|
|
The Mix Pyramid
Curt Taipale, my colleague here at K2 Audio, introduced me to the above Mix Pyramid as a way to visualize a good mix, particularly for contemporary worship music. In fact the basic concept could apply to many musical styles. Even if your church uses a choir and pipe organ for music, the same concept applies.
What is the most significant difference between sacred and secular music? Most would agree it is not the musical style per se, as you can find examples of almost any style from Baroque to Rap used in Houses of Worship. I submit the most important difference is the lyrics. Many classic hymns were set to music that was popular back when the hymns were written. Some were even drinking songs heard in the Taverns of the day. Yet with new words they became famous hymns known and sung to this day.
So if the words are the main thing that makes the difference between a sacred and secular song, don’t you think it is critical that those hearing the music be able to clearly understand the words? If someone visiting your church for the first time can’t understand the words to the music, how is that any different from playing secular music at your church?
Look at the Mix Pyramid. Notice that the top or focal point of the pyramid is the lead vocal. The lead vocal or soloist must always be on top and be able to be understood by someone who does not already know the words to the song. Just under the lead vocals come the backing vocals or choir. They are the first layer of support, and they too need to be audible as a distinct musical element that helps convey the message of the song.
Beneath the vocals come the instruments that provide fill and color. These add musical interest and highlights, and in fact may be the most prominent portions of the mix when the vocalists are not singing. Instruments might include Lead Guitar, Synthesizer, Brass, and/or Percussion. These instruments will often lead between vocal lines or during instrumental breaks and may need a bit of help from the Mix Musician to make sure their parts are heard when needed.
The primary bed of chords that form the harmonies under the lead parts of the music are often laid down by instruments such as rhythm guitar, piano and/or electronic keyboards. These instruments should be audible but never dominant in the mix.
Lastly low frequency instruments add foundation and weight to the music. These include drums, bass guitar, organ pedals, and the low end of electronic keyboard instruments. While almost never dominant in the mix, if they are not given their proper place and balance in the mix, the music will sound thin and will lack much of its grandeur.
When all the component parts of the music are in their proper place, the whole is greater than the simple sum of its parts. Hopefully the mix pyramid concept will help you improve your mixing.
Ray A. Rayburn – AES Fello
Ray@K2Audio.com
http://www.K2Audio.com
|
|
.jpg)