Zen and the Art of Mixing (Technical Reference)

In his first book, The Daily Adventures of Mixerman, the author detailed the frustrating and often hilarious goings on during the process of recording a major-label band. Musicians, engineers, and producers laughed and cried at the crazy goings-on they'd never imagined - or recognized all too well. Now Mixerman turns his razor-sharp gaze to the art of mixing and gives followers and the uninitiated reason to hope - if not for logic and civility in the recording studio then at least for a good sounding record. With a firm commitment to art over technology and to maintaining a grasp of each, Mixerman outlines his own approach to recording success, based on his years mixing records in all genres of music for all kinds of artists, often under trying circumstances. As he states in his introduction to the new volume, "Even if you're not a professional mixer, even if you're a musician trying to mix your own work or a studio owner in a smaller market, you have your own set of pressures to deal with while you're mixing. Regardless of what those pressures are, it's important to identify and recognize them, if for no other reason than so you can learn to completely ignore them." But how? "That's where the Zen comes in."

Customer Reviews:

Remarkably helpful look into high-level professional mixing workflow, art, and attitude.

By D. Kim "DeyBwah" - November 5, 2010

This is not your usual textbook-style, technique and theory book. Whereas most mixing books focus on the analytical, left-side of the brain, Zen and the Art of Mixing focuses on the "big picture".

Quick foreword:

I received this book the first day of release(pre-ordered) and I just finished it. Why did it take so long you wonder? Well, this is one of those rare books where every page is oozing with insights and wisdom! I wanted to take my time so I wouldn't miss anything. That's not to say his writing is archaic or requires you to solve puzzles to understand. In fact, it's quite the opposite! Mixerman's writing style is just as personable and enjoyable as his first book, The Daily Adventures of Mixerman. And just like the first book, Zen and the Art of Mixing continues to impart the elevating experience of making you feel as if you're actually IN it.

Background:

I started recording and mixing in 1999. My first gig, like many others, was... read more

Pretty good for someone who has been mixing for a while

By Darrell St.Blaine - November 6, 2010

As the title implies this book is not so much about technique as it is about mind set. I like that but the author's point of view is not quite as open as I might like. He starts out on a fairly even keel but some of his hard personal opinions come out later in the book (i.e. in the beginning he's a bit more accepting of different approaches but as you near the end he get's rather "this is good, this is bad"). Such is the nature of opinions. I doubt there's any person on the planet that isn't the same way (strongly opinionated on certain things). It just so happens that I don't agree with many of Mixerman's strong opinions so... <shrug> I suppose Mike Stavrou's book "Mixing with your mind" better suits my personal outlook.

I don't regret spending $25 on Mixerman's book. It was fairly easy to skim the 20% of it that was of no interest to me, and I would recommend the book to people who have a modicum of experience in mixing music. If you're a complete beginner... read more

Finally!

By George Sanchez "smokincan" - April 23, 2011

I have collected and devoured all sorts of books on studio recording, mixing, history and stories. Those and the thousands of magazine articles I've read have all had a level of "politeness" or an unwillingness to tell it like it really is...to commit. Well Mixerman's book does. He delves into a mixing project and tells you the goodies you might have always wanted to know if like me, you have experience in the biz but maybe not at the major-label level. He shares concepts that are both relevant to a kid mixing his one-man-band stuff on a laptop or a seasoned professional working in the best possible studio. I liked the concepts about the "headspace" you have to get yourself into to effectively work....dealing with the talent...interfacing with the mastering process...how to get good results if you are mixing "in-the-box"...and so much more. He deals realistically with the "industry" and the ways to both stand your ground artistically while still remembering that you are an employee... read more