Evaluate different mix bus processing techniques and discuss their impact on the overall sound and characteristics of an EDM mix, including the types of effects, the order they are applied and the settings.

You: Mix bus processing refers to applying effects to the main output bus, the final stage of the mixing process before mastering. These techniques are crucial for shaping the overall sound, glueing elements together, and achieving a polished and cohesive feel for an EDM mix. Different types of effects, their order, and the specific settings significantly impact the final sonic characteristics of the track. The mix bus is not the place to fix problems in the mix, but to add the final polishing touches that will elevate the overall sound.

One of the most common mix bus processing techniques is the use of subtle compression. Unlike compression used on individual tracks to control dynamics, mix bus compression aims to glue the elements together, adding a sense of cohesion and fullness. A gentle compressor with a low ratio (around 1.5:1 to 2:1), slow attack (to preserve transients), and a medium-to-slow release (to avoid pumping) is often employed. For example, a VCA style compressor with a soft knee, a low threshold with a few dB of gain reduction might be used to subtly reduce the dynamic range, and to give a more cohesive and tighter feel, this is usually used to bring up the low-level details. Another approach would be to use a vari-mu type compressor for a smoother and more harmonic-rich compression with similar settings. This process will allow all the elements in the mix to work together in a more cohesive manner.

EQ is also commonly used on the mix bus, but the focus here is on broad, gentle adjustments rather than precise cuts or boosts. The aim is to shape the overall tonal balance of the track. For instance, a subtle low shelf boost may add warmth and fullness, while a high shelf boost can add air and clarity. A very gentle cut around 200-400 Hz might reduce some muddiness. Instead of boosting specific frequencies, sometimes it is best to cut those that are too prominent. The EQ at the mix bus is not there to fix specific mix issues but to make gentle adjustments to the overall sound. For example, a wide and subtle boost at 80-100Hz can add a little low-end punch while a high shelf at 10kHz can add a sense of air. These broad strokes should have a positive impact on the overall feel of the mix.

Another important technique is the use of saturation. Subtle saturation adds warmth, harmonics, and richness, making the mix sound more lively and vibrant. It can be achieved using a dedicated saturation plugin, tape emulation plugins, or even subtle distortion plugins. The amount of saturation should be subtle, since the goal is to enhance the mix and not to drastically change its character. Using tape saturation will add a subtle compression and a more analog vibe, giving the sound a more natural feel. Too much saturation can make the track sound distorted and harsh, which is usually not the intention. Also using plugins that emulate analog equipment is very common to get a warmer feel.

Stereo imaging techniques can also be used on the mix bus to add width and depth to the overall mix. This can be achieved by using a stereo imager plugin or by applying M/S processing. A stereo imager widens the stereo field of the track. However, this is important to be done with care, because over widening will cause phasing problems, and problems when played in mono. Using mid-side processing, where the mid signal is the mono information, and the side signal is the stereo information, allows the producer to separately process the mono and stereo parts of the mix. With this technique you can, for instance, compress the side information more than the mid signal, giving a more open sound. The overall goal is to enhance the stereo field, making the mix more expansive.

The order of effects on the mix bus is also very important. Generally, compression is used first, followed by EQ, and then saturation or any stereo imaging processing. The order of compression and EQ is more debatable, some producers prefer the EQ before compression, so the compressor will react differently based on how the EQ is set up, and some prefer to compress first before EQ. Using compression first before EQ, and then adding other effects, makes it easier to control the dynamics first, before other processes affect them. However, there is no definite rule on the order of plugins, and it depends on what the producer aims to achieve with the mix. Experimentation is key to finding what sounds best in any specific situation.

The settings of each plugin on the mix bus are crucial for obtaining the desired results. Small adjustments of a few decibels on EQ or a small percentage change on the compression ratio may have a massive impact on the overall feel of the mix. It is very important to carefully set up the parameters and to listen critically, because small variations may make the track sound very different. Using a visual analyzer may also help in seeing the changes made, and help give some insight on the overall characteristics of the final mix.

In conclusion, mix bus processing is about the subtle, yet very important changes that allow the producer to shape the overall characteristics of a mix. The key is to use each technique subtly, and carefully, with a specific purpose, and with the understanding that a small adjustment may make a big change in the overall feel of the final mix. The overall goal is to take a good mix and make it great, and a poorly executed mix bus chain will often make the mix sound worse. The best approach is to use them mindfully and intentionally, and to experiment until the desired effect is achieved.