Arts >> Music >> Digital Music

How to Use the Down Mix in Logic Pro

"Mixing down," in digital music engineering terminology, refers to the process of converting a collection of raw audio tracks into a single stereo track and creating an audio file (such as an MP3) for use on other devices. Logic Pro allows you to mix down your original audio projects using the software's built-in digital mixing board, known as the Logic Mixer. Using this editing environment, you can put the final touches on your mix, add effects, equalize your frequencies and render a finished product.

Instructions

    • 1

      Open the Mixer in Logic. Click the "Window" menu at the top of the screen. Select "Mixer" from the list.

    • 2

      Scroll all the way to the right and locate your master track, which reads "Output 1-2" and appears as a vertical column. Click the square "Channel EQ" grid at the top of the column to open the multiband equalizer.

    • 3

      Adjust the EQ by moving the horizontal line along the grid. The numbers appearing from left to right along the bottom of the grid represent the frequency ranges from low to high (or from "bass" to treble"). The vertical numbers on the left side of the graph represent the amount of gain (presence) in decibels for each frequency. For instance, if you click the line directly above the "50Hz" frequency range and drag it up to the "20dB" gain indicator, you will increase the presence of your 50-hertz (bass) range by 20 decibels, which creates more of a bass presence in your mix. Adjust your low, middle and high ranges to balance the mix. For instance, if the mix lacks a low-end (bass) presence, try dragging the line upward along the left side of the grid. You may need to experiment to achieve the correct balance. Close the EQ window when you finish.

    • 4

      Return to the Mixer. Adjust the master volume by raising or lowering the vertical "Volume" bar on the master (Output 1-2) track. For best results, click the "Play" button along the bottom of the Mixer. Watch the volume meter on the master track (spanning directly to the left of the volume bar). If the meter turns red, your mix is too loud and will likely lead to clipping, a form of unwanted distortion. Lower the volume until the meter no longer turns red.

    • 5

      Export the project as an audio file. Click the "File" menu at the top of the screen. Select "Bounce" at the bottom of the list. When the pop-up window appears, choose an audio format using the "File Format" list. In the "Destination" list, select a "Destination" format. Unlike the main "File Format," which uses a lossless quality encoder, your destination refers to a compressed format to which you ultimately plan to convert your file, such as an MP3 or M4A. In the "Start" and "End" fields, enter the start time and end time that you wish to copy (usually the beginning and end of the song, as indicated by the time line). When you finish making your selections, click the "Bounce" button.

Digital Music

Related Categories