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Gear / Technical Help => Post-Processing, Computer / Streaming / Internet Devices & Related Activity => Topic started by: Emile on September 16, 2011, 11:12:14 AM

Title: Mixing left and right channel to lower levels
Post by: Emile on September 16, 2011, 11:12:14 AM

Dear everyone,

I have a question about left/right channel mixing, which I would love some advice for.
I recorded an acoustic house show 2 days ago, and I'm very happy with the recording itself. The show was a singer on guitar and a percussionist on djembe/cajon.
The recording was made with a pair of AT831s, stereo.

The microphones were placed close to each other, but aimed slightly to the left/right so have a feeling of stereo.

Now, my question/main problem with the recording is this: I'm happy with all the levels, except the left channel when the percussionist is playing the cajon, because the bass of the cajon a bit boomy/loud (also loud in comparison to the singer voice, which is mainly in the right channel). So, I'm wondering if maybe it would be a good idea to make a mix of the left&right channel and use that as my left channel? I realize it will lose some of the stereo feeling, but maybe this would sound better?
Just to clear this up: the cajon doesn't clip the left channel, it just doesnt sound all that good to me.

I hope this question makes sense and that I have listed all the info that might be needed. But if you have any questions, feel free to ask them!

Thanks in advance.

Best,
Emile

Title: Re: Mixing left and right channel to lower levels
Post by: Emile on September 16, 2011, 11:13:59 AM

Just to add: if this topic would be better in a different forum, feel free to move it!
Thank you

Title: Re: Mixing left and right channel to lower levels
Post by: hummat on September 16, 2011, 11:25:22 AM

Maybe try messing around with the panning of the channels to tighten it up / balance it out a little.  Also, maybe a little eq on the left channel to dial back some of the cajon.

-j

Title: Re: Mixing left and right channel to lower levels
Post by: page on September 16, 2011, 02:04:11 PM

Quote from: hummat on September 16, 2011, 11:25:22 AM

Maybe try messing around with the panning of the channels to tighten it up / balance it out a little.  Also, maybe a little eq on the left channel to dial back some of the cajon.

-j

Thats my vote. Unless you did a coincident setup, you'll get phase cancelation across the stereo image by mixing the channels.

Title: Re: Mixing left and right channel to lower levels
Post by: ScoobieKW on September 16, 2011, 02:33:35 PM

Rather than panning, try splitting your stereo track into L and R.

Pan each appropriately. (100% left and 100% right)

Adjust levels for each to taste

This gives you a more balanced soundstage but without the phasing issues.

Title: Re: Mixing left and right channel to lower levels
Post by: hummat on September 16, 2011, 02:40:32 PM

Quote from: ScoobieKW on September 16, 2011, 02:33:35 PM

Rather than panning, try splitting your stereo track into L and R.

Pan each appropriately.

Adjust levels for each to taste

This gives you a more balanced soundstage but without the phasing issues.

That's what I meant.  I work with mono files mostly, and forget that is not everyone's workflow.
-j

Title: Re: Mixing left and right channel to lower levels
Post by: Emile on September 18, 2011, 10:05:19 AM

Thanks everyone for the advice.