Mixing and Mastering Principles Flashcards
7 cards from real Music & Audio Advice practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Mixing and Mastering Principles flashcards as text
What is parallel compression?
Answer: Blending a heavily compressed copy with the dry signal for punch without losing dynamics
Parallel (New York) compression mixes a crushed duplicate under the original to add density while keeping transients.
What is sidechain compression most commonly used for in dance music?
Answer: Ducking the bass each time the kick hits for rhythmic clarity
Keying the bass compressor from the kick makes the bass dip on each kick, preventing low-end clash.
What does a compressor's 'ratio' setting control?
Answer: How much gain reduction is applied above the threshold (e.g., 4:1)
Ratio determines how aggressively the signal above threshold is reduced; 4:1 means 4 dB in yields 1 dB out.
Why might you use a de-esser on a vocal?
Answer: To tame harsh sibilance (s, sh, t sounds) in the high frequencies
A de-esser is a frequency-targeted compressor that reduces harsh sibilant peaks.
What is the difference between a shelf EQ and a bell EQ?
Answer: Shelf boosts/cuts all frequencies above or below a point; bell affects a focused band
A shelf raises or lowers everything past its corner frequency, while a bell targets a centered range.
Why are short reverb pre-delays useful on a lead vocal?
Answer: To keep the vocal upfront and intelligible while still adding space
Pre-delay separates the dry vocal from its reverb tail, preserving clarity and presence.
What is the 'Fletcher-Munson' effect's implication for mixing?
Answer: Perceived frequency balance changes with volume, so check mixes at multiple levels
Our ears perceive bass and treble differently at different loudness levels, so monitor at varied volumes.