Nice article on mixer layout, EFX tips and ethos from Drum Drops – Credits: Style Scott, Mike Pelanconi and Nick Coplowe. Click here for article.
Extract
A great many classic dubs were made on very basic tape machines, so to emulate this you can sub mix or group the individual channels so you can dub the whole drum kit simultaneously etc. Basically it means you need fewer fingers and less brain power, which helps…
Typical Layout:
1. Drums
2. Percussion
3. Bass
4. Guitar and piano chops
5. Organ shuffle or keyboard melodies
6. Vocals and harmonies or lead instrument melodies
7. FX or samples
Simplifying your mixer layout enables you to control all the elements of the mix really quickly and easily, giving you one hand on the arrangement and the other for the FX. It also allows you to EQ whole sections of your mix together (and sweep them). Your mixer layout is important, how you arrange your channels can help or hinder the spontaneity of your dub.
Learn the track; make a mental note of the time of any significant melody or vocal hooks and remember all good dubs have to have a great intro, a memorable bass line, a hypnotizing beat, a signature sound or melody hook and some well timed FX and arrangement drop-downs. Never forget – SPACE IS KING!!!
