Composing : Sound mixing on zero budget by Ana Sitnina

Sound mixing on zero budget

Hi!

I am looking for a bit of advice or resources to understand sound mixing better. I have just made the first season of my zero-budget sci-fi/dystopian web-series and published the first episode on YouTube. I have generally received positive feedback on all aspects of it except the sound. I do also realise myself that sound is my weak spot, and if I could, I would delegate it... but being an indie filmmaker with zero-budget I had to wear all the hats of all the departments : ) A bit of info on my present setup and relevant knowledge: I have used Premiere Pro CS6 for editing, including sound, I also have Audition CS6 and some experience in music mixing in ProTools/Reaper (but I feel like film sound is very different from music mixing). Any advice/food for thought is greatly appreciated.

P.S. Wasn't sure if I can link my episode to expose my problems with sound here, or if it would go down as prohibited self-promotion, so I have opted not to do that. But if you want to see what the problems are - I have it in my Lounge.

Kerry Kennard

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1 person likes this
- Maurice Vaughan
1 year ago

Hi Ana,

I’ve heard it’s usually a lot darker sounding.

There’s a lot of different types of sounds / needs for different kinds of film music genres -

Like music genre sounds.

What kind of music sounds are using inside of Pro Tools?

Loops ? Using your own sounds?

Linwood Bell

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2 people like this
- Kerry Kennard
- Maurice Vaughan
1 year ago

You're so right! We all have to wear so many hats. There are a lot of videos like this one on YouTube that are good to watch and helpful. And as far as posting your projects for something like this; I know what you mean. You don't want to cross that line. I struggle with it, too. BUT...that's how we communicate. You have to post examples, mp3's, or scores sometimes. I don't think of it as promotion if you're making a point or sharing problems or ideas. Welcome, btw!! Here's a link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q88Nntri3YQ

Ana Sitnina

Kerry Kennard Sorry, not sure what you meant by "I’ve heard it’s usually a lot darker sounding." = )

I have used ProTools for music recording, I've mentioned it more to summarize my experience of working with sound generally : ) I happen to also play in a band and we have used ProTools to record and mix music.

2
2 people like this
- Maurice Vaughan
- Linwood Bell
1 year ago

Linwood Bell Thank you very much for the link! I will check out similar ones as well : )

2
2 people like this
- Ana Sitnina
- Maurice Vaughan
1 year ago

Ana,

Compared to band’s recording - from 20 to 20k frequency range, music for film is probably between 10 through 15-18k frequency range.

The sound of Violins vary depending on many factors, and what kind of film is being made.

Contemporary music has a more natural sound compared to the Horror ‘shrill’ music.

Hope this makes sense.

More later … need to go.

Elena Maro

HI Ana Sitnina , Welcome to the Composing lounge! I watched your web-series from your wall and commented there. Hope you'll find what I wrote helpful! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.