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  • VXF/EXP (pre-mix)

    J
    J
    last edited
    last edited

    Hello,

    I need a quick tip here. I am preparing to submit a lengthy project for mixing at a professional studio and while I was checking my controllers I started to doubt how I have come to use the VXF and EXP.


    My main concern is that I might have used EXP as a “mixing tool” when I blend a lot of instruments, the same as a mixing engineer would do with volume automation. In the end I’ve kind of grown accustomed to almost “following” the VXF when that might prove very wrong.


    Here’s two examples of a sustained viola line (using VI/Orchestral Strings):


    EXAMPLE1 (solo):

    Audio File: https://www.dropbox.com/s/mug6mcszdcou7pw/1.wav?dl=0

    Automation: https://www.dropbox.com/s/4bqgv0xjtas9691/1-1.PNG?dl=0

    VSL loudness meter: https://www.dropbox.com/s/59h8r9pjprkgbwv/1.PNG?dl=0


    EXAMPLE2 (solo):

    Audio File: https://www.dropbox.com/s/q7i6opal7jz117p/2.wav?dl=0

    Automation: https://www.dropbox.com/s/uzy8iyddm1coj9y/2-2.PNG?dl=0

    VSL loudness meter: https://www.dropbox.com/s/v1w15kopq9az7m7/2.PNG?dl=0


    I have not touched the “VOL” controller but sometimes use the SFX/vibrato and FILTER.


    NOTE! These examples make use of my own IR/PAN settings using MIR; other than that they are completely un-processed, no EQ/compression/filters etc. Before I send it off to the studio I’ll also disable all of my MIR settings hence they will go completely dry with only the programming (keyswitches and automation) to come along.

    Which one is most appropriate to submit for a professional mixer to work with?

    Thanks
  • C
    C

    I wouldn't call MIDI commands the mixing engineer's concern (exception = me mixing and 'writing' in Cubase). As expression I think of Expression (like CC7 Volume, secondarily) as the amount of energy 'behind' the instrument and VeloXF as dynamics which bring in timbral variation. EG: VXF stays high because of the timbre while you bring 'CC11' down at the end of a passage or gesture (and perhaps attending to Release for different 'natures'.).

    Generally a third-party mixing person wants .wav or .aif and maybe OMF or AAF (the latter will convey volume automation while the former leaves it out).  But I consider MIDI as performance, CC7 et al as not audio mixing (NB., I'm used to MIDI volume and Instrument Channel volume as two things (not every DAW does that).