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Proper sound balancing
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this post was submitted on 13 Sep 2024
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Music Production
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I've included some images that, no matter how you proceed, should give you a better understanding of frequencies, dB levels, and how to mix better.
Mixing voice into an already recorded track would need more then just volume level adjustments.
There's a bunch of methods, some better, depending on your os, software, gear, etc.
I'd be happy to help get you directed to some software based on your available setup and ability. (there's an almost infinite supply of free stuff out there for every need)
Assuming you can find a basic daw or audio software you can do the following:
The most basic way to mix vocals would be steps 1 through 4. 1 through 6 for a sharper, fuller sound. All of them for overkill but possibly the best result.
Set a ceiling (the Max volume of the mix) of maybe -4db (this allows you to increase overall volume later) using a compressor or limiter.
Vocals should almost always be recorded and mixed in mono. Centered. Compress / limit Around -9db max
Stereo separate the music/background track. A mid-side stereo mixer would make it simple. They split the low,mid,high frequencies to sides or middle, effectively giving room for each to breathe. This track is likely already mastered so no compression, just limit to around -12db.
Listen to mix. Sound OK?
Listen in mono. Sound OK?
You're done!
I would EQ both. Cutting a space for the vocal to sit in the existing music / background track in the vocal range.
And limiting the frequency range of the vocal track.
Compressing it would be a good next step - Another post mentioned you could sidechain/duck. I agree. Have the vocal trigger compression on the background track. A multiband/dynamic eq compressor would be ideal.
Then eq again for clarity and depth.
Increase volume / compress up to 0db.
(Also, Composing Gloves on YouTube is amazing for theory and practical application. They use fl studio, but the mixing/mastering theory/methods are universal principals of mixing)