Knowing this will Drastically Improve Any Mix

About this Video

• Video Title: Knowing this will Drastically Improve Any Mix
• Channel: Sage Audio
• Speakers: The transcript does not name the speaker.
• Duration: 00:12:18

Introduction

This video explores the relationship between harmonics, dissonance, and the use of audio plugins (compressors, saturators, EQs) to improve mixes. The speaker explains how understanding the physics of sound and psychoacoustics can lead to more objective mixing decisions, resulting in a better-sounding final product.

Key Takeaways

1. Dissonance and Psychoacoustics: Dissonance stems from destructive phase interference between waveforms and the ear's limited ability to differentiate similar frequencies. This occurs even with headphones, not just speakers.
2. Complex Waveforms and Overtones: Most instruments produce complex waveforms with overtones (harmonics) that interact, creating dissonance. Western scales minimize dissonance by prioritizing certain harmonic intervals.
3. EQ's Role in Dissonance Control: EQ can directly manipulate overtones. Addressing the interaction between frequencies rather than single problematic frequencies is key. Focus on overtones that don't correlate with Western notes.
4. Compression and Saturation Effects: Compressors reshape waveforms, adding new, lower-amplitude waveforms and potentially creating dissonance. Mastering compressors minimize this. Saturation, while adding overtones intentionally, also affects dissonance; the type of saturation (tube, tape, etc.) affects the resulting harmonics. An emphasis-deemphasis EQ technique around saturation provides more control.
5. Improving Mixes: By understanding and managing dissonance through EQ, compression, and saturation techniques, mixers can significantly improve the musicality of their final product.