Audio Class: Studio Production

Mixing Techniques

Multiple Microphones

• The easy way (leave all the mics on) sounds like they are in a barrel because of interference between mics (phase, 3-to-1 rule), and because they pick up more room reverb.
• The good way (but difficult) is to “jockey” each mic channel as people start and stop speaking. You don’t have to turn the unused mics all the way down, just 1/3 to 1/2 way down.

Good mixing:

• Doesn’t “up-cut” (turn on a microphone after someone starts talking!)
• Maintains good balance between sources.
• Keeps master level within bounds.

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Audio Class © 1993 Richard Crowley