In this “masterclass” without talking, I will show you a process on how to mix, solely using tape plugin (and a little reverb)


First, let’s start with the technique used in the video. The technique involves mixing using tape saturation and azimuth using the Chow plugin. The Chow plugin is a plugin that emulates analog tape characteristics, which can help to add warmth and character to the mix. Instead of using EQs to shape the tone of the mix, the plugin is used to model the tone characteristics, and tape compression is used instead of a regular compressor.

Tape saturation is a type of distortion that occurs when the signal being recorded to tape is too strong for the tape to handle. This results in a compression-like effect that adds warmth and character to the sound. In digital recording, tape saturation can be emulated using plugins like the Chow plugin.

Azimuth is a term that refers to the alignment of the playback head with the recorded tracks on the tape. If the azimuth is not properly adjusted, the resulting playback will be distorted or have a reduced signal-to-noise ratio. The Chow plugin includes an azimuth adjustment feature, which allows the user to adjust the alignment of the playback head to the recorded tracks. Azimuth is used here instead of classic panning.

Now, let’s talk about analog tape and its usage in the analog studio. Analog tape is a recording medium that was widely used in recording studios before the advent of digital recording technology. Analog tape consists of a magnetic tape coated with a thin layer of magnetic material. When a signal is recorded to analog tape, the magnetic particles on the tape are aligned in a pattern that represents the sound wave.

Analog tape offers several advantages over digital recording, including a warm, natural sound that is often preferred by many engineers and producers. However, analog tape also has some disadvantages, including the fact that it is prone to degradation over time and can be difficult to work with compared to digital recording.

In the analog studio, analog tape was used for recording and mixing. The tape was typically recorded on a multitrack recorder, which allowed multiple tracks to be recorded simultaneously. Once the tracks were recorded, they could be mixed down to a stereo or mono mix on a mixing console.

During the mixing process, engineers would use a variety of techniques to shape the tone and dynamics of the mix. EQs were commonly used to boost or cut specific frequencies, while compressors were used to control the dynamic range of the mix. Analog tape saturation was also used to add warmth and character to the sound, while the azimuth was adjusted to ensure the best possible playback quality.

Overall, analog tape played a significant role in the development of modern recording technology, and its warm, natural sound is still highly prized by many engineers and producers today.

VIDEO:
https://odysee.com/@it:0/mixing_with_tape_saturation_and_azimuth:3

Get your secret mixing weapon here:
https://chowdsp.com/products.html