Apple Soundtrack Pro - Manual (Page 124)

124 Chapter 6 Working in the Mixer
Steps in Mixing
Mixing a project typically involves the following steps:
 Balancing relative volume levels
 Panning tracks to create perspective
 Adding EQ, compression, and other processing using effects
 Using automation to create changes over time
 Setting the overall project volume and eliminating clipping
You can perform these steps in any order, and move back and forth between them as
you create the mix. In most situations, you finish mixing the individual tracks before
making changes to the overall project. The following suggested order provides a
guideline that may be useful for common situations:
Step 1: Mix main voice tracks
Solo the main voice tracks and pan to center. Add any EQ, compression, or other
processing. Adjust relative volume, leaving some headroom (typically around –6 dB) in
case you need to raise levels later.
Step 2: Mix other voice and middle ground tracks
With main voice tracks still soloed, solo the other dialogue, ADR, and voiceover tracks
one at a time and adjust volume and pan relative to the main voice tracks. Add any
processing if needed.
Step 3: Mix background tracks
With the previously mixed tracks still soloed, solo the background tracks one at a time
and adjust volume and pan relative to the other tracks. Add any processing if needed.
Step 4: Make changes to the overall mix
Once you have mixed all the individual tracks in your project, add any EQ, compression,
or other processing to the overall project. Adjust the overall volume to an appropriate
level and remove any clipping before exporting the project.