Mixing choices for vocal/instrument separation

[HughP3]

Having absolutely no knowledge of this process, i am curious of just what engineers strive for. I enjoy mixes where instruments are separated in space but Recordings that have instruments 100% on left or right channel dont sound as pleasing. Same where drum kit is dead center and so is the lead vocal. For someone that has no idea how this works, how much can engineers affect this and what do most try to achieve to project the illusion of the musical space?

edit: michel petrucciani live in Tokyo. A recording or engineering choice? His piano sounds reversed, low notes from the left center acoustic space cascade to hi notes to the far right.

 

[HughP3]

Bumped

 

[Bruce B]

Mix engineers and to some extent, Mastering engineers do have the tools to put instruments in their place. The caveat to this is, where were the microphones placed and did they have their own track, or was is at a distance and recorded in stereo. That's why if I record something or master something, especially a live recording, I like to have a lay of the land so to speak. I did some mastering for Wilson Audio and Dave had drawn out a map of where the instruments were placed. I tried the best I could to emulate the layout, though it was much harder in the mastering domain since I was just handed stereo tapes. But the short answer is yes. But then you have to deal with A&R, the Publicist, the band members and the Producer... all have opinions!!

 

[HughP3]

Mix engineers and to some extent, Mastering engineers do have the tools to put instruments in their place. The caveat to this is, where were the microphones placed and did they have their own track, or was is at a distance and recorded in stereo. That why if I record something or master something, especially a live recording, I like to have a lay of the land so to speak. I did some mastering for Wilson Audio and Dave had drawn out a map of where the instruments were placed. I tried the best I could to emulate the layout, though it was much harder in the mastering domain since I was just handed stereo tapes. But the short answer is yes. But then you have to deal with A&R, the Publicist, the band members and the Producer... all have opinions!!

Thank you Bruce! it sounds very complicated and I would expect requires a lot of experience. to me It’s like a professional photographer striving for the perfect exposure except in this case instead of light it sound. fascinating stuff!

 

[Solypsa]

Imho its about mic'ing. In classic mixing parlance hard left and hard right is where you start but even mono shows space...

 

[Bruce B]

Imho its about mic'ing. In classic mixing parlance hard left and hard right is where you start but even mono shows space...

Even in mono... I can push it back or bring it forward. Take the 3-channel recording of Nat King Cole. I felt the vocal was too upfront and in your face. The orchestra was panned far left and right. Didn't seem natural. I was able to push his voice back a little and blend it more with the orchestra. Made a very cohesive sound.

 

[gshelley]

hey Bruce, that’s a great picture.