mix where other elements are neglected.

Dub mixing originated in Jamaica. Jamaica is widely recognized as the birthplace of dub music, which emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Dub mixing involves manipulating and remixing existing recordings to create new versions with emphasis on instrumental and rhythmic elements. Jamaican producers and engineers, such as King Tubby and Lee "Scratch" Perry, played a significant role in developing this innovative style of music production. They experimented with techniques like echo, reverb, and the use of studio effects to create unique and experimental dub mixes. The influence of Jamaican dub music can be seen in various genres worldwide.

The correct answer is to count the number of beats in 15 seconds and multiply by 4. This method allows for an accurate calculation of the beats per minute by counting the beats within a shorter time frame and then multiplying it by 4 to determine the beats per minute.

In certain situations, such as a jingle date or rough mix, there may be a need to complete mixes quickly. These types of mixes are often done to provide a preliminary version or a demo of a song or composition. They are typically done to give clients or collaborators an idea of how the final mix might sound. Due to the time constraints, these mixes may not be as polished or refined as a final mix, but they serve the purpose of providing a basic representation of the intended sound.

Very low or loud monitoring levels can fool the listener regarding balances because when the monitoring levels are too low, it may be difficult to hear certain elements in the mix, leading to an inaccurate perception of balance. On the other hand, when the monitoring levels are too loud, it can cause the listener to focus more on the overall volume rather than the individual elements, again leading to a misjudgment of balance. Therefore, extreme monitoring levels can deceive the listener and affect their perception of balance in the audio mix.

Normalization and compression are two techniques that can be used to bring up the level of an overall finished digital mix. Normalization adjusts the volume levels of different tracks to a consistent level, ensuring that no track is too loud or too soft. Compression, on the other hand, reduces the dynamic range of the mix by attenuating the louder parts and boosting the quieter parts, resulting in a more balanced and controlled sound. By combining normalization and compression, the overall mix can be made louder and more polished, enhancing the overall listening experience.

The given answer "none of the above" suggests that a mix does not need to conform to any of the mentioned standards or guidelines. It implies that there might be other criteria or requirements that a mix must adhere to, which are not listed in the options provided. Therefore, the correct answer implies that the mix must conform to different standards or guidelines that are not mentioned in the question.

When a stereo mix is played in mono, the instruments in the center become louder. This is because when the mix is played in mono, the audio signals from both the left and right channels are combined into a single channel. As a result, the audio from the center, where the instruments are usually panned, gets summed together and becomes more prominent in the mix, leading to a perceived increase in volume for those instruments.

At the mastering stage, undoing compression is not easily done. Compression is a process used to control the dynamic range of audio signals, and once it is applied, it permanently alters the audio. While other adjustments like adding EQ, changing levels, resequencing songs, or even adding compression to one song can be easily made during mastering, undoing compression requires going back to the original uncompressed audio source and starting the process again. Therefore, undoing compression is not a simple task at the mastering stage.

Buss (program) compression refers to the technique of compressing the mix, which is also known as "compressing the mix." This technique involves using a stereo compressor or two mono compressors to apply compression to the entire mix of a recording. Buss compression helps to control the dynamic range of the mix, making the quieter parts louder and reducing the peaks. It is not limited to only the mastering engineer and can be used during the mixing process as well.

Notching frequencies is an equalization method used to remove specific frequencies from the mix. It involves cutting or attenuating certain frequencies using a notch filter to create space for other instruments in the mix. This technique helps to avoid frequency masking and allows each instrument to be heard clearly without clashing with other instruments. Deep low frequency, bright saturation, and clipping modals are not equalization methods for fitting instruments together in the mix, making them incorrect options. Therefore, the correct answer is notching frequencies.

A TV mix refers to the audio mix specifically created for television broadcasts. In this context, a lead vocal refers to the main vocal track in a song. Since TV mixes are typically used for background music or incidental music in TV shows, they do not include lead vocals. The focus is usually on the instrumental elements and background music rather than the main vocal track. Therefore, a TV mix will not include a lead vocal.

When using a delay or reverb in a mix, it is not necessary for it to always be in time with the music, be after the audio that is effected, never be equalized, or be in mono. These are not strict requirements for using delay or reverb effects in a mix. The specific use of delay or reverb can vary depending on the desired effect and the creative choices of the producer or engineer.

When checking mixes on different speakers, it is important to listen for translation. This means that the mix should sound good and balanced on different types of speakers, such as headphones, studio monitors, or car speakers. By listening for translation, one can ensure that the mix will sound good and consistent across different playback systems, allowing it to be enjoyed by listeners on various devices.