1. Begin by playing a pink noise track in the background on track 1.
2. Slowly adjust each track’s volume levels so that the pink noise is just audible in each track.
3. Listen to the mix and adjust the levels until satisfied with the balance.
4. Adjust any EQ settings, if necessary, to ensure the mix is balanced.
5. Once you are satisfied with the mix, play the mix back at a higher volume to check for any clipping.
6. Repeat the balancing process until you are satisfied with the mix.
Mixing audio using pink noise is effective because it is a type of noise that is evenly distributed across all frequencies, meaning that it contains the same amount of energy at each frequency. This can be helpful when mixing and balancing different audio tracks, as it can be used as a reference point to ensure that each track has the same amount of energy at every frequency. This helps to create a balanced and even mix.
When mixing audio, it is generally recommended to avoid pushing audio levels into the yellow or red on your loudness meter, as this can indicate distortion or clipping, which can negatively impact the overall sound quality. Instead, it is best to aim for levels that fall within the green zone, which typically indicates a safe and balanced level for the audio, especially if the song has to be mastered.
Distortion occurs when the audio level exceeds the maximum level that the system can handle, resulting in a fuzzy or harsh sound. On the other hand, clipping occurs when the audio level exceeds the digital maximum of 0 dBFS, resulting in a flat, truncated waveform.
Both of these issues can result in a loss of clarity and definition in the audio, making it sound less polished and professional. Additionally, excessively loud audio can be fatiguing to listen to over long periods, negatively impacting the listener’s experience. Keeping levels within the green zone when mixing ensures that the audio is balanced and easy to listen to while avoiding any negative effects caused by distortion or clipping.
You can download a pink noise sample from here: