Product Description

Mixing remains one of the most illusive arts of recording practice and can take a life time to master. Looking at practices, concepts, tools and mixing instruments the author provides a comprehensive insight to the art and science of mixing.

Whether a hobbyist of professional this book covers basic concepts to advanced techniques as well as tips and tricks and is a vital read for anyone wanting to succeed in the field of mixing.

The book is accompanied by the website www.mixingaudio.com, featuring a sample chapter, illustrations, audio and a user forum.

* Rounded, extensive and complete coverage of music mixing
* Includes a DVD with over 700 audio samples and 4 sample mixes
* Covers new topics and mixing trends such as computer centred mixing

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #12300 in Books
• Published on: 2007-12-07
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 584 pages

Review
Absolutely first rate. The standard of writing by Roey Izhaki, as well as the examples on the CD are just superb. - Mark Mynett, Senior Lecturer, Department of Engineering & Technology, School of Computing & Engineering, University of Huddersfield

Customer Reviews

In my opinion, the finest book on mixing that there is
As a record producer and University Lecturer on Music Technology and Production, I have read most of the limited supply of books that there is out there are on the art of mixing. Although there are a seemingly endless supply of books that cover the engineering side of things (microphones, placement, technique etc.) very few engage with the subject of mixing which is clearly a highly subjective and challenging concept to cover. As such, most of the ones that I have read leave alot to be desired.
What a delight it was then to start reading Roey Izhaki's 'Mixing Audio'. Very well written and highly engaging right from the first chapter, it is clear just how much time has gone into this publication and I was delighted by just how readable it is.
Excellent sections on the process of mixing, monitoring, software mixers, plug-ins, equalisation, gates, compression, limiting, reverbs, distortion etc. etc. are complimented by just the right amount of technical detail and demonstrated throughout on the accompanying CD. More importantly though, rather than just discussing these tools, full and comprehensive advice on how to properly utilise them is provided and backed up with audio examples.
For anyone wanting to invest in a book on this subject matter, then I really can't recommend this book highly enough. Simply superb.

Excellent package, pity about the English
I have been recording in various project studios for about 10 years. I've bought a huge number of books on the subject and have - I hope - become reasonably competent at tracking. Every book I've bought has been strong on tracking advice such as mic placement and acoustic treatments. I have always been let down when it comes to mixing advice.

I have never been good at mixing. Reading books didn't seem to help. While it is easy to understand written instructions on how to mic a guitar cabinet or build a bass trap, it is a different matter to read and understand advice on compression, EQing, or reverb treatments.

This book plugs the gap in my knowledge nicely. A major plus point for me is the included DVD with audio files which demonstrate to your ears what a compressor sounds like. You can hear individual tracks before and after treatment with processors and effects. It is written in the here and now, referencing modern mix engineers such as Andy Wallace and Nigel Godrich and uses modern recordings like Nirvana's Nevermind and Red Hot Chili Peppers Blood Sugar Sex Magic. It has dance and hip hop elements too, but those are not my main interest.

It's a huge book, a bit text-book like, but certainly readable. The reason I couldn't give it 5 stars is because every fifth page seems to contain a glaring grammatical error. I have never seen so many obvious mistakes in a published book before. I can only surmise that the book wasn't proof-read perhaps due to its technical nature or perhaps in haste to get it to press.

I am based in South Korea and ordered this book from Amazon.com. The book price was far cheaper and the express delivery was about half the price of Amazon.co.uk - despite the distance between the USA and South Korea being greater.

Rip off Britain is alive and well.

A very good guide to mixing
One of the things which attracted me to this book is the comprehensive selection of audio files which illustrate each concept clearly. So many other books 'describe' various audio concepts, but don't actually let you 'listen' to them. You also get some complete contemporary mixes in a variety of styles.

The book itself is very comprehensive and filled with useful information. It has the right mixture of top-level and detailed information. You are not deluged with step-by-step instructions on how to use a particular make of plugin or audio programme. Instead you are given an overview of the process and principles which underly each concept. These concepts are developed clearly and progressively. Each chapter brings you an overview, detailed explanations, clear diagrams, tips, and of course the audio examples themselves. For instance, it was a real 'ear' opener to hear the difference between balanced and unbalanced stereo mixes, out-of-phase material, bass-light and bass-heavy mixes, and the difference a few dBs can make.

The book refers to modern material as well as more established practices. I was also impressed by the distinction between the technical and creative sides of mixing, and what can be done to improve a mix. I enjoyed the style and tone of book. Friendly, yet informative. I felt is if I had my very own personal tutor guiding me through the various concepts in the book. Slightly reminiscent of a top-notch lecturer!

The only let down as mentioned by the other reviewer is the number of spelling and grammatical mistakes - I understand that will be rectified in future editions. Don't let that put you off what is otherwise a very useful book.

Check the author's website for some sample audio files and a taster of the book.

Rudi