13.4 Creating depth and dimension in the mix

Electronic music mixing is all about creating a sonic landscape. By manipulating depth, width, and height, producers craft immersive experiences that transport listeners. Techniques like reverb, delay, and volume automation help shape this 3D soundscape.

Arrangement plays a crucial role in building depth and dimension. Panning, frequency balance, and volume control work together to position elements in the mix. This careful orchestration creates a rich, engaging soundstage that draws listeners into the music.

Creating Depth and Dimension in Electronic Music Mixing

Depth and dimension in mixing

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  Setting Up a Simple Home Music Recording Studio - PEDAL POINT SOUND View original

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• Refers to creating a sense of space and positioning elements in a three-dimensional soundscape
  • Front-to-back depth perceives the distance of elements from the listener (close vs far)
  • Left-to-right width involves the stereo positioning of elements in the mix (panning)
  • Height represents the perceived vertical placement of elements in the mix (low vs high)
• Creates a more immersive and engaging listening experience for the audience
• Achieved through various mixing techniques including reverb, delay, volume automation, panning, stereo imaging, frequency balance, and separation

Reverb and delay for space

• Reverb simulates the natural reflections of sound in a physical space
  • Longer reverb times and higher wet/dry ratios push elements further back in the mix (concert hall)
  • Shorter reverb times and lower wet/dry ratios place elements closer to the listener (small room)
• Delay effects create a sense of space and depth by repeating the original signal at timed intervals
  • Longer delay times create a sense of distance and depth (canyon echo)
  • Shorter delay times create a sense of width and movement (slapback delay)
• Adjust the wet/dry balance to control the prominence of the effect in the mix
• Use different reverb and delay settings for various elements to create contrast and separation (vocals vs instruments)

Volume automation for dynamics

• Involves changing the volume level of individual elements over time
• Creates a sense of movement and depth in the mix
  • Gradually increasing or decreasing volume creates the illusion of an element moving closer to or further away from the listener (fade in/out)
  • Sudden volume changes create dramatic transitions and add interest (drop)
• Emphasize or de-emphasize certain elements at specific points in the arrangement
• Combine with reverb and delay effects to enhance the sense of depth and movement

Arrangement for 3D soundscape

• Arrange elements in the stereo field using panning to create a sense of width and space
  • Pan elements to the left, right, or center to position them in the stereo image (guitar left, vocals center, piano right)
  • Use stereo widening effects to enhance the perceived width of certain elements (chorus, doubler)
• Balance the frequency content of elements to create separation and clarity
  • Use EQ to carve out space for each element in the frequency spectrum (bass low, vocals mid, cymbals high)
  • Avoid frequency masking by ensuring elements don't compete for the same frequency ranges
• Use volume balance to establish a hierarchy of elements
  • Adjust relative volume levels to create a sense of depth and importance (lead vocals louder than background vocals)
  • Place the most important elements at the forefront of the mix (lead melody, kick drum)
• Combine panning, frequency balance, and volume balance to create a cohesive and immersive three-dimensional soundscape