Now campers, don’t try this at home alone. These tips are based my
perspective of working on a Neve VR, but should apply to other Neve
Flying Faders systems as well.
SAVE, SAVE, SAVE
In order to have the system work at utmost efficiency, I automate
and save every song, idea, interlude that I work on.
Label and save your mixes so you can find them a millennium later.
Use the “notes” column on the MIX/PASS page freely, explicitly and
frequently. Use the [New Mix] as a broad outline subject. Change to a
new Mix status with notes at major changes. For example: Mix1 is track
levels, Mix2 is backgrounds, Mix3 is re-mix, etc. When a major change
is taking place, such as BG vocals, leads or rhythm section, note that
“this pass was where the background voxes were at the right level, but
the know-it-all producer made me change it.” Because every pass is
numbered and always retrievable in RAM, you don’t have to save as often
to be able to retrace your steps.
Anytime I’m about to do something I’m not sure about-status, group
or weird stuff-I usually officially save a mix to disk, and start a
*(New Mix) for marker sake. When I want to start the concept of a
mix-over, I go back to Mix1/Pass0 but keep my existing mix concept in
RAM for mixing and merging.
MUTE MAGIC
Use the Flying Faders Solo System in Multi Mode to mute count-offs
and other unwanted noise. Individual momentary and Latched soloing:
First set the solo box to Multi Mode, then go to the Other Key box.
Hold down the shift key while you hit the Other button on the center
module until you find Set Solo Bank. Now, release Shift and hit Other.
You will be ready to select faders for solo groups, but you want to
deselect any faders that are selected (green select). Hitting Other
once more returns you to mix operation mode. Faders that are muted in
automation can be auditioned without disturbing their automation status
by holding down the Flying Fader’s Solo button while it’s playing. If
you hit the console’s Mute button, it will write that move to the mix
even though you heard the whole performance.
MIDI HEADS…
Use the 3&4 Mix outputs as exclusive sends to stereo samplers,
and for making stereo comps with effects for bouncing. You can easily
adjust the overall output level, and hear what you are sending, by
listening through Mix Monitor 3&4.
SNAPSHOT PASTE MIXING
Using the Smart Key S11 Store and Set Store to do snapshot paste
mixing is great for doing quick, accurate multi-move rough mixes. For
various quick snapshot, new, automated levels, mute and VR mute
statuses always take one basic home shot with the VR mutes off-to have
a pass to return to. If you’re not ready to automate different BG
Levels, different sections when you get it right, hit S11 and Label-you
may want to mask certain unwanted functions to protect them from
EQ/insert/cuts/VR board mute moves. Push run/enter stores and press Set
Store as each section occurs, and the computer will write these
positions as an automated move, using the home set after each section
not needing any specific changes. Example-Set Store:
1) A-Home basic mix (basic rough groove)
2) B-Bsec BG to Chorus
3) C-BG @ Chorus
4) A-Home basic mix (can use for second verse)
5) B-Bsec BG to Chorus 2
6) D-BG @ Chorus #2 (different new notes added)
7) E-Bridge BGs
8) A-Home basic mix
9) D-BG @ Chorus (use also for last chorus & groove-groove on
out and fade)
LIVING IN MASTER TOUCH
Set Option window (TRM / GRP / SOLO / MAST ISO) to engage Master
Touch globally. In the main menu, set the momentary Set button to
Select All Faders And All Mutes, then release. Press Shift and the
Master Record Light on the global module section. This will latch the
automation record button to permanent “on.”
Now we’re ready to do what I call “subtractive mixing.” Go through a
song, adjusting levels as you go. When you return to the top, all moves
will be erased except for the last or existing position you’re in, so
remember to disengage from Master Write after you have made a move that
you want to keep.
After you’ve made moves on, let’s say, a vocal fader, disengage the
fader to be in Soft Trim, while the Master Status remains in Master
Touch Absolute. Faders can be disengaged locally by touching Auto Match
or holding Select while holding the Record Fader button. Mutes can be
disengaged locally by holding the Select button, while simultaneously
holding down the Mute button.
Once you’ve subtracted all your faders and mutes, except for a few
slight trim things, hopefully it’s time to print. Happy Mixing!
