how to use a spectrum analyzer for mixing
In this blog post, we're going to dive deep into the technical aspects of using a spectrum analyzer for mixing.
Firstly, it's important to understand the different types of meters and visualizations available in your DAW. The most common ones include the peak meter, gain reduction meter, frequency analyzer, and vector scope. Each of these meters provides valuable information about the audio signal, which can help you make better mixing decisions.
The peak meter is the most basic meter, and it shows the peak level of the audio signal in decibels (dB). The peak meter is usually represented with three colors - green, yellow, and red. Green represents a signal input, yellow indicates reaching the threshold of ideal input, and red means near clipping or exceeded clipping. When the audio signal reaches the red level, it means that the signal is clipping, which can result in distortion. The peak meter is important for gain staging, which ensures that you're not continuously adding unwanted loudness to your mix.
The gain reduction meter is found on dynamic processing plugins, such as compressors and limiters. This meter shows the amount of gain reduction being applied to the audio signal. Gain reduction is the amount of attenuation applied to the audio signal, which reduces the dynamic range of the signal. The gain reduction meter is usually represented in decibels (dB), and it can be helpful to ensure that you're not overcompressing the signal.
The frequency analyzer shows the incoming audio across the spectrum of frequency, from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, which is the commonly accepted range of human hearing. This meter is useful as our ears are not always perfect, and we can't always perceive what's going on. The frequency analyzer shows us exactly what is happening with that piece of audio, even in the extreme high or low ends of the frequency spectrum. The frequency analyzer can be used to identify problems in the frequency spectrum, such as resonances or build-ups in certain frequency ranges.
Spectral analysis is another type of metering that allows us to see things we wouldn't necessarily get with other metering. Spectral analysis provides a detailed view of the frequency spectrum, showing the amplitude of the audio signal at each frequency. Spectral analysis can be used to identify specific frequencies that need to be addressed in the mix, such as resonances or build-ups. Spectral analysis can also be used to identify specific musical elements in the mix, such as the fundamental frequency of a bassline.
The vector scope gives us an idea of what's going on in both the left and right channels and how they relate in terms of phase. This is important for stereo signals, as we can have a signal on one side that doesn't go well with the other side. A vector scope helps us avoid those issues by giving us a visual indicator of phase correlation dependent on the frequency and signal. The vector scope is particularly useful when working with stereo imaging, ensuring that the stereo image is balanced and coherent.
In conclusion, using a spectrum analyzer for mixing is an essential tool for any producer or engineer. Understanding the different types of meters and visualizations available in your DAW can help you make better mixing decisions, leading to a more polished and professional-sounding mix. With the right tools and techniques, you can create a mix that sounds great on any system and stands the test of time.