FXpansion BFD Premium Acoustic Drum Module Mixing with BFD User Manual
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Mixing with BFD
Pay attention to the tone of the reverb. An overly bright, washy reverb will be distracting
in the mix, while a reverb with too much low-end energy will risk muddiness. It can be a
very good idea to EQ the reverb returns so that you get the impression of space without
cluttering up the mix too much.
A Delay line is an alternative technique for introducing more space into the mix. It can
also add to the rhythmic feel, especially if the delay time is set to a triplet, dotted or any
other value not straight on the beat.
7. Creative processing
There are all manner of things you can do with creative processing, whether it’s extreme
compression, wacky FX or whatever else. It’s impossible to provide a guide for this -
sometimes it will be obvious what you need to do, and sometimes it won’t. If it sounds
better without the effects, then leave it alone! Don’t try to force it just for the sake of
utilizing your gear.
Perhaps the most important thing to remember is to try not to let the effects take over
your song, unless you specifically want them to!
8. Vocals
Remember that if you’re mixing a song with vocals, they are really the most important
aspect of the song. If you cant hear the vocal then the song won’t be able to get its
message across.
Trying to add the vocal at the last possible minute is never a good idea.
9. Almost there...
Always try and check your mix in mono, and in as many different listening environments
as possible! Your production could end up being played in a variety of different formats
and media - you should try and make sure the mix translates well to many different types
of listening situations.
10. Final thoughts...
At this point it’s probably essential to mention a time-honoured, favourite phrase of mix
engineers, crude though it sounds: “You can’t polish a turd.” (sorry!)
A poor arrangement coupled with poor performances will be very hard to mix well.
A well arranged, well performed song will be easy to mix even if recorded in a fairly
rudimentary manner.
If you’re finding it difficult to make everything fit together in the mix, the chances are that
there’s something very wrong with the arrangment or the performance. Sometimes, you
really have to fix the problem at the source, rather than attempting to fix it in the mix.