Science Behind The Art - Post Production Mixing & Mastering

There is definitely an art behind post production mixing and mastering.  There are subtle artistic nuances that different people will pick up on, secrets learned from others and secrets stumbled upon through experimentation and by accident.

The tools you use, whether digital, analog, software, hardware, or a hybrid of everything, also play play a big role in how good you are at post production. Some tools will open a view into an amazing world, others will hold you back.  Finding the right combination of tools is part science and part art, in and of itself.

Yet, there is one key that overrides all of the art and the science of the tools.  It is essential to master the "Science" of the "Musical Audio Frequencies" and the "Frequency Response of the Human Ear." 

While the field of science pertaining to audio frequencies and the human ear is vast and can seem overwhelming and daunting, I have found a few tools that make it easier to understand and apply.  Of course, science cannot take you all the way.  The science only provides tools.  There is an art (and maybe a little magic) that artists use to sculpt excellent audio during post production mixing and mastering.  Yes, I called audio engineers, "Artists."

One tidbit of knowledge that I learned a few decades ago, boils it all down to three main points.  These points apply to post production and to live sound production.

• Point 1:  Bass frequencies - Too much bass makes the sound mushy and muddled (not muddy though).  Too much bass makes the sound and the speakers belch and fart (technical terms).  To much bass can cause a strange vibration that destroys the rest of the audio.  Many times, the key to making the audio sound like it has a lot of bass is to decrease the levels of bass frequencies in the mix, while increasing the bass volume.  This produces a loud thumping, tight bass. 
• Point 2:  Midrange frequencies - Too much can make the audio sound tinny and telephony (good if that is the sound you want).  Too much can cause feedback too. Too much lower mid gives you muddiness and too much higher mid can sound harsh and cause listener fatigue.  A little mid goes a long way.
• Point 3: High frequencies: Too much causes feedback, screech, squeal. Too much can be very harsh.  A little more than average can be very nice.   

Because I am a constant student, always researching post production tools and techniques, I came across charts that expand on the three points, providing greater detail and insight.  Two of my favorite charts are provided by Independent Recording Network (IRN) - www.independentrecording.net  --  I think every post-production studio in the world should have at least one copy of each.  Here are sample pictures of the two charts.

Enjoy the Music!

Jimmy