That's an INSANE dip on the master buss eq. Holy shit.

This is the most helpful, non-ego based discussion on mixing I've ever heard. Thanks Sylvia and Jonathan.

@tjordulf

4 жыл бұрын

@@patchybeardopinions9340 a little bit of ego is allowed, they have done some stellar work. But nevertheless, they didn't come across as up they're own asses. I personally found that helpful and inciteful. But it also illuminates the fact that Izotope actually DO care about quality music production. For me it's, Izotope, Waves, Plugin Alliance, UAD and Slate, with a smattering of other quality gems that are out there.

@1alexanderkup1

4 жыл бұрын

by the way, have you ever heard any ego based discussion on mixing on KZread?

@danield2000

4 жыл бұрын

@@1alexanderkup1 No, are you interested in one?

@rohannagarkar608

4 жыл бұрын

More like visible sexual tension lmao

@rb032682

4 жыл бұрын

@@rohannagarkar608 - 😨🤣 Hey, smart chicks are hot!

12:20 The biggest misconception in mixing/mastering is the idea of leaving headroom in the mix for the mastering. This is where people confuse headroom with dynamic range. The more important issue is the dynamic range...how much did the mix get compressed/limited/etc. This cannot be undone the way headroom can be. Your headroom can be fixed immediately at any stage in 32bit float by turning down your mix. This can be done at the mixing stage or the mastering stage. Lowering your mix by -6db or any other arbitrary number isn't actually doing anything for the mix other than lowering the volume. As long as you are not clipping the mix, the mastering engineer can turn the volume down themselves even if you leave the mix at 0db. So you turning in a mix at -X db does nothing for the mastering engineer. Instead, pay attention to how much your are compressing the tracks and the busses, especially anything on the stereo bus (overall mix). Allowing the mastering engineer to use their own compressors, limiting, room/environment, fresh ears and experience can benefit the final project immensely. However, there is a great point that was also made in the video about applying some of these things to your own mix yourself before mastering to achieve the initial sound you're looking for so that you don't leave too much of the art/decisions to the mastering engineer. So I also believe in adding your own flavors to the overall mix before sending it off. Just don't overdo it to where the mastering engineer has nothing left to compress/limit with their tools/room/technical expertise.

@VintiqueSound

4 жыл бұрын

1000x yes! It's really quite simple, but unfortunately not well understood.

@dopesensi

4 жыл бұрын

Well explained .. Thank you

@1979mcdoog

4 жыл бұрын

waaoooh check out the big brain on brad

@prodbydramatic

4 жыл бұрын

what in the world are you talkin about?? i was just wondering the other day where you been. i hope all is good and glad your still grindin

@ramonw9430

4 жыл бұрын

True, but I find that the more headroom I have the less I have to limit. That is ultimately better for the mix.

I love this. And she was sooooo humble. No ego detected.

I love how Sylvia isn’t afraid to ask questions. In this field we are always learning. I’m so happy I got into music.

Rookie Producer, here. This channel is seriously a God send. Thank you so much for sharing all of this incredibly in-depth information freely with us.

I love how the most knowledgable artists and engineers are also extremely humble. Sylvia Massy is a perfect example of this. Respect her deeply!

@FVCK-

4 жыл бұрын

@Ariel Schlichter agreed. It’s akin to the old adage you hear about how people that have to brag about how much money they have, don’t have shit compared to people with the real money. If I didn’t know who bill gates or warren buffet were, they could walk by me on the street and I wouldn’t know if they were worth $40 or 40 billion. I think these two are both geniuses, and even though she obviously knows everything he is saying to her, she politely listens as though she’s actually learning something new. That is the epitome of humble right there. 👍🏻

@michaelweinstein3056

3 жыл бұрын

There's an exception to every rule. In this case, I might point to Chris Lord-Alge. Arguably one of the finest mix engineers in pop/rock for decades. Yet also arguably a man who is unable to comprehend the idea of humility.

@IDigress

3 жыл бұрын

@@michaelweinstein3056 yep I like him but he's definitely ego lvl 1000 😂

When i started doing AB with reference material often.. It really changed things. Mixes are consistent now and it is kind of hard to fail. It is brutal at first but it is also the fastest way to learn.

@gribb5967

4 жыл бұрын

I liken it to "tough love". It can be ego destroying, but necessary.

@itsbeatomusic

4 жыл бұрын

facts!

@EddieKMusic

Жыл бұрын

Actually, I only started doing AB with reference tracks with my last song. And... it was a difference like a day and night.

@jordangressman5164

Жыл бұрын

i’m hitting this point myself too.. and idk if anyone can sympathize with this, but it feels like a bit of a catch22 when things start getting easy.. because now, every single improvement to my skills yields MAYBE a 1-2% return, and the way i’ve learned up to this point has been pretty much online/youtube/reading, and nobody teaches this stuff online past a certain skill level. though, it’s obviously not the end, because i have all the tools i need to keep progressing. my ears, in my monitoring environment, listening to my favorite records. but it’s just such a bittersweet feeling..

The pic of her on the motorcycle in the studio.. was my project that she produced and sang back ups on. (yes, we revved a live running motorcycle in the studio to capture real sound!) Here's the song Motorcycle Mania: (and yes, the cover art is a painting by Sylvia herself) kzread.info/dash/bejne/nYOGtbikepywYLg.html

@chikaayo8904

3 жыл бұрын

for real ?

It's very comforting that even someone at the top of the game like Sylvia can use some clarification on things like gain structure. And how humble of her to ask such questions. This stuff is hard! even the pros never stop learning.

@Syklonus

4 жыл бұрын

Stubborn pride and fragile egos everywhere would stop most people from admitting they don't know something. Most would say something wrong and stick to it rather than admit they don't know. She's openly recognising her faults and is willing to address them. That's smart!

@exortor

3 жыл бұрын

I think she knows all this stuff but she is just doing it for the audience. Took the back seat what a legend.

Man, that is one of the most refreshing, honest conversations about mixing, etc. on all of KZread (that’s, what, 10 million videos?). I run into the “all tracks recorded at 11” problem all the time. It takes some extra time to set-up an initial gain staging across an entire mix, but I find it’s actually a good way to familiarize myself with each project. Thanks, Izotope!

I want Silvia Massy on a record in my lifetime! Not enough women producer/engineer's! Great video!

Sylvia Massy!!

I wish this entire platform was like this. You couldn’t pay for a better education than this.

I love how these two have a really natural flowing conversation

Thanks so much for this. It's a pleasure to hear pros explaining things with such clarity. Good comments as well. Good job on the video itself -- very nice camera, lighting, sound, edit. :-)

I like how she took the back seat even though she's a genius

@BenGurskyMusic

4 жыл бұрын

She the GOAT

@StanYouCrazy

4 жыл бұрын

Big facts

@BenGurskyMusic

4 жыл бұрын

@@StanYouCrazy on the same page

@DROPNATIONsol

4 жыл бұрын

she clearly has no clue how to use commonly used techniques like gain staging and sidechain compression, widening sounds with delay's and other simple tricks actually. sorry to inform you, she may have worked with some genius bands but she probably ruined their songs.

@gravityfreaksmusic

4 жыл бұрын

@@DROPNATIONsol Meh...

This is a fantastic series, Sylvia is always amazing to get her take on things and hearing them both talk "shop" together and ask questions of eachother is something you normally don't hear! Thank you izotope, makes me want to get the mastering suite!! I have Nector 3 and love it!!!

Very classy interview - it’s so easy to follow a discussion when egos are checked at the door and there is just a calm, intelligent exploration of the subject at hand. Thank you so much to both of you.

Another superb one to one conversation with real world talent This ‘Are You Listening’ series just gets better and better! Thank you 🙏

I'm actually surprised Silvia didn't understand "gain staging" it's nice to hear her be vulnerable and ask questions basic or advanced for the pursuit of understanding.

Thanks all around. To Sylvia for being so open. To Izotope for making this happen. Overall great video about the hands-on implications of mixing and mastering from the mixer's perspective.

Great video! You can really learn something out of every video you upload! Loving it

Thank you Sylvia and Jonathan. I have been doing this since 1982 and I learn something new everyday...the concepts are limitless which generate such imagination. thank you for the inspirations.

this was so amazing. Seeing them pick each others mind answered so many questions.

ASHLAND OR ! Oh hells, makes me smile. I owned a house in Grants Pass with the idea of retiring from El Lay up to there back in the day. Now here I am in the Wasatch foothills of Utah. What a long strange trip...Anyway, this is one of THE most useful vids I have ever viewed. Thanks, you two.

Great video, you both are amazing ! Such a pleasure to listen a conversation of this level ! thanks !

these are 2 people I definitely respect. Listening to them talk is great, no egos at all.

@atta1798

Жыл бұрын

Trust me there is an ego there

I love these videos so much! Really great work everyone and keep them coming please!!!

This was one of the most helpful episodes so far, Sylvia's great! :) thank you both!

Thoroughly enjoyed this educational session. The experience of learning "alongside" a legend like Sylvia Massey made it special.

I am grateful for both of you sharing these precious insights into the art. Lots of love. Thanks to iZotope!!!

Wyner you are a boss!!. You know your work!!.very great feedback you input👍

This is absolutely fascinating. I know next to nothing about mixing and mastering, but I did just buy the iZotope Music Production 3 and Creative Suite 2 software bundles and I am going through all the Groove3 Tutorials before I begin using any of this. These KZreads you put out with great people like Sylvia Massy (I just subscribed to her channel) are really great for someone like me who is trying to learn as much as he can. And, hey, if I can learn something (and I am a disabled Vietnam veteran) then anyone of you out there can certainly learn a lot. Thanks for posting this. Cheers.

This was a great video. I love the insights of two people that love their craft and never stop learning.

Great Conversation. I could listen to her for hours. For me Sylvia is by far the most inspiring person in the music industry. A great engineer and such a humble and down to earth person.

So many different ways of how to mix and set your gain structure.. thanks for this video!

Sylvia asked some great questions & they really helped me understand the confusion around headroom & where to start a mix level wise! Thanks for sharing the knowledge, everything from Jonathan is very informative & helpful. =)

loved this series and this particular video was super helpful

Incredible valuable information for free. Thank you for that.

This is the most I’ve learnt from any KZread video. Very nice thanks

Great discussion and eye-opening in places. Thank you!

Excellent video. Both engineers are very good and have a great deal of experience.. My production experience has shown me that if you are going to master your own mix, get away from the mix and do not listen to it for at least 2 to 4 weeks. Then you will have fresh ears to start mastering. Ozone 9 is a great starting place.

That was absolutely incredible. Thank you.

Excellent interview with a wonderful, knowledgeable guest. Thank you!

Great informative convo between these two cool people👍🏾. It displays the contrast of the mixing and mastering mindset very well

Another Great video , thank you so much...waiting for more

Love your honesty Jonathan!

Such a cozy vibe in this knowledge based ping-pong between these two proffesionals, who are of their own respective arts as proffesional as can be.

Fantastic video. Thank you both so much.

This was so informative. Thank you so much.

I know this video is old, but I never thought a plugin company would have this quality of a series. What a great find, and a great interview.

U ear that. She went back 3 times! Sometimes u have to go back and fine tune adjustment when you think its proper. Love the fact that she went back and was not lasy too say oh yea that can work. Good job Sylvia.👍

Very cool and interesting episode, thanks for sharing this stuff with us "mortal" mix & mastering people ;) !!!

This was really good, very insightful and detailed

Loved this conversation! 👍🏻😊🎶🎵❤️🔊

I learned some of what I do is effective (right) and some others that I will employ from now on. Great conversation. Sylvia is brilliant, and an icon to me. Good times.

Thanks for this video. I learned a lot today.

Great video! Love the interview!!!

Sylvia Massy is delightful. Awesome stuff.

INCREDIBLE. one of the best music channels in KZread

Great video!!! Thank you so much

great, informative video! Thank you!

I work in Cakewalk and I find too that most projects are too hot right from the start. I bring all my gains to -18db right off to avoid any clipping. It's been working very well for me and has improved my mixes drastically.

Wonderful discourse. Thank you.

Respect the mix and its your job to make the observations then to help. YES

Pretty obvious that they are dumbing it down for educational purposes. Sylvia knows her stuff. She could explain synthesis, audio-electronics and advanced recording tricks in her sleep. Are you telling me she doesn’t understand digital gain structure and basic concepts such as floating point, headroom, dynamic range and gain staging ITB? I don’t think so. 😉

@tedboujee7006

4 жыл бұрын

pretty obvious she isn't desperate to prove anything. just teach

@Johnnylaurelli

4 жыл бұрын

100% Finally a logical comment lol.

@dianathompson7597

4 жыл бұрын

Right, side chain compression is explained with a compressed with a side chain out put. She knows about it.

@xJunioorx

4 жыл бұрын

exactly what I felt

@TjMoon91

4 жыл бұрын

I was wondering this. I’m not familiar with her at all, but to me it seemed like she didn’t understand some really basic principles. It makes more sense that she was just asking questions that they thought the viewers may be asking.

Man this is some gorgeous dialog, great location sound recording!

@michaelweinstein3056

3 жыл бұрын

Um, the interview was filmed in a control room.

This is remarkably well presented!

This is such a great discussion.

just starting the video...and oh wow Oregon is so cool.

This is great. Thanks! 🎶

Thank you for the excellent tutorial. It was helpful in many ways. The only detail that surprised me was worrying about the volume or even the clipping. The 32-bit float audio signal already has more than 700 dB headroom. And many DAWs mix at 64-bit. If you add 100 dB gain to a file, and the mastering engineer removes 100 dB, and you repeat this ten times for a reason let’s ignore now, you’ll get back the same audio. Without artifacts. Clipping becomes an issue only when you export it to 16 or 24 bit PCM, and it’s above 0 dB. (And, of course, it can be an issue on analog gear.) On the other hand, I’ve heard it from random sources that many plugins, especially compressors, sound the best at about -18 dBFS as they model analog gear that wasn’t linear. I don’t know whether it’s true and if it is, how common it is. In my latest project, which was also my first track ever, I set all the buses near to -18 dBFS, because why not, but the individual tracks were usually normalized or only a little bit below 0. It would be great to learn more about this. The hints about how to EQ were inspiring and super helpful just like the part about the tonal balance.

Illuminating! Thank you for this...

I had to pause this and learn more about her. I'm back now.

Very interesting discussion! Thank you!

More of these. Very interesting.

This was amazingly fascinating.

Thanks for making this an amazing experience for people who are not as experienced as you guys are. Professionals lowering the level for people like us, gives me hopes on the stage of humanity at this moment ! XD

Thxx keep them coming

Another good one.. tnx 4 tips...

Perfect Explanation -- You Just Have to Listen; Just Like Leonardo DaVinci; You Must Pay Close attention to your Frequencies..

This is great !

Great interview.

The problem Sylvia is (was) having is that she was bringing down the tracks using the channel faders instead of using the gain trim on the tracks or a gain plugin to that matter before beginning to mix. Using the faders will bring down the levels but won't touch the actual gain of the tracks, so you will continue to have hot signals but quieter in level (volume). This means you will still have problems with headroom as soon as you start to process the tracks, distorting things very easily. The easiest way to solve this is adjusting the track gain using the trim faders directly on the track itself, not in the channel fader. This works in Pro Tools, but I'm not shure if it's possible in any other DAWs. In Logic, for example, it doesn't. So I will have a gain plugin right in the first slot of every channel for this purpose OR I will use some channel strip plugin with input gain option built-in like the SSL channel. Do this, balance all the mix using the gain trim or gain plugin in every track. Make shure the stereo bus won't peak above -6db. Now you're good to start your mix without ever worrying about headroom, as long as you level match EVERY processing you do on your tracks.

2 great people had great discussion with a lot of ess :))

This channel is very serious. It's so serious, I've now turned on the bell to get all notifications. Sorry for not doing this sooner.

awesome. Simply awesome.

Very helpful video !

I love this woman so hard. She is so great, she's a genius, she's beautiful, and she works her ass off to do amazing work.

What a great lady and what an awesome man. If all humans were like these two it would make it much more harder to leave this earth.

love this

Great video!

I love his shirt. Anyone who is down with modular is a-ok! Looks like some 5u Moog. I wonder if he’s got a nice 5u rig at the house

Very, very interesting and educational..

The way I see it, mastering is to music what post-production is to digital art, so yes: creativity is most certainly an important part of the process.

Wow, things started to get real at around 12:40, lol!, but very informational, thanks for posting!!!, I've just been learning about mixing/mastering from youtube for my home recordings and am starting to see a pattern in the relationship between mixing and mastering engineers, maybe like between a MLB manager and the head umpire?

Great incites!

Great discussion from two pros at the top of their fields …...I'm fairly new to monitoring LUFS levels. It's really changed the way I work in a big way!. One thing I wish they had gone into more and clarified is this. The difference between pulling down faders, and pulling down the actual audio files(via clip gain). Both methods will affect the mix groups and mix buss....but, pulling down faders will not affect channels processing, where using clip gain will.

@robertcaldwell2462

4 жыл бұрын

John Wells I think you answered it right there m8, I’ll always opt to pull down the faders, that way I don’t mess up my compression/gate levels

I did a masterclass with sylvia, nice person and inspiring sound engineer!