Regardless of what your audio track is for, there’s always room for improvement in post-production. Tweaking the stereo, adjusting the EQ, or even just giving the track more of a polished feel are all very important. Using the right tool for the job can improve product quality, but with so many tools and so many jobs, where do you even start? Knowing what changes to make, or at least some common areas that need to be adjusted, can really help you get started.
The article that follows lists several tools – not software programs, mind you – but the tools you can find both as software or hardware, though in today’s home studio, we’ll mostly be talking software. All 10 of the tools mentioned (such as EQ, limiters, compressors, etc.) can be found in most audio editing programs, such as Adobe Audition or Sound Forge. Personally, I use Audition for post production work (primarily mastering). But other programs are just as good.
Take a look at this great set of post production tools and some of their suggested applications: http://www.prosoundweb.com/article/top_ten_must_have_audio_tools_for_post_production/
Neo GraphicEQ For Windows From Sound Magic
If your current EQ isn’t quite up for the job anymore, or you wish you were able to more finely tune certain frequencies, take a look at Neo GraphicEQ from Sound Magic. It’s not free, but at 49 EUR (about $65 USD) it packs a lot of value. Sound Magic is even confident enough in their product to offer a free demo version.
For more information and how to download, go here: http://rekkerd.org/sound-magic-releases-neo-graphiceq-effect-plugin/
Animoog V2 From Moog Music Released
Moog Music has released Animoog v2. This updated iOS app offers many user-requested features, including an available 4-track recorder and the ability to import audio tracks. You can also import tracks and record/loop multiple layers of synthesizer within the app. Finish up by directly uploading to Soundcloud or sharing with Apple file sharing.
You can read more about this app update here: http://musicindustrynewswire.com/animoog-v2-with-4-track-recorder-announced-by-moog-music/
Avoid The Monotony Of Mixing
It can be difficult to stay focused when you hearing the same track for the tenth (or hundredth) time in a day. By keeping a few clear objective goals in mind, you can avoid overlooking some important aspects of the track. Even the simple things like whether or not you can understand the lyrics, or if the different parts of the mix can be heard clearly enough. It also doesn’t hurt to give it a rest for a day before coming back to hear the track with fresh ears.
You can read more tips here: http://audioundone.com/20_mixing_questions
Ignore The Rules If It Sounds Right
Rules and guidelines are great. Remember that they are just a starting point. If you like to make this or that change to your tracks because you feel that it improves the final product, but the “tried and true” rule book doesn’t mention your technique, don’t worry! Go ahead with what works for you. There’s a lot of precise science and engineering with audio mixing, but there is still a hefty serving of art.
You can read more here: http://therecordingrevolution.com/2012/12/31/if-it-seems-to-work-do-it/