The Art of Mixing: A Visual Guide to Recording, Engineering, and Production [Paperback]

David Gibson (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1931140456 | ISBN-13: 978-1931140454 | Publication Date: March 28, 2005 | Edition: 2

Get ready for an in-depth exploration into the aesthetics of what makes a great mix! David Gibson's unique approach to mixing gives you a visual representation of the dynamics of the sounds involved in creating a musical mix. Through this three-dimensional, colorful explanation, you are introduced to a framework that will help you understand everything that an engineer does-- enabling you to not only recognize what you like, but how to achieve it in your studio. Expand your recording techniques by learning what your recording equipment does and how it all works together in a simple, visual manner. From bluegrass to big band, new age to heavy metal, classical to hip-hop, jazz to rap, and alternative rock to techno, Gibson has mapped out everything that can be done to create various effects in all standard mixes. Once you have a perspective on what can be done, you have the power to be truly creative on your own: to make art out of technology.

Product Details

• Paperback: 299 pages
• Publisher: Artistpro; 2 edition (March 28, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1931140456
• ISBN-13: 978-1931140454
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #119,420 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Left me with more than somewhat to be desired, May 23, 2000

By 

Jason Perry - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of Mixing (Mix Pro Audio Series) (Paperback)

I will agree with most of the reviews that this book's images helped in conveying stereo field information, however, I have two problems with this book:

1) The images are exremely redundant and take up half of the already slim 124 pages (where does the publisher get 144 from?)

2) The book's content does not justify the price.

Contrary to someone elses comment, I found the book to be exremely lacking in the area of compression. On the other hand, it did have some useful info on equalization settings.

33 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fresh look on a highly complex world, March 3, 2000

By 

Jan-Willem van Aalst - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of Mixing (Mix Pro Audio Series) (Paperback)

For the pros and home-musicians alike, this book gives a surprisingly clear view of virtually all aspects of recording and mixing in the studio. For me, having read the book, I suddenly understood why my mixes were only so-so and certainly not good enough for record companies (especially the section on compression is great!). This book provides highly valuable insight, which means that you still have to practice a lot to really improve your skills, but that practicing becomes much more pleasurable having read this book.

28 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must for entry/mid-level recording audiophiles., July 14, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Art of Mixing (Mix Pro Audio Series) (Paperback)

When I recieved the book I began to glance through the pages. Four hours later, I finally put it down, complete with highlighting items I thought were important. That night, I mixed and mastered my latest composition and compared it to a previous mix I "thought" was good. Day and night.

This book has no pork...only the necessary items to raise your mixing abilities to a semi-pro level. And it does so in a wonderful graphical form unlike the countless "engineering" books I've poured through (and I've got an engineering degree). Make no mistake, you need to know the numbers, but the perspective Gibson provides is worth every penny!