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Mixing Audio: Concepts, Practices and Tools
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.
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.
584 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 21, 2018
This book changed the way I listen to music, forever.
March 27, 2013
Many years in many levels of audio production left me scratching my head... and I finally came to the point where I wanted something other than youtube tutorials and other studio engineers and watching session work and doing session work to teach me some more esoteric and technical aspects of the mix. This book does that. The section on compression is invaluable.... This book is gold for anyone who is serious about sound. Can't reccomend it enough.
~Ruiner
http://reverbnation.com/theruiner (Under Construction)
~Ruiner
http://reverbnation.com/theruiner (Under Construction)
October 20, 2022
This is by far the most thorough book you can read on mixing music. I've read all the other books on the topic that are more popular, but they don't reach the depth of Roey Izhaki's approach.
It's written in a way that will help it last way beyond its publishing date. All the key concepts are explained in detail on a technical level, with a lot of practical examples of application and interesting anecdotes interspersed throughout the book to tie it all together. The book comes with audio files to hear examples of what is being discussed, but I didn't make use of them simply because it was not practical for me. I do feel like I missed out a bit, so maybe I'll do it when i re-read some time in the future.
The only issue I have is with the dry writing style that put me to sleep on numerous occasions. It reads more like a university textbook than a book about art, so there's that.
It's written in a way that will help it last way beyond its publishing date. All the key concepts are explained in detail on a technical level, with a lot of practical examples of application and interesting anecdotes interspersed throughout the book to tie it all together. The book comes with audio files to hear examples of what is being discussed, but I didn't make use of them simply because it was not practical for me. I do feel like I missed out a bit, so maybe I'll do it when i re-read some time in the future.
The only issue I have is with the dry writing style that put me to sleep on numerous occasions. It reads more like a university textbook than a book about art, so there's that.
April 9, 2020
The mixing bible. Especially the section on tools is very extensive and covers most conceivable applications of EQs, dynamic range processors, reverbs and the like in astounding detail. Comes with a DVD with many helpful audio examples. There is really only one criticism I have of this book: the lack of proofreading. It shows quite clearly that the author is not a native English speaker. Izhaki explains all concepts very well, but the text is full of annoying typos and grammatical errors. Still, this is essential reading.
July 10, 2020
Weirdly enough, and despite the huge advancements in digital audio technology over the past decade, only a tiny fraction of this book shows its age. Although I consider myself on the knowledgeable side in matters discussed within, I still got some great insight and additional perspectives in the application of various essential tools of mixing. I would strongly suggest this to newcomers and seasoned connoisseurs of audio alike!
It would be nice to see an appendix involving the latest rage of spectral shapers and other new tools available to us now.
It would be nice to see an appendix involving the latest rage of spectral shapers and other new tools available to us now.
April 13, 2019
Brilliant compendium on the Art of Mixing. Excellently written, essential to all levels of Mixing Engineers, from beginners to experts. The creative possibilities on all domains (processing, EQing, FX, etc) constitute a very special feature in this book.
November 15, 2022
One of the best mixing books I have read so far
March 18, 2018
Focal Press have published some of the most invaluable books for just about every area of audio - music, TV & Film audio, microphones, you name it - and this is for me one of the most essential books they've printed. Despite being ostensibly a technical, you might even say 'reference' book, I have at least once read this book cover to cover simply because it's fascinating to read. Maybe I'm just that much of an audio geek, but Roey Izhaki explains everything in such a clear, accessible manner, and illuminates so many areas that can be mysterious to those trying to learn about mixing, that this book becomes just a joy.
These days it's possible to find out just about everything on sites like YouTube; there are endless channels featuring videos on mixing tips and techniques - I know people who have worked as audio mixers who learnt their trade from YouTube clips - but I still highly recommend getting this book and reading it. There is no substitute for some of the in-depth explanations in here, and what's more, Roey covers certain tips and tricks that I don't think I've ever seen anyone else discuss (which I find quite incredible). Even for the info that is theoretically available elsewhere, I'm sure you are unlikely to find many places that will lay it out in such a helpful way. Many aspects of mixing just clicked for me when I read this book.
There are only a couple of downsides to this book, and they're not really biggies. Firstly, the chat forum mentioned in here is now gone. This is sad because it provided a place to chat with other aspiring mixers, and Roey would come on there himself to answer questions and chat. However there are no doubt plenty of places where you can talk to people about mixing.
Second, the demo songs provided with the book for you to practise on are not fantastic. To be fair, he has tried to cover a few different genres so that whatever your aim is there's probably something relevant to you here, but as someone mainly interested in rock and metal mixing, the one rock track here is a bit lame to be honest. However, it's likely you're going to be most interested in practising on either your own music, or music of your contemporaries, and I'm sure if you're keen you can find material out there for you to practise your mixes on (courses like Nail the Mix for example, which is quite reasonably priced). That certainly shouldn't put you off reading this indispensable book.
These days it's possible to find out just about everything on sites like YouTube; there are endless channels featuring videos on mixing tips and techniques - I know people who have worked as audio mixers who learnt their trade from YouTube clips - but I still highly recommend getting this book and reading it. There is no substitute for some of the in-depth explanations in here, and what's more, Roey covers certain tips and tricks that I don't think I've ever seen anyone else discuss (which I find quite incredible). Even for the info that is theoretically available elsewhere, I'm sure you are unlikely to find many places that will lay it out in such a helpful way. Many aspects of mixing just clicked for me when I read this book.
There are only a couple of downsides to this book, and they're not really biggies. Firstly, the chat forum mentioned in here is now gone. This is sad because it provided a place to chat with other aspiring mixers, and Roey would come on there himself to answer questions and chat. However there are no doubt plenty of places where you can talk to people about mixing.
Second, the demo songs provided with the book for you to practise on are not fantastic. To be fair, he has tried to cover a few different genres so that whatever your aim is there's probably something relevant to you here, but as someone mainly interested in rock and metal mixing, the one rock track here is a bit lame to be honest. However, it's likely you're going to be most interested in practising on either your own music, or music of your contemporaries, and I'm sure if you're keen you can find material out there for you to practise your mixes on (courses like Nail the Mix for example, which is quite reasonably priced). That certainly shouldn't put you off reading this indispensable book.
February 24, 2013
I love this book. Packed with clear explanations of fundamental and advanced concepts. Accompanying samples demonstrating concepts in the book are essential for a subject like music, and they are expertly integrated.
September 17, 2008
Constant refernce. Who cares that the guy didn't spell check it? Its THE guide book for mixing audio hands down.
The Oswinski books are good, this one is GREAT.
The Oswinski books are good, this one is GREAT.
February 14, 2010
Very detailed, lots of diagrams and very good audio samples.
April 6, 2013
very good book with a lot of good information for the intermediate.
April 19, 2013
Something every person working with mixing should read. Very informative and well written.
May 1, 2013
Consistent reference, especially during a time period when everyone locally was trying to hide useful information. Thanks to this book, I've seen some of their mistakes lol
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews