More of us are working from home, and alone, than ever before. Many of us mix without ever meeting our clients, sending our mixes back and forth for comments and approval. In our recent article ‘Are Screens Affecting What We Hear When Mixing?’ It raised an interesting further point, mainly because several professionals cited ‘the people’ effect as an important factor in getting mixes in shape. It leads us to ask a further question; Unattended Mixing Sessions: Blessing Or Curse?
The Advantages of Unattended Mixing
Freedom from Interruptions: If you’ve ever had small children on a long trip in a car, then it’s not long before you hear the words “are we there yet?” Having clients in the room can sometimes feel the same. Studies show that when someone is interrupted it can take up to 20 minutes to return to the same point of focus. Unattended mixing sessions offer mixers an uninterrupted flow, enabling deep focus and meticulous attention to detail.
Enhanced Workflow Efficiency: The solitude of unattended sessions allows audio mixers to work at their own pace, potentially accelerating the workflow. Although not advised, they can work for hours without taking a break, they can also work at odd hours, such as early in the morning, or late into the night. This efficiency can lead to shorter project timelines and a higher volume of completed work.
Creative Liberty: Sometimes we want to experiment with an idea, and it can be something we don’t want the client to see mid-flow. With no clients to oversee every decision, mixers can experiment freely, exploring mixing techniques and ideas without fear of immediate critique. This creative liberty can lead to a unique sonic outcome which may have been stifled without this freedom.
Flexibility in Studio Space: The non-requirement for a client-facing studio setup means engineers can work from anywhere - a shed, attic, or basement, without compromising on the quality of their output. Many top movie, TV and music projects are being mixed in such spaces. This flexibility is especially valuable for those without access to commercial studio spaces.
Cost Effectiveness: Some clients expect a recording studio to have a certain look, often filled with expensive gear. Maintaining that kind of illusion if you mix in the box is costly. Operating without the overheads associated with maintaining a client-friendly studio space, allows for significant cost savings. The efficiency of unattended mixing can also contribute to a more financially viable operation, given the potential for a higher project turnover.
The Challenges and Considerations
The Phenomenon of Perspective Shift: Scott Michael Smith, known for his work on "The Revenant" and "The Handmaid's Tale," highlights the importance of perspective shift in mixing. He notes that stepping away or simply shifting focus (e.g., from the DAW to the picture) can change how one perceives sound.
The 'People Effect': Producer William Wittman, Cyndi Lauper, The Hooters, describes the "people effect" - the notion that the presence of another person in the room can influence how a mix is perceived. This suggests that auditory perception is not solely about sound but is also shaped by cognitive and psychological states. This is further echoed by producer and Chic keyboard player Richard Hilton; “people effect: all the time. I believe when I sit you down and play the work for you, I hear it through your ears. I have no idea how that happens, but for me, it's consistent. I hear things differently. things I didn't hear when alone become glaringly obvious to me. It's one of the great mysteries for me, but I find it useful.”
Lack of Immediate Feedback: There is a flip-side to the client asking ‘are we there yet’ during a session. While the uninterrupted nature of unattended mixing is beneficial, it also means foregoing real-time feedback, which can guide the mixing process and ensure the final product aligns with the artist's vision.
Communication and Relationship Building: Unattended mixing necessitates robust communication channels for briefing and feedback. However, it may miss out on the relationship-building that is a crucial aspect of the music production industry. In some ways this is one of the best parts of working in this industry, the development of friendships with artists that can often last a lifetime.
Finding The Balance
Considering the advantages and challenges, the choice between attended and unattended mixing sessions hinges on various factors, including project nature, client preferences, and the engineer's working style. While unattended sessions offer efficiency, cost savings, and creative freedom, they also require careful management of communication and expectations to ensure alignment with the client's vision.
Returning to the points raised above about the ‘people effect’ here’s are some strategies for maximising unattended sessions;
Simulating Perspective Shifts: Taking breaks and engaging in activities that shift focus can help simulate the perspective shifts that occur in attended sessions, offering fresh insights into the mix.
Emulating the 'People Effect': Sharing mixes with trusted ears and discussing feedback remotely can replicate the benefits of the 'people effect' without needing physical presence in the studio.
Hybrid Approaches: Employing a mix of unattended and attended session elements can leverage the strengths of both, ensuring efficiency and creative freedom while maintaining collaborative synergy and alignment with client expectations.
Unattended mixing sessions are becoming the norm in a post-COVID, connected world. They represent a compelling approach characterised by efficiency, creative autonomy, and cost-effectiveness.
However, understanding and navigating the psychological and collaborative nuances of this method are crucial for ensuring that the final mixes not only meet technical standards but also resonate with the artistic vision behind the music. Insights from seasoned professionals like Scott Michael Smith, William Wittman, and Richard Hilton enrich our understanding, offering valuable perspectives on the intricate interplay between technical skill and cognitive processes in audio mixing.
As the industry continues to adapt and evolve with these new working practices and norms, blending unattended and attended mixing strategies may provide audio professionals with a versatile approach, ready to meet the demands of modern audio production.
What about you? Are you mixing alone, with clients, or both? What do you think?