Monday, February 15, 2010

New Gear and a new Direction


Well, I guess you can say I had my epiphany. By this I mean that I was introduced to the theory of "smart mixing".

Smart mixing is the entire concept behind mixing, when one track is cued and ready to be introduced, certain things must happen to ensure a smooth transition. These things include adjusting certain bands in the equalizer so that everyone else doesn't hear a mess of noise. Unfortunately, as you move from mixing two tracks exclusively, to mixing 4 tracks, midi clips, loops and effects all at once, you tend to run out of arms.

Fortunately there is an answer to this problem! For myself, this means using Traktor Pro, a digital mixing program, alongside Ableton Live, arguably one of the most powerful pieces of audio software around. Simply put, I am still mixing with my old BCD3000 through Traktor Pro, but now I route that output through Ableton Live, where I can use a myriad of effects alongside a grid of my very own midi clips, loops, and sounds to add some kick and complexity to the mix. All of this triggering and control in Ableton is now possible with my new Novation Launchpad.

So what does this mean to you? Well, hopefully you can enjoy some more complicated and tasteful mixing. Having said that what I am about to say might disappoint some. From now on, all mixes will be exclusively Dubstep/Fidget House/UK Grime. The only exception to this will only be at parties and whatnot when I am playing live, I'll still play all the stuff you want to hear outside of the constraints of the said genres.

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