Reference Guide

150 Tutorial 7 – Mixing and adding effects
Volume and pan
Adjusting volume and pan is always a good place to start when mixing. One of the biggest benefits
of SONAR's Console view is that you can easily see the volume and pan controls for many tracks
simultaneously, in addition to large meters. Some people also enjoy working in the Console view
because it doesn't offer a graphical representation of what the music “looks like”. Since the final
outcome will be an audio file, the listener will not be distracted by the visual cues that are shown in
the project's Track view. You may find that you are better able to focus on the actual sound when not
seeing the clips.
To open the Console view
•Do one of the following:
• Click Views > Console View.
• Press ALT+2.
Here, we'll be shaping the song's foundation. If you listen to the project as it is, you'll probably notice
that it sounds “muddy”. This usually happens because all of the instruments are fighting each other
for space in the frequency spectrum and stereo field. They're also all trying to be heard at the same
level in the same location.
Normally, when recording a track, it is common to try to get a relatively loud signal. This is done to
achieve the best level, knowing that you will eventually adjust the final levels during the mixing
stage.
• Some people like to begin “mixing” by turning down every track and then gradually turning up one
track at a time, starting with the rhythm section.Begin by increasing the volume of the bass drum
to the desired level. Continue with the snare, the rest of the drums and finally the bass guitar,
moving on in order of importance. If there was a lead vocal in the song, that would come last, so
that it sits on top of the instrumental foundation you have established.
Other people approach mixing the opposite way, turning things down a bit one at a time. If one
method doesn't seem more appealing than the other, try both to see which one is more comfortable
for you.
Important: Pay close attention to the master bus meter while mixing. You never want the meter
to reach the very top, which will result in undesirable audible noise. This is called clipping.